Washington Central Unified Union School District (WCUUSD) Privacy Policy 

 

1. Introduction and Commitment to Privacy

The Washington Central Unified Union School District (WCUUSD) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the personal information of our students, parents, and website visitors. As a public educational institution, we adhere strictly to all applicable state and federal laws regarding data privacy, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and align our practices with Vermont state data privacy laws.

This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect information gathered through the WCUUSD public website(s).

2. Information We Collect

WCUUSD only collects information necessary to perform its official duties and provide educational services.

A. Non-Personal/Automatically Collected Information

When you visit the WCUUSD website, our web servers may automatically collect non-personally identifiable information, which helps us improve the site's functionality and content. 

This information includes:

• Internet Protocol (IP) address.

• Browser type and operating system.

• Date and time of visit.

• Pages viewed and time spent on the site.

• Referring website address.

This information is collected in aggregate form and is not linked to any individual student's educational record.

B. Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

PII is only collected when voluntarily provided by a user for a specific purpose, such as:

• Submitting an online contact or inquiry form (e.g., name, email address).

• Subscribing to a newsletter or electronic communication list.

• Logging into secure, password-protected portals (e.g., student/parent portals, learning management systems). Note: The privacy of data within these secure systems is governed by separate District policies and contracts, in addition to FERPA.

3. Data Safeguarding and Security

WCUUSD maintains robust administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information collected via our website against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

• Security Measures: We use industry-standard security practices, including firewalls, encryption (SSL/TLS), and access controls to secure our digital infrastructure and protect any sensitive data transmitted through our website.

• Data Minimization: We only retain PII for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected or as required by law. Secure procedures are in place for the appropriate disposal or anonymization of data when it is no longer needed.

• Vendor Due Diligence: We require any third-party service providers (e.g., website hosts, analytics tools) with access to data to sign agreements that ensure they maintain strict security and privacy standards, including adherence to FERPA and Vermont's student privacy requirements.

4. No Sharing or Sale of Personal Data (Including Mobile Information)

WCUUSD is committed to the principle that personal data collected through our website and communication channels is for school purposes only.

• No Sale of Data: We do not sell, rent, trade, or otherwise transfer PII collected from our website visitors, students, or parents to third parties for commercial purposes, marketing, or targeted advertising. This is in full compliance with the strict prohibitions in Vermont's student data privacy laws.

• Mobile Information Privacy:

  • No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.

  • All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

• Limited Disclosure: We may disclose PII only under the following, strictly limited circumstances:

  • To a School Official with a "legitimate educational interest," as defined in the District's annual FERPA notification.

  • With written consent from the parent/guardian or eligible student (age 18 or older).

  • As required by law, such as in response to a court order or subpoena.

  • To comply with the exceptions outlined in FERPA (e.g., for health or safety emergencies, to officials of another school system where the student is enrolling).

5. FERPA Compliance and Student Records

The privacy of student education records is protected by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). WCUUSD operates its website and manages all digital services in full compliance with this law.

• Directory Information: WCUUSD may designate certain basic student data (e.g., name, photograph, participation in activities) as "Directory Information," which may be disclosed without prior written consent unless the parent/guardian or eligible student submits a written request to opt-out of such disclosure.

  • Details on what WCUUSD designates as Directory Information and the opt-out procedure are provided in the District's annual FERPA notification, which is available on our website.

• Third-Party Educational Technology (Ed-Tech) Vendors: When WCUUSD uses online services (operators) for PreK-12 school purposes (e.g., learning management systems, curriculum tools), the District ensures that contracts with these vendors prohibit them from:

  • Engaging in targeted advertising based on student data.

  • Amassing a profile about a student for non-school purposes.

  • Selling or sharing student data for non-educational uses.

6. External Links

This website contains links to external websites (e.g., state agencies, community partners, approved educational resources) that are not operated by WCUUSD. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. Visitors should review the privacy policies of any third-party websites they visit.

7. Use of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

WCUUSD utilizes temporary "cookies" and non-personally identifiable tracking technologies (like Google Analytics) to improve user experience and understand website usage in aggregate.

• This data is used solely to analyze traffic patterns and site performance.

• Users can adjust their browser settings to refuse cookies; however, doing so may affect the functionality of some website features.

8. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your rights under FERPA or Vermont state law, please contact:

Dave Rodgers, Technology Director

Washington Central Unified Union School District

930 Gallison Hill Road

802-229-0553

drodgers@u32.org