BP 4119.23/4219.23/4319.23 — Unauthorized Release of Confidential/Privileged Information
Section: 4000 - Personnel
Status: Active
Adopted: 2021-11-18
Policy text
Unauthorized Release of Confidential/Privileged Information
The Governing Board recognizes the importance of keeping confidential information confidential. Staff shall maintain the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of their employment. Confidential/privileged information shall be released only to the extent authorized by law.
Disclosure of Closed Session Information
An employee shall not disclose confidential information acquired by being present during a closed session to a person not entitled to receive such information unless the Board authorizes disclosure of that information.
Confidential information means a communication made in a closed session that is specifically related to the basis for the Board to meet lawfully in closed session.
An employee who willfully discloses confidential information acquired during a closed session may be subject to disciplinary action if they have received training or notice as to the requirements of this policy.
The Superintendent or designee shall provide all employees who attend closed sessions a copy of this policy. New employees who may attend closed sessions shall also receive a copy of this policy.
The district shall not take disciplinary action against any employee for disclosing confidential information acquired in a closed session, nor shall the disclosure be considered a violation of the law or Board policy, when the employee is:
- Making a confidential inquiry or complaint to a district attorney or grand jury concerning a perceived violation of law, including disclosing facts necessary to establish the illegality or potential illegality of a Board action that has been the subject of deliberation during a closed session
- Expressing an opinion concerning the propriety or legality of Board action in closed session, including disclosure of the nature and extent of the illegal or potentially illegal action
- Disclosing information that is not confidential
Other Disclosures
An employee who willfully releases confidential/privileged information about the district, students, or staff shall be subject to disciplinary action.
No employee shall disclose confidential information acquired in the course of their official duties. Confidential information includes information that is not a public record subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act, information that by law may not be disclosed, or information that may have a material financial effect on the employee.
Any action by an employee which inadvertently or carelessly results in the release of confidential/privileged information shall be recorded, and the record shall be placed in the employee’s personnel file. Depending on the circumstances, the Superintendent or designee may deny the employee further access to any privileged information and shall take any steps necessary to prevent any further unauthorized release of such information.
Legal
FEDERAL REGULATIONS
20 USC 1232g Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974
STATE REGULATIONS
Ed. Code 35010 Control of district; prescription and enforcement of rules
Ed. Code 35146 Closed sessions regarding suspensions
Ed. Code 35160 Authority of governing boards
Ed. Code 44031 Personnel file contents, inspection
Ed. Code 44932 Grounds for dismissal of permanent employees
Ed. Code 44933 Other grounds for dismissal
Ed. Code 49060-49079 Student records
Gov. Code 1098 Disclosure of confidential information
Gov. Code 54950-54963 The Ralph M. Brown Act
Gov. Code 6250-6270 California Public Records Act