Dear residents ,
This April, the Connecticut General Assembly put forth Bill #7017 known as An Act Concerning Student Data and Privacy, which received bipartisan support from the Education Committee.
New Canaan First Selectman Rob Mallozzi
Considering the recent release of student data in Hamden, which took place unbeknownst to the families involved, and the speed with which technology is changing the way students are taught, this legislation should move forward quickly.
We can all agree that supporting the protection of student data and their privacy is of the utmost importance.
This bill, among other things, would ensure that school or state contracts involving the use of student data clearly specify retention, security and breach practices, and also provide clear stipulations for usage, family access, and control, including the ability to correct erroneous information.
While the provisions of this bill may evolve in the future, supporting Bill 7017 would ensure that Connecticut is in alignment with other states which are quickly moving to protect the data and privacy of their students.
In the past, New Canaan Public Schools has notified parents to become informed about finalized mandates. This bill, however, is too important to let that happen. We must be proactive to ensure that parents are notified of this pending Bill so they may reach out to their state representatives as soon as possible. We must act quickly. The last day to vote on pending bills is June 3. Please let your state representatives know your questions or viewpoints as soon as possible.
Rob Mallozzi III
Contacts:
- State Sen. Toni Boucher: toni.boucher@cga.ct.gov
- State Sen. Scott Frantz: scott.frantz@cga.ct.gov
- State Rep. Tom O’Dea: tom.odea@cga.ct.gov
- State Rep. Fred Wilms: fred.wilms@cga.ct.gov
Well I agree with the First Selectman on this one.