PRESS RELEASE
After receiving feedback from the Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) and members of the community, the Washoe County School District (WCSD) has announced it will lower the prices charged to families who are requesting copies of student educational records. With support from the WCSD Board of Trustees, Superintendent Traci Davis worked with staff, parents, and members of the community to hear questions and concerns about the previous costs, and as a result of those meetings, the District has changed its policies to reflect lower prices for copies of these records.
Under the existing Administration Regulation 5005, families received one free initial copy of all special education records at the Individual Education Program (IEP) meeting, and were able to inspect all records for free upon request. These practices will remain in effect under the new regulation.
“We have listened to our families who had some serious concerns about our policies and practices in this area,” Superintendent Davis said. “After considering this feedback and analyzing practices in other school districts, I directed our staff to adopt a new regulation and set lower prices for these records. I believe this outcome is more fair and equitable for everyone.”
Earlier this year, WCSD created the Special Education Advisory Panel to improve communication and participation of parents, teachers, school administrators, school staff, and the community in the education of WCSD students with disabilities. The panel is comprised of 17 members, including parents of students with several types of disabilities, special education teachers, an at-large position, and an aide/assistant. This panel meets monthly and advises the District on a variety of issues that affect special needs students and their families. Panel members provided valuable input and advice to the District concerning costs for student records, and helped inform District decisions regarding the lowering of those costs.
“This is the right thing to do for our students and their families, and I am grateful for their input,” said Superintendent Davis. “Effective communication is crucial to our success as a District, and I look forward to continuing to engage with our families about any areas of concern they may have.”
Beginning on Monday, August 8, 2016, the following fees will apply for all student educational records requested by parents and legal guardians:
Parents and legal guardians will continue to receive one free copy of all special education records provided through the IEP meetings, as well as a free copy of evaluations that have been conducted;
The first 100 pages of requested copies of education records will be provided at no cost to the parent or legal guardian each school year with the exceptions listed below*;
If the requested copy of education records exceeds 100 pages, the parent or guardian will be charged 10 cents per page for each page exceeding 100 pages each school year;
Parents and legal guardians will continue to have unlimited free access to inspect their child’s education records.
*Fees:
- Official transcript is $5.00
- Unofficial transcript is $3.00
- Education verification is $5.00
- Immunization records are $2.00 cash or money orders only (no personal checks or credit/debit cards)
- A permanent record may be obtained for $10 and includes the elementary, middle, and high school transcripts and the immunization records
