Recently, the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) received a letter of findings from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), finding the “school division to be in noncompliance egarding the confidentiality of educational records” of an individual student as charged by one parent.

The VDOE imposed no sanction and required no corrective action on the part of FCPS or Stu Gibson, the Board member whose statements

were the subject of the parent’s complaint. The letter of findings applied

to this individual complaint only.

 

School Board member Stu Gibson states: “I am sorry. I apologize if anything I said caused any harm. It was certainly not my intent.” The School Board accepts Mr. Gibson’s  apology.

The School Board has also decided not to appeal the letter of findings.

Each member of the Fairfax County School Board believes in the importance of protecting the confidentiality of student records in

accordance with applicable laws. In order to ensure a more complete

understanding of privacy statutes, their interpretations and compliance, School Board members will receive additional training regarding the legal requirements governing confidentiality of student records.