Destruction of Special Education Records
PUBLIC NOTICE
WARREN HILLS REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Destruction of Special Education Records
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34 CFR 300.624, school districts must notify parents when the information contained in their child’s special education records is no longer needed to provide public educational services to the child. This is a public notification to parents or eligible students (students who are of legal age except where guardianship or conservatorship has been established) of the Warren Hills Regional School District (WHRSD)’s intent to destroy all special education records, unless the former student or legal guardian notifies the school district otherwise. Note that these records do not include archival information that is maintained by the district as specified by federal law.
Beginning July 1, 2025, special education records will be destroyed for any and all classified students who have not received such services since the 2017-2018 school year or have graduated by June 14, 2018. Special education records collected by WHRSD related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for a period of seven years after special education services have ended for the student. While the district is no longer required to maintain records after seven years, these records may prove beneficial to the former student or legal guardian when applying for benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc.
The records will be destroyed in accordance with state law N.J.A.C 6A:32-7.8 and N.J.S.A. 47:3-17 unless the former student or legal guardian notifies the school district otherwise in writing by June 30, 2025. Please note that records will not be mailed but must be picked up in person. To ensure confidentiality, persons receiving the records will be required to present identification and sign a document indicating receipt of the records. If the former student is under the supervision of a parent/guardian after the age of 18, proof of guardianship must be provided before files will be released. Please contact Shawnee Bourenko at the Special Services Office via bourenkos@warrenhills.org if you wish to arrange a pick up.