Dear Washington Unified Parents, Guardians and Families,

We want to make you aware of news regarding a recent lawsuit against the California Department of Education (CDE) which will have a significant impact on all California school districts.

In April 2012, two organizations, the Morgan Hill Concerned Parents Association and the Concerned Parent Association (the plaintiffs), filed a lawsuit against the CDE alleging widespread, systemic non-compliance by local educational agencies with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The suit also alleges that the CDE fails to monitor, investigate, and correct such non-compliance in accordance with the law. The CDE denies these allegations and is actively defending the litigation.

The court ruling is requiring the CDE to provide the nonprofit, California Concerned Parents, with personal student data on all K-12 students who have attended a California school since 2008. 

An official letter from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to school districts and county offices of education is available here.

It is important to take note that parents/guardians have the option to complete and mail in an Objection to Disclosure of Student Information and Records form preventing the release of your child’s data. This objection form must be submitted by April 1, 2016.

For more information regarding the lawsuit please visit the California Department of Education Web site or call 916-319-0800.