The Board of Education recognizes that students possess not only the right to an education but the rights of citizenship as well.

In providing students the opportunity for an education to which they are entitled, the District shall attempt to offer nurture, counsel, and custodial care appropriate to their age and maturity. The District shall, at the same time, guarantee that no student is deprived of the basic right to equal treatment and equal access to the educational program, due process, a presumption of innocence, free expression and association, and the privacy of his/her own thoughts.

Attendant to the rights guaranteed to each student, however, are certain responsibilities, which include respect for the rights of others, obedience to properly constituted school authority, and compliance with the guidelines and rules of the District.

The Board realizes that as students differ in age and maturity, so they differ in ability to handle both the rights of citizens and the concomitant responsibilities. The exercise of each right shall be granted, therefore, with due regard for the degree of responsibility possessed by the student and the student's need for the continuing guidance and control of those responsible for his/her education.

Since a student who has reached the age of majority possesses the full rights of an adult, s/he may authorize those school matters previously handled by his/her parents, but s/he also assumes the responsibility for his/her performance in school, attendance, and compliance with school rules.

Administrators, counselors, and teachers shall not provide a supporting affidavit for students who have petitioned the court to grant them the status of emancipated minors unless prior approval has been obtained from the Superintendent.

Parents also have rights in the school system to know about their student’s educational experience. Specific rights are listed in topic areas of these policies.

In addition, parents have the right to inspect any instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum for their student. Instructional materials means instructional content, regardless of format, that is provided to the student, including printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials available in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet). Instructional material does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

The Superintendent shall, in consultation with parents, develop a procedure addressing the rights of parents and procedures to assure timely response to parental requests to review instructional material. The procedure shall also address reasonable notification to parents and students of their rights to review these materials. See AG 9130A and Form 9130 F3.

This policy shall not supercede any rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

20 U.S.C. 1232h