Committee tables student-records language after questions about SRO jurisdiction and FERPA disclosures

The RSU 40/MSAD 40 policy committee reviewed draft changes to JRA (student records and information) and decided to seek legal counsel before finalizing language that designates a school resource officer (SRO) as the district's law enforcement unit for FERPA disclosures.

Committee members noted the district's SRO is employed by the Waldoboro police department and may not have authority across the district’s multiple towns. A member said the current draft could be inconsistent with jurisdictional limits unless there is an explicit mutual-aid agreement; the committee voted to table the policy language and asked staff to consult the attorney and produce wording that reflects the district’s cross-town arrangement. The motion to table was recorded as 7-0.

The committee asked staff to return with suggested language and to clarify any mutual-aid arrangements before the item returns to committee.