First, the communications director allows a distasteful ad to print, because she was not doing her job and proofreading the material. Then instead of Homan firing her or scolding her for the action, she defends her. Then the school board listens to a bunch of lawyers instead of parents and bans outside materials. Now they take advantage of the stupid ban and are selling parents names.
SIOUX FALLS — The Sioux Falls School District is likely to review its practice of selling student information to outside groups, after it has come under fire from some parents who worry about privacy issues.
Kevin Kunkel, who leads a group called the Parents Action Committee, says he plans to make a formal complaint. That would put the policy on the Sept. 1 agenda of the school district’s policy review committee.
School Board president Kent Alberty says the practice complies with federal law, but if there is a written complaint the practice will be re-examined.
The names of students and parents, their addresses and phone numbers are available for $100 for every two grade levels of information. Twenty-three lists were sold last year.
A parent can request that information not be sold to outside groups, but such a decision also will prevent the student’s information from appearing with such things as sports rosters and theater programs.
I know Kevin personally, trust me, when he takes something on, he gets it done.
Legal or not, something smells fishy about selling the names of minor school children.
What is the purpose of this – to give pedophiles a drive-by shopping list complete with phone numbers and addresses so they can call ahead to see if the parents are around?
This is the worst idea since the Snuggie.
it’s been going on forever. schools used to just provide them to anyone who asked so they could market class rings, senior photos, college stuff.
the schools finally realized they could sell the info and make more $$.
it’s not any different then when photographers gain info for newborns.
When I was in school the class ring representative came to the school. They did the same thing in Sioux Falls, in 2003, when my grandson was a sophmore and got his class ring. When a family is ready to do senior pictures they can always look in the phone book. Last fall we did home type pictures for my grandaughter, because she wanted to do several locations and there was no way we could afford that. She also didn’t want a class ring.
The same if a kid is interested in the military they know where to look. When my brother was 17 our Dad sent him to a larger town to get a repair that was needed and when he came home the Marine recruiter was following him. My brother hated school and my folks had to sign for him. After discussing it at length around the table, it was agreed and put in writing that my brother would have to have a GED within a certain amount of time after enlisting, therefore my folks signed for him and the requirements for the GED were met in time too.
Businesses do not need these lists, most people know where to look for these services.
What I think “sucks” is if a parent signs the opt out form for these lists, their kids names can’t be listed on programs for school activities that they participate in. There is a world of difference between selling lists that could end up heaven knows where and listing a name on activity programs. On the programs it doesn’t list parents name and addresses, etc.
I just think it is hypocritical that the School District fucked up on the abortion ad situation, then turns around and uses the screwup for an opportunity to make money.
“What I think “sucks” is if a parent signs the opt out form for these lists, their kids names can’t be listed on programs for school activities that they participate in.”
Yeah, how freaking hard can it be to separate those lists? I worked at a mailhouse/printshop, it is possible. Instead of having one file you have two. Duh. Of course this is the same organization that has trouble proofreading a 30 page booklet.
Scott, I agree that the school district’s decision to sell student information is unfortunate. However, that’s not the case at the school where I work. It’s a behavior treatment facility for at-risk kids. On an unrelated note, I need your help. My friend, Rodger, is organizing an exhibit and panel discussions on cartooning from Sept. 30-Nov. 4 at First Congregational. I would like you to be a part of it. I don’t have your e-mail address. You know how to contact me by my e-mail or through Jackie. Thanks. Tim B. (Tempest).
fb.art@sio.midco.net
These are a pattern of systemic failures. Time for Homan to go, obviously she’s just horsing around. Or time for the Board to be recalled and replaced with a Board that will provide real oversight.