Privacy Policy

Introduction

The Mason City Community School District (MCCSD) is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our official website, https://masoncityschools.org, including students, parents, and staff. This Privacy Policy describes the information collected through our website, how that information is used, and the steps taken to ensure its protection.

As a public entity in the State of Iowa, the District is governed by the Iowa Public Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22) and is subject to the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regarding student records.

Information Collected Automatically (Non-Personal)

When you visit our website, certain non-personal information is automatically collected for security, site management, and analysis purposes. This information helps us understand how the site is used and make improvements. This information includes:

  • The Internet Protocol (IP) address of the device used to access the site.
  • The type of browser and operating system used.
  • The date and time of the visit.
  • The web pages or services accessed.
  • The website address (URL) you came from, if applicable.

Cookies: Our website may use “cookies,” which are small text files stored by your web browser. Cookies are used to “remember” your preferences (such as site bookmarks or calendar settings) and to track non-personally identifiable site usage. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, but this may cause some website functions to be unavailable or not work correctly.

Personal Information Voluntarily Provided

We collect personally identifiable information only when you voluntarily provide it to us through activities such as:

  • Sending an email to a District staff or faculty member.
  • Completing an online form (e.g., contact form, registration, survey, or fee payment).
  • Submitting a request for information or services.

The type of personal information collected will vary depending on the activity and may include your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Use and Disclosure of Voluntary Personal Information

The information you provide is used solely for the purpose for which it was submitted, such as:

  • To respond to your inquiries or requests.
  • To process a transaction or registration.
  • To deliver subscribed services (e.g., newsletters or alerts).
  • For internal record-keeping and data analysis.

We will not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to outside parties, except as required by law (see the “Public Records” section below).

Student Data and FERPA Compliance

The Mason City Community School District strictly adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the privacy of student education records.

  • Personally Identifiable Information (PII): PII from student education records is not disclosed through the website without the written consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student (age 18 or older), except as allowed by FERPA.
  • Directory Information: The District annually designates certain student information (such as name, participation in officially recognized activities, and photograph) as “Directory Information.” Parents/Guardians have the right to opt-out of the public disclosure of their child’s Directory Information. The District provides an annual notice regarding FERPA rights, including the process for opting out.
  • Student Media: Student photographs, video clips, or examples of student work may be displayed on the website only in accordance with District policy and parental consent/opt-out preferences as outlined in the annual FERPA notification.

As a public governmental body, the District is subject to the Iowa Code Chapter 22 (Examination of Public Records).

  • Public Records: Most records, documents, or information—including communications and information submitted to the District—are considered public records and are subject to examination, copying, and disclosure to the public, unless specifically protected by a state or federal confidentiality law (like FERPA or specific exceptions in Iowa Code § 22.7).
  • Confidential Information: Do not submit highly confidential personal information (such as social security numbers, medical records, or detailed financial/credit information) via unsecured email or general contact forms on this website. The District cannot guarantee the confidentiality of such information if it is not specifically protected by law.

Links to External Sites

This website contains links to external websites that are not operated by the MCCSD. We are not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of these third-party sites. We encourage you to be aware when you leave our site and to review the privacy policy of any external website that collects personally identifiable information.

Security

The District employs industry-standard security measures, including SSL encryption, to protect data transmissions, particularly when submitting sensitive data via secure online forms (e.g., registration or fee payment). While we take precautions to protect your personal information, no electronic transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We encourage all users to check this page regularly for any changes.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, your rights under FERPA, or requests for access to public records, please contact the District Administration Office:

  • Office: Office of the Superintendent
  • Address: 1515 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401
  • Phone: (641) 421-4401
  • Website: https://masoncityschools.org