Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
STUDENT RECORDS REQUESTS AND PRIVACY PROTECTIONS
Henry County Public Schools is committed to maintaining open communication with families and community members while protecting students' privacy rights.
Requests for public records submitted to HCPS are processed in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VA FOIA), § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia. Student education records are also protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, and other applicable state and federal laws.
FERPA protects the privacy of student education records and limits the disclosure of personally identifiable student information without appropriate authorization or legal authority. In accordance with § 2.2-3705.4 of the Code of Virginia, HCPS may withhold or redact records or portions of records that are exempt from disclosure under state or federal law.
Records or information that may be exempt from disclosure include, but are not limited to:
- Student grades, transcripts, and report cards
- Discipline and behavioral records
- Attendance records
- Special education records and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Medical or health-related student information maintained by the school division
- Student identification numbers and other personally identifiable information
- Counseling records are maintained as part of a student’s education record
- Information that could reasonably identify an individual student
When appropriate, HCPS may release records in redacted form in accordance with applicable law.
Parents and eligible students retain the right under FERPA to inspect and review their own education records. Requests for access to student records should be directed to the student’s school or the appropriate division office.
HCPS remains committed to balancing transparency, responsiveness, and the protection of student privacy while serving our school community.