Privacy Policy

West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD)

Updated: Jan 01, 2025 (Communications Dept)

The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) values and respects the privacy of our students, parents, staff, and visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose personal information through our websites, applications, and other online platforms, including the websites of all 56 schools within the district.

By using the WCCUSD website or any of the district’s school websites, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy and the WCCUSD Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policies (8.10a and 8.10b), which govern responsible use of technology and online services within our district.

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1. Information We Collect

WCCUSD may collect several types of personal information, including but not limited to:

• Personal Identifiable Information (PII): This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, social security numbers, student identification numbers, and other personally identifiable details that are provided by parents, guardians, students, and staff.

• Student Data: We may collect academic records, health information, special education status, and behavioral data as required for educational purposes. This information is governed by federal and state laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and aligns with WCCUSD’s Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policies to ensure data security and ethical use within our learning environments.

• Technical Information: When you visit our websites, we may automatically collect certain technical information such as IP addresses, browser types, device types, and browsing history through cookies or other tracking technologies.

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2. How We Use the Information

We may use the collected information for the following purposes:

• To provide educational services, communications, and updates.
• To process enrollment, registration, and other student-related services.
• To communicate with parents and guardians about school events, grades, and updates.
• To improve and personalize our websites and educational programs.
• To comply with legal obligations and school safety requirements, in alignment with the district’s Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policies (8.10a and 8.10b).

These uses are also consistent with the provisions set forth in the WCCUSD Acceptable Use Policy (8.10a) to ensure that personal data is used responsibly and only for purposes that directly support educational goals and the safety of our school community.

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3. How We Protect Your Information

WCCUSD is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information. We employ various physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to, disclosure, or misuse of the information we collect. These safeguards include encryption, secure servers, and access controls for sensitive data.

This commitment is consistent with the Internet Safety Policy (8.10b), which emphasizes the importance of secure, responsible handling of personal data and online activities to safeguard students and staff.

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4. Sharing of Personal Information

We do not sell or rent personal information to third parties. However, we may share personal data under the following circumstances:

• With Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party vendors that help us operate the district’s systems, such as learning management systems, student information systems, or data storage services. These third parties are required to protect the information and use it only as necessary to perform their services, as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy (8.10a).

• With Law Enforcement or as Required by Law: We may disclose personal information when required by law or in response to legal processes, including compliance with subpoenas, court orders, or other legal obligations.

• For Health and Safety: In cases of emergency, we may disclose personal information to protect the health and safety of students and staff, consistent with the district’s Internet Safety Policy (8.10b).

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5. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, or as required by law. Once data is no longer needed, we will securely dispose of it or anonymize it where applicable, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in our Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policies.

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6. Parental Rights and FERPA Compliance

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents and eligible students (those over the age of 18) have the right to:

• Access and review the student's educational records.
• Request corrections to any inaccuracies in the student’s records.
• Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information, except in certain circumstances allowed by law.

To exercise these rights, please contact the district’s Privacy Officer or the school principal. Additionally, our Acceptable Use Policy (8.10a) ensures that students and staff follow the appropriate procedures for managing and securing educational records.

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7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our websites may use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance user experience. These technologies help us track site usage, remember user preferences, and improve site functionality.

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but doing so may limit your ability to use certain features of our websites. We remind users to adhere to the guidelines for responsible internet use as outlined in our Internet Safety Policy (8.10b), including making informed decisions about their online activities and data sharing.

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8. Links to External Websites

Our websites may contain links to external sites that are not operated by WCCUSD. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites, and we encourage users to review their privacy policies.

Users should be aware of the potential risks when accessing third-party sites and should follow the rules outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy (8.10a) to protect their privacy and personal information online.

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9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When changes are made, we will update the “Effective Date” at the top of this page. Parents, guardians, students, and staff will be notified of significant changes as required.

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10. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please please visit the Information Technology helpdesk.wccusd.net to submit a concern, question or suggestion. 

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WCCUSD School Website Privacy Policy

Updated: Jan 01, 2025 (Communications Dept)

Introduction
Each school within the WCCUSD family of schools respects the privacy of our students, parents, staff, and visitors. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with the broader West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Privacy Policy and the district’s Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policies (8.10a and 8.10b).

Information We Collect
We collect the same types of information as the district, including personal information, student data, and technical information, and we will use it in alignment with the district’s purposes and Acceptable Use Policies.

How We Use the Information
We use the information to support student education, communicate with parents and guardians, and enhance the learning experience at [School Name]. For additional purposes, please refer to the district-wide policy.

Contact Us
For any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or privacy practices specific to a WCCUSD school site, please visit the Information Technology helpdesk.wccusd.net
to submit a concern, question or suggestion.