OFFICE OF JEREMY J. BATCHELOR, SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about Ohio Senate Bill 29, signed into law by Governor DeWine on July 24, 2024, with an effective date of October 24, 2024. This legislation introduces significant changes regarding student education records and student data privacy, which will affect our school community
What You Should Know About Senate Bill 29:
1. Better Data Privacy:
SB 29 sets clear rules for how technology providers handle student records. This means your child’s information will be kept safe and secure, which is great news for everyone! Student records or information could include but not limited to students’ identifiable information, state ID or testing data.
2. Ownership and Safety:
The law makes it clear that all educational records created by technology providers belong to our school district. If there’s ever a security issue, the provider must let us know right away so we can take action.
3. Keeping You Informed:
Starting this year, we will notify parents about any contracts with technology providers that affect educational records. You’ll know who has access to your child’s information, which helps keep everything transparent.
4. Respecting Student Privacy:
The law limits how school-issued devices can be monitored, ensuring your child can learn without unnecessary oversight. We’ll send you annual updates by Aug. 1, 2025 about any monitoring that might be needed. There are specific exceptions, such as in cases of technical support or legal requirements. Parents will receive annual notices about monitoring practices, and if monitoring occurs, they will be notified within 72 hours. These notices will come to parents in the form of an email from a NOREPLY account.
5. Confidentiality Matters:
SB 29 strengthens the protection of sensitive information related to educational support services, ensuring it remains confidential and used only for helping our students.
Looking Ahead
We see these changes as a great opportunity to enhance our commitment to your child’s safety and education. We’ll be working hard to implement these new rules and will keep you updated every step of the way.
Thank you for being such an important part of our school community. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Together, we can ensure a safe and positive learning environment for our children!
Respectfully
Jeremy J. Batchelor
Superintendent
Youngstown City School District