Public Notice: Swampscott Public Schools To Destroy Pre-2015 Records

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott Public Schools has issued a public notice of its intention to destroy all records of students who exited any special education program prior to and during the 2014-15 school year:

"Any student, or former student, who has reached 18 years of age, may review and/or receive these records by contacting the Student Service Office at 781-596-8800 X1378 to schedule an appointment.

Destruction of records will begin on Oct. 1, 2022.

According to federal law, parents and guardians lose their right to review or obtain these records when their child (the student) reached 18 years of age or starts attending a postsecondary institution, whichever occurs first. However, a parent of a child with a disability who is 18 years of age or older may retain parental rights provided a court has appointed legal guardians to the parent.

Upon review, a copy of any information contained in the record will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student. Once an appointment is scheduled, the record will be held for review for 10 days after the appointment date. If an appointment is not kept or if an appointment is rescheduled, the file will be held for 10 days from the last scheduled appointment.

If no student, parent or guardian responds to this public notice, the school district will assume consent to destroy the entire record specific to the student. In accordance with federal and state laws, special education records are maintained for up to seven years after the student exits the special education program.

A permanent record of the student's name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record and year completed is maintained for 60 years. The purpose of destruction is to protect the student from improper and unauthorized disclosure of the confidential information contained within the file.

Please note that certain records may be needed by the student, parent or guardian for social security benefits or other purposes.

If you do not understand this notice or if you are in need of interpretation, contact the Student Services Office at (781)596-8800 EXT. 1378."