There's a lot of opportunity for indignation to build up, so let's talk about the issue a bit. But it also collects what is called directory information, which in certain circumstances is made public. Directory information consists of name, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in recognized clubs, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent previous school and, in the case of sports participants, height and weight.
Schools publish directory information in yearbooks, play programs and so forth.
Addresses and phone numbers, however, aren't on this list. They're in a special category that, by state law, can be provided only to PTAs, armed forces recruiting agencies, the local community college and authorized clubs, such as school boosters. But, like anything, there are exceptions. For example, if the school system hires a company to perform a job, such as taking senior pictures, the law allows the school to release the address lists. The company is not required by law to keep that information private.