Administrative Regulation

AR 4219.23

Classified Personnel

Unauthorized Release Of Confidential/Privileged Information

Definitions:

Confidential information is defined as information which, at the time of disclosure, is:

1. A nonpublic record not subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act;

2. disclosure of which is prohibited by statute, regulation, or rule; or,

3. may, or could reasonably be expected to, have a material financial effect on a Board of Education member.

Confidential information, as used in this Administrative Regulation (A.R.) includes, but is not limited to, items discussed during closed session of the Board of Education, student records, and employee personnel files.

Disclosure means to permit access to, or the release, transfer, or other communications of personally identifiable or confidential information by any means, including oral, written, or electronic.

Prohibition:

School officials, school employees, and members of the community who volunteer in any way with school-connected activities are prohibited from disclosing any confidential information as defined in this A.R.

This prohibition on disclosure, shall not, however, prevent an employee from disclosing information to a government or law enforcement agency, where the school official, employee, or volunteer has reasonable cause to believe that the information discloses a violation of state or federal statute, or violation of noncompliance with the state or federal regulation.

Acknowledgement:

School Officials, employees, and volunteers, are required to sign and acknowledge that this A.R. has been read and understood.

An example of an acknowledgment form follows:

I, ________________________________, acknowledge that I have received, read, and understood A.R. No. _______, regarding confidentiality and prohibiting disclosure of confidential information. I further understand that willful disclosure of confidential information, as described in that A.R, may result in discipline up to and including termination. If I am a volunteer, I understand that such disclosure may result in prohibition against any further school-connected volunteer activities.

Regulation PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

approved: May 24, 2001 Palos Verdes Estates, California