Student Data Privacy

Privacy, Safety, and Security in Akron Public Schools

At Akron Public Schools (APS), we prioritize the privacy, safety, and security of our staff and students as one of our most important responsibilities. Ensuring the safety of children while they are online includes safeguarding their personal data. APS carefully evaluates online applications and resources to ensure they are suitable for instructional use, comply with federal student privacy laws, and have appropriate safeguards in place to protect personally identifiable information.

Technology Providers

The list of approved APS online apps and resources that require student logins or access to personally identifiable information is available here: APS Approved Online Resource List. This list includes technology providers that have access to students’ educational records for the purpose of delivering curriculum, testing, or assessment services. You can review this list by following the link. If you would like to review the full contract between the District and any of the listed technology providers, or if you have questions or concerns, please contact the Director of Technology.

Online Resource Review Process

Any online resource that allows the creation of student accounts or the collection of student information must undergo the APS Technology Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This involves a thorough review of the data privacy policies of the companies offering these resources to ensure that student and teacher data is not being used for unintended purposes. This guideline has been put in place to ensure compliance with student privacy laws and to protect both teachers and students from the risk of exposing personally identifiable information. APS also requires Student Data Privacy Agreements with all approved resources as part of the approval process.

General Monitoring of School-Issued Devices

Please note that the District, either directly or through a technology provider, conducts general monitoring of all school-issued devices, as defined by R.C. 3319.325. This monitoring includes the following activities: student interactions with school-issued devices, such as keystrokes and web-browsing activity. The purpose of this monitoring is primarily for non-commercial educational purposes, including instruction, technical support, and exam proctoring. Additionally, monitoring is conducted as a precautionary measure to prevent or respond to potential threats to the safety and well-being of students and staff.