Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
The School District of DeSoto County, Florida (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of our students, parents, staff, and visitors. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of information we collect through our website, how we use and protect that information, and your rights regarding your personal data.
2. Information We Collect
a. Personal Information:
We may collect personal information from you when you interact with our website, such as when you fill out forms, sign up for newsletters, or communicate with us. This information may include your name, email address, phone number, and any other details you provide.
b. Non-Personal Information:
We may collect non-personal information automatically as you navigate our site. This can include your IP address, browser type, operating system, and browsing behavior on our website. This data is used to improve our website and services.
3. How We Use Your Information
a. To Provide Services:
We use the information collected to provide and improve our educational services, respond to your inquiries, and communicate with you about important updates.
b. To Enhance User Experience:
Non-personal information is used to analyze trends, administer the site, and gather demographic information for aggregate use.
c. Compliance and Safety:
We may use your information to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and district policies, as well as to protect the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors.
4. Sharing of Information
a. Third-Party Service Providers:
We may share your personal information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users. These providers are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of the information.
b. Legal Requirements:
We may disclose your personal information when required by law, such as in response to a subpoena, court order, or other legal processes, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of the School District of DeSoto County, our users, or others.
5. Security of Your Information
We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure.
6. Your Rights
a. Access and Correction:
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to request corrections if you believe any information is inaccurate.
b. Opt-Out:
You may opt out of receiving communications from us at any time by following the instructions provided in our communications or by contacting us directly.
c. Children’s Privacy:
We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent.
7. Compliance with Florida Privacy Laws
a. Compliance with FERPA:
The School District of DeSoto County complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Under FERPA, parents and students over 18 years of age have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records, request amendments to inaccurate or misleading records, and provide consent before the disclosure of personally identifiable information from education records, except under certain authorized conditions.
b. Compliance with FIPA:
In accordance with the Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA), the School District of DeSoto County is committed to protecting the security and confidentiality of personal information. In the event of a data breach, we will notify affected individuals as required by Florida law.
c. Public Records Law Notice:
Under Florida law, email addresses and other electronic communications with the School District of DeSoto County are considered public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact us by phone or in writing.
d. Rights Under State and Federal Law:
In addition to FERPA, the School District of DeSoto County complies with all applicable state and federal privacy laws, including the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). Information collected through our website may be subject to disclosure under state law.
8. Links to Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.