Parent Rights

The Arizona Legislature has enacted laws defining and enumerating parental rights in the education process. The text of the law and definitions of the rights involved can be found in the following sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes:

Gadsden ESD #32 has policies in place to ensure that our community is aware of parental rights and responsibilities under the laws of Arizona, including the following:

1. The right to opt in to a sex education curriculum if one is provided by the District. (Governing Board Policy KB-EB)
2. Open enrollment rights pursuant to A.R.S. 15-816.01, relating to the District policies on open enrollment. (Governing Board Policy IHAMB-R)

3. The right to opt out of assignments pursuant to A.R.S. 1-601, Parents Bill of Rights. (Governing Board Policy KB-EB)

4. The right to opt a child out of immunizations as authorized by A.R.S. 15-873, relating to an outbreak of a communicable disease. (Governing Board Policy JLCB)

5. The promotion requirements prescribed in A.R.S. 15-701 for students in grades one (1) through eight (8). (Governing Board Policy IKE)

6. The right to opt out of instruction on the acquired immune deficiency syndrome as provided by A.R.S. 15-716. (Governing Board Policy IHAMB-R)

7. The right to review their child's standardized norm-referenced test results pursuant to A.R.S. 15-743. (Governing Board Policy ILB)

8. The right to participate in gifted programs pursuant as prescribed by A.R.S. 15-779.01. (Governing Board Policy IHBB)

9. The right to access instructional materials as directed by A.R.S. 15-730. (Governing Board Policy IJ)

10. The right to receive the school's annual report card pursuant to A.R.S. 15-746. (Governing Board Policy IKAB)

11. The school attendance and age requirements for children prescribed in A.R.S. 15-802, 15-803 and 15-821. (Governing Board Policies (JEA & JEB)

12. The right to public review of courses of study and textbooks in the common schools (preschool programs through grade eight [8]), as prescribed in A.R.S. 15-721, and in high schools, prescribed in A.R.S. 15-722. (Governing Board Policy IJ-R)

13. The right to be excused from school attendance for religious purposes as described by A.R.S. 15-806. (Governing Board Policy JH)

14. Policies related to parental involvement pursuant to A.R.S. 15-102 and set out herein. (Governing Board Policy KB and KB-R)

15. The right to seek membership on school councils pursuant to A.R.S. 15-351, describing the purpose, duties, and membership of a school council. [Subject to the exemption of certain school districts exempted as described in A.R.S. 15-352.] (Governing Board Policy CFD)

16. Information about the student accountability information system (SAIS) as prescribed in section 15-1042.
17. The right to access the failing schools tutoring fund pursuant to A.R.S. 15-241.

Parental Rights to Educational Records

A.R.S. §15-143. Educational records; rights of parents

A. In accordance with the rights secured under section 1-602, subsection A, paragraph 2, a parent shall have access to all written and electronic records of a school district or charter school or a school district or charter school employee concerning the parent's child and to all electronic accounts of the parent's child, including all of the following:

1. Attendance records.
2. Test scores of school-administered tests and statewide assessments.
3. Grades.
4. Extracurricular activities or club participation.
5. Disciplinary records.
6. Counseling records.
7. Psychological records.
8. Applications for admission.
9. Health and immunization information, including any medical records that are maintained by a health clinic or medical facility operated or controlled by the school district or charter school or that are located on school district or charter school property.
10. Teacher and counselor evaluations.
11. Reports of behavioral patterns.
12. Email accounts.
13. Online or virtual accounts or data.

B. A parent may file suit against a school district or charter school that violates subsection A of this section in the superior court in the county in which the violation occurs. This section does not preclude a parent from filing a suit asserting a violation of this section or any other claim otherwise allowed by law.

C. A parent who successfully asserts a claim under subsection A of this section may recover:

1. Declaratory relief.
2. Injunctive relief to prevent or remedy a violation of subsection A of this section or the effects of the violation.
3. Reasonable attorney fees and costs.
4. Any other appropriate relief.

Additional Resources

Parental Involvment in Education

Opt-in / Opt-Out Procedures

To continue to build and foster positive relationships with our families, it is important that we provide opportunities for choice and transparency. As a district, we want to be proactive and timely in providing information to parents/guardians on any activities, assemblies, collaborations, or celebrations (further referred to as events) on a school campus.

*If you chose to Opt-Out please stop by your child's school office and request the Opt-Out form*