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. (Government Code 54963)
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. (Government Code 54963)
(cf. 9011 - Disclosure of Confidential/Privileged Information)
(cf. 9321 - Closed Session Purposes and Agendas)
An employee who willfully discloses confidential information acquired during a closed session may be subject to disciplinary action if he/she has received training or notice as to the requirements of this policy. (Government Code 54963)
(cf. 4118 - Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
(cf. 4218 - Dismissal/Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
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 his/her 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.
(cf. 4112.6/4212.6/4312.6 - Personnel Files)
(cf. 4112.62/4212.62/4312.62 - Maintenance of Criminal Offender Records)
(cf. 4143/4243 - Negotiations/Consultation)
(cf. 5125 - Student Records)
(cf. 5125.1 - Release of Directory Information)
(cf. 5141.4 - Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting)
(cf. 6164.2 - Guidance/Counseling Services)
Any action by an employee which inadvertently or carelessly results in 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 Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
35010 Control of district; prescription and enforcement of rules
35146 Closed sessions
35160 Authority of governing boards
44031 Personnel file contents and inspection
44932 Grounds for dismissal of permanent employees
44933 Other grounds for dismissal
45113 Rules and regulations for classified service
GOVERNMENT CODE
1098 Public officials and employees: confidential information
6250-6270 Inspection of public records
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 20
1232g Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
Management Resources:
WEB SITES
CSBA: http://www.csba.org
Policy NEWPORT-MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: September 8, 2009 Costa Mesa, California