What is Ohio Senate Bill 29?
Ohio Senate Bill 29 is a law that strengthens the protection of student data in Ohio. It establishes guidelines for how schools collect, store, and share student information to ensure privacy and security.
How does Senate Bill 29 protect my child’s data?
The bill requires schools to follow strict protocols when collecting and storing student data. It limits how and when student information can be shared with third parties, ensuring that data is only used for educational purposes and under secure conditions.
Can schools share my child’s data with third parties?
Yes, schools can share student records with third parties under certain conditions. Senate Bill 29 places limits on data sharing, ensuring that third parties must comply with security and privacy regulations. Data can only be shared for legitimate educational purposes. PowerSchool is an example.
What happens if my child’s data is compromised?
In the event of a data breach, schools are required to notify affected parents and students promptly. Senate Bill 29 also mandates that schools have response plans in place to address any data security incidents.
How will Sylvania Schools ensure compliance with Senate Bill 29?
Our district is implementing updated privacy policies, training staff on data security, and using secure technology to store and manage student data in accordance with the law.
How does Sylvania Schools monitor student activity?
Student activity on our network and email platforms is automatically monitored in the background by GoGuardian and Bark. These systems monitor student activity for searches or content related to threats, self-harm, safety and other keywords. These and similar systems have been in place for many years. Ongoing, our District is required to share this information annually with families regarding our monitoring systems.
What is new for parents/guardians?
Beginning October 24, 2024, parents/guardians will be notified within 72 hours of the District investigating a student’s activity in our systems/applications/devices due to a triggered alert. We want to make parents/guardians aware that these notifications will be sent by principals when there has been an investigation of student activity in our software, applications or platforms. Districts are now required to send a notification, but it does not replace phone calls or meetings that may take place with parents/guardians. The email will describe the circumstances and the applications/systems that were involved in the investigation.