Understanding Your Rights to Your Child’s School Records in New Jersey

What Records Does Your Child's School Maintain?
New Jersey public schools maintain several types of educational records, including:

• • • Mandated student records: Mandated student records are records that school districts are required to maintain by law. These include Personal data (child's name, address, date of birth, and student ID number), enrollment history, health information (immunizations, physical examinations and health history), standardized assessment results, grades and academic credits, and records of disciplinary actions.
    • Permitted student records: Permitted student records are records that school districts can but are not required to maintain. These may include objective observations and teacher evaluations.

Your Rights as a Parent
Under N.J.A.C. 6A:32, you have the right to:

• • • Access and review your child's records
    • Request explanations about anything in the records
    • Obtain copies of the records (schools may charge reasonable fees)
    • Challenge the content of records you believe are inaccurate or misleading
    • Appeal disciplinary records

How to Access Your Child's Records
Always submit your requests in writing and maintain written communication with the school regarding your child's records to establish a clear paper trail of your efforts.

1. Submit a written request to your school principal specifically identifying which records you wish to examine.
2. Schedule an appointment to review the records with appropriate school personnel.
3. If you need copies, specify which documents you want duplicated. The school may charge reasonable fees for copying records, but these fees cannot prevent a parent or student from accessing the student records.
4. The school must obtain a court order to withhold student records from you.

Challenging or Appealing Records
Many parents don't realize they can challenge information in their child's records, including disciplinary records. If you believe information is inaccurate or misleading:

1. Submit a written request to the principal explaining which information you believe is inaccurate and why.
2. For disciplinary records specifically, you can request to have a suspension removed or add a statement providing your perspective.
3. The school must respond to your challenge within a reasonable timeframe.
4. If dissatisfied with the school's response, you can appeal the decision to the district board of education within 10 school days of the decision.
5. If dissatisfied with the district board of education’s decision, you can appeal the decision to the Commissioner.
6. Records of the appeal and outcome are available to you and will become part of the student’s records.

When to Contact an Attorney
Consider legal assistance if:

• • • The school repeatedly denies access to records you're legally entitled to view
    • You've followed proper procedures to challenge information but received no resolution
    • Your child faces significant disciplinary action that could impact their educational future
    • You believe your rights have been violated

Helpful Resources

• [N.J.A.C. 6A:32-7 Student Records] https://www.state.nj.us/education/code/current/title6a/chap32.pdf

Being informed about your rights regarding school records empowers you to be a more effective advocate for your child. Don't hesitate to exercise these rights whenever you have concerns about your child's educational records or disciplinary documentation.