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Protecting Student Data: Our Vendor Privacy Standards

At Onslow County Schools (OCS), the Instructional Technology team, led by our Chief Technology Officer, safeguards student data. We rigorously vet vendors to ensure they meet strict security standards, protecting our 28,000 students. 

Why Vendor Data Privacy Matters

Educational tools like Infinite Campus for managing student information, Microsoft Teams for virtual learning, and Clever for app access rely on vendors to manage student data, such as names, grades, or logins. With cyber threats targeting schools, our IT team ensures vendors follow strict rules to keep your child's information safe.

How We Protect Student Data

  • Legal Agreements: Vendors sign contracts to follow federal and state privacy laws, ensuring data is used only for education.
  • Security Checks: Vendors provide annual reports proving their systems are secure with strong passwords and encryption.
  • Limited Access: Only authorized vendor staff can access data, logging every use to prevent unauthorized sharing.
  • Data Ownership: Student data belongs to OCS, and vendors must delete it after their contract ends.
  • Quick Response: If a data issue occurs, vendors notify us within one day, and we follow a structured plan to resolve it and inform families. 

What This Means for You

Our IT Department's rigorous standards, aligned with North Carolina's Parent's Bill of Rights, keep your child's data safe in tools used at our schools. Parents can opt out of sharing certain public information, such as directory data. If a data issue arises, we'll notify affected families promptly. You can trust us to prioritize privacy while supporting quality education for all of our students.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if a vendor doesn't follow the rules?
    • We stop sharing data and may end their contract to protect students.
  • Which vendors does OCS use?
    • We use trusted tools like Infinite Campus, NCEdCloud, Microsoft Teams, and Clever, many pre-vetted by the state and all reviewed by our IT teams.
  • What happens to my child's data after they leave OCS?
    • Vendors must delete student data after a student graduates or leaves OCS, ensuring it's not kept longer than needed.
  • Do vendors share my child's data with others?
    • Vendors are contractually prohibited from sharing student data with third parties without OCS's written consent, ensuring your child's information stays protected.
  • How often does OCS review vendors?
    • Our IT Department reviews vendors annually, checking security reports to ensure they meet state and federal standards.
  • How do I learn more about vendor data privacy requirements?