Board narrows directory information sharing in student handbook and approves the change

The Morton Community Unit School District 709 Board of Education approved updated district language that limits how directory information from the student handbook can be disclosed in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. Administration told the board the change ties to legal counsel's recommendation and narrows the circumstances under which the district will share directory information; the updated language limits disclosure to groups that meet one of three specified conditions (the policy packet lists the conditions). The presenter said the change is more restrictive than past practice and therefore is likely to be welcomed by parents concerned about privacy. Board members discussed how the administration would notify families if a student handbook change is adopted midyear; administrators said they would highlight changes and notify parents in the same way the district notifies families about other handbook updates. The motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote. A board member asked administrators to ensure the update is highlighted for parents and that the district follow its usual notification procedures when handbook text changes. Ending: The board approved the revised handbook provision, and administration said it will notify families and highlight the change when the handbook is distributed or updated.