The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives students over 18 years of age and parents the right to review certain educational records. Pursuant to law, the following records are available for review:

• The guidance folder, which contains standardized test scores, biographical data and elementary progress reports;
• Academic records for grades seven through 12;
• Cumulative health records;
• Attendance records;
• Student disciplinary records reflecting superintendent’s hearings in which the student has been found guilty and letters and/or records of school suspension lasting five days or less;
• School medical records maintained at the school nurse’s office that contain the student’s medical history;
• Pupil service records that include psychological reports maintained by school personnel.
• These records are confidential and cannot be released without the prior written consent of the parent or guardian. The law does provide for limited exceptions to the prior consent requirement, e.g., certain school employees or state or federal officials have a legitimate purpose for needing access to information contained in the students’ records.

The Board of Education has established a policy for maintaining the confidentiality of student education records, and for providing access to such records for parental review. Copies of this policy are available in the district office. Applications for access to student records also are available in the district office. Please direct any questions about the right to review student records to the respective building principal or complete the Request to Inspect and Review Education Records under FERPA form and send to the building principal.

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents certain rights regarding district surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. Parents can request their child be excused from participation in such surveys by writing to the Superintendent of Schools.

As provided under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, (AHERA– EPA 40 CFR 793), the Fulton City School District hereby makes known the steps it has undertaken to comply with AHERA and the availability of asbestos management plans.

Beginning in 1989, all district owned facilities were inspected for asbestos and management plans were developed for each building according to the requirements of AHERA. The District conducts re-inspections every three years.

1. Oswego County CiTi BOCES completed the 2022 AHERA Triennial inspection and updates to the asbestos management plans.
2. Periodic surveillance of asbestos containing building materials is conducted every six months.
3. The custodial and maintenance staff have undergone asbestos awareness training.
4. All response actions taken are within federal and state guidelines.

The management plan may be viewed at the Fulton Education Center during normal business hours. For additional information, please contact Mr. Corey Cartier, Director of Facilities, Operations & Transportation, L.E.A. Designee, at 315-593-5781.

Click here for updated district attendance policy.

• Click here to access Board of Education Policy Adopted November 20, 2020.

In accordance with New York State Education Law § 2-d, the District hereby implements the requirements of Commissioner’s regulations (8 NYCRR § 121) and aligns its data security and privacy protocols with the National Institute for Standards and Technology Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Version 1.1 (NIST Cybersecurity Framework or “NIST CSF”).

In this regard, every use and disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) by the District will benefit students and the District (for example, improving academic achievement, empowering parents and students with information, and/or advancing efficient and effective school operations).  PII will not be included in public reports or other documents.

The District also complies with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).  Consistent with FERPA’s requirements, unless otherwise permitted by law or regulation, the District will not release PII contained in student education records unless it has received a written consent (signed and dated) from a parent or eligible student.  For more details, see Board of Education Policy No. 5500 and any applicable administrative regulations.

In addition to the requirements of FERPA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides additional privacy protections for students who are receiving special education and related services.  For example, pursuant to these rules, the District will inform parents of children with disabilities when information is no longer needed and, except for certain permanent record information, that such information will be destroyed at the request of the parents.  The District will comply with all such privacy provisions to protect the confidentiality of PII at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction stages as set forth in federal regulations 34 CFR §§ 300.610 through 300.627.

The Superintendent or his/her designee will establish and communicate procedures for parents, eligible students, and employees to file complaints about breaches or unauthorized releases of student, teacher or principal data (as set forth in 8 NYCRR § 121.4).  The Superintendent is also authorized to promulgate any and all other regulations necessary and proper to implement this policy.

References:

Education Law § 2-d

8 NYCRR § 121

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 USC § 1232(g), 34 CFR 99 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 USC § 1400 et seq., 34 CFR §§ 300.610–300.627

Signed into law September 13, 2010, and effective July 1, 2012, the New York State Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act or DASA) applies to all public schools. The Dignity Act addresses issues related to harassment and discrimination in schools, including incidents on school property and at public school functions. No student shall be subjected to harassment, discrimination or bullying by employees or students. Incidents of harassment or discrimination shall be reported to the district’s DASA building representatives.

• Click here to access the DASA Report Form.

Pursuant to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Fulton City School District, upon request, will disclose students’ names, addresses and telephone listings to military recruiters. Parents can request their child’s information be withheld from military recruiters by writing to the Superintendent of Schools.

• Click here to access the 2024-2025 District Safety and Security plan.

• Click here to access the FCSD Educator Evaluation plan.

Notice is hereby given that the annual inspection for 2024 school year of all the schools and buildings of the Fulton City School District for fire hazards which might endanger the lives of students, teachers, and employees therein, has been completed, and the report thereof is available at the Fulton Education Center during normal business hours. For additional information, please contact Mr. Corey Cartier, Director of Facilities, Operations & Transportation.

• Click here to access FCSD's 2022-23 DCIP.

• Click here to access Fulton City School District External Audit 2023.

• Click here to access Fulton City School District Extra Class Audit 2023.

• Click here to access Fulton City School District Single Audit 2023.

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), some districts or schools may be a “covered entity.” If a district or school (or person within that school, e.g., the school nurse) is included in the “covered entity” category, then the district must provide notice of its privacy practices with regard to protected health information.

Federal law requires that students who lack a "fixed, adequate, permanent nighttime residence" receive support in order to consistently access educational programming under the Mckinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

This includes:

• Immediate enrollment in appropriate programs and services
• Transportation up to 50 miles (now including Pre-K and extra-curricular activities)
• Free school meals
• Runaway and Homeless Youth Specialist (OCO) available to the district, based at GRB

Safe and healthy school environments can foster healthy and successful children. To protect public health, the Public Health Law and New York State Health Department (NYSDOH) regulations require that all public schools and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) test lead levels in water from every outlet that is being used, or could potentially be used, for drinking or cooking. If lead is found at any water outlet at levels above 5 parts per billion (ppb), which is equal to 5 micrograms per liter (μg/L), the NYSDOH requires that the school take action to reduce the exposure to lead.

• Click here to access Full Report and Results.

Complaint Process to access the process for resolving complaints submitted to the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of ESSA-Funded Programs alleging that a local educational agency (LEA), grantee or NYSED has violated a law, rule, or regulation in the administration of any “covered Federal program” under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

These procedures offer parents and other stakeholders a process to file complaints and allow for the timely resolution of such complaints. Complaints filed against a local entity such as a school district, charter school, or grantee will be reviewed by NYSED's Office of ESSA-Funded Programs. Complaints filed against NYSED will be reviewed by NYSED's legal counsel.

A complainant may include any of the following: parents, public agencies, and other individuals or organizations.  If the complainant is a minor, the complaint or appeal shall also be signed by his or her guardian, unless the statute or rule under which the complaint or appeal is filed prohibits this requirement. 

Complaints regarding equitable services for non-public schools should follow the procedures detailed at this link.

Each LEA in New York State is required to disseminate, free of charge, adequate information about these complaint procedures to parents of students, and appropriate private school officials or representatives.

MARC COPANI

Title IX Coordinator
Director of Human Resources
and Student Services 
P: (315) 593-5538
F: (315) 593-9206

Fulton City School District
Attn: Personnel Office
129 Curtis Street
Fulton, New York 13069

• NYS Minimum Wage
• Federal Posters (Including EEOC)
• NYSDHR (Division of Human Rights)

Parents (including legal guardians or persons in parental relationships) and Eligible Students (students 18 years and older) can expect the following:

At Fulton:

• A student’s personally identifiable information (PII) cannot be sold or released for any Commercial or Marketing purpose. PII, as defined by Education Law § 2-d and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), includes direct identifiers such as a student’s name or identification number, parent’s name, or address; and indirect identifiers such as a student’s date of birth, which when linked to or combined with other information can be used to distinguish or trace a student’s identity. Please see FERPA’s regulations at 34 CFR 99.3 for a more complete definition.
• The right to inspect and review the complete contents of the student’s education record stored or maintained by an educational agency. This right may not apply to Parents of an Eligible Student.
• State and federal laws such as Education Law § 2-d; the Commissioner of Education’s Regulations at 8 NYCRR Part 121, FERPA at 12 U.S.C. 1232g (34 CFR Part 99); Children's Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA") at 15 U.S.C. 6501-6502 (16 CFR Part 312); Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment ("PPRA") at 20 U.S.C. 1232h (34 CFR Part 98); and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) at 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. (34 CFR Part 300); protect the confidentiality of a student’s identifiable information.
• Safeguards associated with industry standards and best practices including, but not limited to, encryption, firewalls and password protection must be in place when student PII is stored or transferred.
• A complete list of all student data elements collected by NYSED is available at this link and by writing to: Chief Privacy Officer, New York State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234.
• The right to have complaints about possible breaches and unauthorized disclosures of PII addressed. (i) Complaints should be submitted to the EA at: Data Privacy Officer, 6 William Gillard Dr., Fulton, NY 13069, Phone: (315) 593-5582. (ii) Complaints may also be submitted to the NYS Education Department at this link, by mail to: Chief Privacy Officer, New York State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234; by email to privacy@nysed.gov; or by telephone at 518-474-0937.
• To be notified in accordance with applicable laws and regulations if a breach or unauthorized release of PII occurs. 
• Educational agency workers that handle PII will receive training on applicable state and federal laws, policies, and safeguards associated with industry standards and best practices that protect PII.
• Educational agency contracts with vendors that receive PII will address statutory and regulatory data privacy and security requirements.

In accordance with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), parents/guardians are entitled to information about the professional qualifications of their children’s classroom teachers. This includes whether the teacher has state certification for the classes being taught; the teacher’s bachelor’s degree major and any other certifications or degrees by field or discipline; and whether the child is provided services by instructional aides or similar paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. Parents/guardians requesting a teacher’s composite score must do so in writing to the district superintendent.

The Fulton City School District is a pesticide-free district. However, if an emergency application is necessary to protect against imminent threat to human health, this district will make a good-faith effort to notify in writing all persons in parental relations and staff members prior to the emergency application. If the product used falls under those classified as exempt under education law 409.H, the notification is not required.

For more information on the district’s pest management policies and procedures, please call Corey Cartier, Director of Facilities, Operations and Transportation, at 315-593-5781.

• Click here to acces US Department of Education Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment Document.

Rights of Parents under PPRA

 PPRA (20 U.S.C. § 1232h, 34 CFR Part 98) affords parents of students certain rights regarding, among other things, participation in surveys, the collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include, but are not limited to, the right to:

• Consent before students is required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following eight protected areas (protected information survey) if the survey is funded as part of a program administered by the U.S. Department of Education (Department) (applicable program) –
  1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
  2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
  3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
  4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
  5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
  6. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
  7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
  8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
      
• Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –
  9. Any protected information survey administered or distributed to a student by a local educational agency that is a recipient of funds under an applicable program (LEA) if the protected information survey is either not funded as part of a program administered by the Department or is funded as part of a program administered by the Department but to which a student is not required to submit;
  10. Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required by an LEA as a condition of attendance; administered by the school and scheduled by the school in advance; and, that is not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, with some exceptions; and
  11. Activities of an LEA involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or sale (or to otherwise distribute such information to others for that purpose), with some exceptions.
       
• Inspect, upon request –
  12. Protected information surveys and surveys created by a third party, before the administration or distribution by an LEA of the surveys to a student;
  13. Any instrument used by an LEA to collect personal information for the purpose of marketing or sale (or otherwise distributing such information for that purpose), before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student, with some exceptions; and
  14. Instructional materials, excluding academic tests or academic assessments, are used by an LEA as part of the educational curriculum for a student.

These rights transfer from the parents to the student when the student turns 18 years old or becomes an emancipated minor under applicable State law.

Requirements of LEAs under PPRA

LEAs are required to develop and adopt policies, in consultation with parents, to address the protection of student privacy and parents’ rights under PPRA, including those discussed above. In addition, LEAs must directly notify parents of these policies at least annually, at the start of each school year, and within a reasonable period after any substantive change to the policies.

LEAs must also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled or expected to be scheduled to participate in any of the activities or surveys listed below and must provide an opportunity for parents to opt their child out of participation. LEAs must make this notification to parents at least annually at the beginning of the school year, and this notification must include the specific or approximate dates when the activities or surveys are scheduled or expected to be scheduled. For activities or surveys that are scheduled after the school year starts, LEAs must provide parents with reasonable notification and an opportunity to review, as well as an opportunity to opt their child out.

These activities and surveys involve:

• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or sale (or otherwise distributing such information to others for that purpose), with some exceptions;
• Administration or distribution to a student of any protected information survey not funded as part of a program administered by the Department or funded as part of a program administered by the Department but to which students are not required to submit; and
• Certain non-emergency, invasive physical examinations or screenings, as described above.

Parents who seek additional resources on student privacy under PPRA may visit the Department’s Student Privacy Policy Office website. Parents who believe their PPRA rights have been violated may file a complaint online by selecting the PPRA complaint form option or by mailing the form to the following address:

Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue
S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202

• Click here to access the district’s Public Health Emergency Plan.

The resolution of employee complaints and grievances not otherwise adjudicated by a collective bargaining agreement and/or those complaints or grievances alleging an action prohibited by Title IX, Section 504, or the Americans With Disabilities Act shall be dealt with in the following manner:
 
Stage I

1. Within thirty (30) business days after the events giving rise to the complaint or grievance, the employee shall discuss the complaint with his/her supervisor, department head, or a designee of the Superintendent of Schools if the supervisor or department head is the subject of the allegation.
2. Within fifteen (15) business days of receipt of the complaint, the supervisor, department head, or designee of the Superintendent of Schools shall make a finding that there is or is not a basis for the complaint.  If it is found there is a basis for the grievance, the supervisor, department head, or designee of the Superintendent of Schools shall propose a resolution of the complaint.
3. If the employee is not satisfied with the finding or with the proposed resolution, the employee may within fifteen (15) business days after being notified of the decision, submit a written request to the Superintendent of Schools to review this matter.

Stage II

1. The Superintendent of Schools shall conduct a hearing within fifteen (15) business days of the receipt of the appeal
2. Prior to the hearing, the Superintendent of Schools may request the complainant or any other individuals to submit a written statement setting forth any information that person has relative to the grievance and the facts surrounding it.
3. The Superintendent of Schools may call any individual to the hearing that may have information relevant to the complaint and allegations.
4. Within fifteen (15) business days following the hearing, the Superintendent of Schools shall render a determination in writing.  Such a decision shall include findings about whether there is basis for the complaint and resolution, if any.
5. If the employee is not satisfied with the determination of the Superintendent of Schools, the employee may submit an appeal within fifteen (15) business days of notification to the Clerk of the Board of Education.

Stage III

1. When a request for review by the Board of Education has been made, the Superintendent of Schools shall submit all written statements and other materials to the President of the Board of Education.
2. The Board of Education shall set a time and date within thirty (30) business days of receipt of the appeal, at which time it will review the complaint or other relevant
   materials.  The Board of Education may elect to meet with the complainant or other individuals as it reviews documents or materials.
3. Within fifteen (15) business days of the Board of Education meeting, the Board of Education shall render a decision in writing on the matter.  In the event the Board of Education requires additional time to review and consider this matter, it may do so upon notice to the complainant.

The Board of Education believes it is necessary that students be made aware of the behavior that is expected as outlined in district policy on school conduct and discipline. They shall also be given an opportunity to be heard about complaints and grievances they may have.
 
 A student filing a complaint or grievance alleging that there is an action affecting them which is prohibited by Title IX and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, shall be provided with information regarding the prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint or grievance. Furthermore, a student shall have the right to present complaints and grievances in accordance with the procedure free from coercion, interference, restraint, discrimination or reprisal.
 
 Building Principals are responsible for ensuring that appeal procedures are incorporated into discipline codes, explained to all students, and provided to all parents on an annual basis. A copy of this regulation must be posted in every school.

 
Annual Notification
 
 At the beginning of each school year, the district shall publish a notice of the established grievance procedures for resolving complaints of discrimination due to sex and/or disability to parents/guardians, employees, eligible students and the community.  The public notice shall:
 

1. Inform parents, employees, students and the community that vocational education programs are offered without regard to sex, race, color, national origin or disability;
2. Provide the name, address and telephone number of the person designated to coordinate activities concerning discrimination due to sex and/or disability;
3. Be included in announcements, bulletins, catalogs, and applications made available by the district.

The Superintendent of Schools shall establish regulations and procedures for presenting problems or appealing decisions which affect individual students, in accordance with applicable statutory requirements, and for the resolution of complaints or grievances which may affect the student body.

• Click here to access the Board of Education Policy regarding Student Directory Information.

From time to time, student directory information (e.g., name, grade, photo, awards) depicting activities in the schools is released for use in district publications, on the district website or given to the media. Parents who object to the release of their child’s directory information and/or photograph should notify the superintendent in writing by Sept 14. Simply provide a written statement stating, “Please do not photograph my child(ren) [Student Name(s)] for use in publications and/or on the web.”

• The term "Student Directory Information" for students in grades pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade includes the following information relating to a student: the student's name, name of the student's parent or guardian, school presently attending, grade in school, participation in
  officially recognized activities and sports, awards received, a student’s works (written or otherwise), photographs including the student, and video and/or audio clips of students.
• “Student Directory Information” for students in grades nine through twelve includes the following additional information: the student’s address, electronic mail address, telephone listing, date and
  place of birth, major field of study, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, the most recent previous educational institution attended by the student.

For the health and well-being of our students, staff and visitors, our district has adopted a 100% tobacco-free policy. Tobacco use shall not be permitted, and no person shall use, distribute or sell tobacco, including any smoking device, on school grounds (buildings, athletic fields, parking lots, student drop-off areas, personal and school vehicles) or at school-sponsored events on or off campus. Please refer to the district’s smoking/tobacco policy.

• Click here to access the District Technology Plan.