If the school attendance officer receives evidence that activities under sub. 48 and 938 in accordance with s. 938.24. The parent complainant alleges that the district improperly disclosed personally identifiable information about his son to county officials and to the press. In response, the district states that the parent waived any right to confidentiality when he requested an open due process hearing concerning his son and information about this proceeding became known in the community. In investigating this complaint, department staff reviewed written materials provided by the parent and the district and had telephone conversations with the parent.
State law requires that school districts maintain the confidentiality of all pupil records.
A school district may disclose directory data without parental consent to any person, if the school has notified the parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem of the categories of information which it has designated as directory data with respect to each pupil and has allowed 14 days for the parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem of that pupil to inform the school that all or any part of the directory data may not be released without the prior consent of the parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem. Directory data is limited to the pupil's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the pupil. After satisfying the notice requirement relating to directory data, a school district, upon request, must provide any representative of a law enforcement agency, as defined in ss. Wis. Stats., or a court of record or municipal court with directory data relating to any such pupil enrolled in the school district for the purpose of enforcing that pupil's school attendance, investigating alleged criminal or delinquent activity by the pupil or to respond to a health or safety emergency. Wis. Stats., regarding the child's truancy.