3126: Child Custody

The board of directors presumes that the person who enrolls a student in school is the residential parent of the student. The residential parent is responsible for decisions regarding the day-to-day care and control of student. Parents or legal guardians have rights to receive information contained in the school records concerning their child and to forbid or permit the disclosure of such information to others, subject to the authority granted to the residential parent.

The board, unless informed otherwise, assumes that there are no restrictions regarding the nonresidential parent's right to be kept informed of the student's school progress and activities. If restrictions are made relative to the above rights, the residential parent will be requested to submit a certified copy of the court order that curtails these right(s). If these rights are questioned by the nonresidential parent, the issue will be referred to law enforcement authorities for resolution.

Unless there are court-imposed restrictions, the nonresidential parent, upon request, thereafter will be given grade reports, notices of school activities, reports of disciplinary actions, or notices of teacher or principal conferences or summaries.

If there is a court order on file with the district that restricts and/or prohibits any parent or other person from contact with a student at school or picking up a student from school, then the district will not permit the student to visit with or be released to that parent, or other person.

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Cross References

• Board Policy 2420 Grading and progress reports
• 3124 Removal/Release of Students During School Hours
• 3231 Student Records 4200 Safe and Orderly Learning Environment
• 4310 Relations with Law Enforcement, Child Protective Agencies and County Health Department

Legal References

• CFR 45, Part 99 Family education rights and privacy act
• RCW 13.34.200 Order terminating parent and child relationship 26.09.184 Permanent parenting plan

Management Resources

• Policy News, October 2008 Child Custody
• Policy News, December 2008 Child Custody