Data Security & Privacy

The Public Schools of Brookline is committed to safeguarding the privacy of student, staff, and family information. We work closely with all vendors to ensure their confidentiality and security practices meet or exceed industry standards and comply with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).

What are FERPA, COPPA, and PPRA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that gives parents the right to access their children’s education records, request amendments, and control the disclosure of personally identifiable information. When a student turns 18 or enters a post-secondary institution, these rights transfer to the student. Learn more about FERPA (PDF).

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) is a federal law that requires parental consent for student surveys involving sensitive topics such as political affiliations, illegal behavior, sex attitudes, or income. Learn more about PPRA.

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) protects the online privacy of children under age 13 and regulates how websites and online services collect and use children’s personal information. Learn more about COPPA.

FERPA Annual Notice

The Public Schools of Brookline provides annual notice to parents and students regarding their rights under FERPA. View the Annual FERPA Notice (PDF).

Directory Information and Media Permissions

FERPA allows the district to release certain information (“directory information”) about students without parental consent. Learn more about permissions and consents (PDF).

Directory information may be used to recognize student achievements through press releases, School Committee announcements, district websites, and social media.

Directory information may also be shared with outside organizations such as yearbook publishers, colleges, scholarship providers, and military recruiters, unless families opt out.

If you do not want the Public Schools of Brookline to share directory information or your child’s information with internal or external media without your written consent, you must update your preferences in the Aspen Parent Portal.

Complete the Student Contact Data Verification form in the Aspen Parent Portal. View instructions.

Questions can be directed to datateam@psbma.org.

Data Security

Access to student records is granted on a “need-to-know” basis. Role-based permissions ensure staff have appropriate access for their responsibilities. All systems are password-protected and regularly updated. Vendors must provide documentation demonstrating compliance with data privacy and security standards.