The Cherry Hill school district’s special education office has released a notice to inform former students and legal guardians that special education records will be destroyed for any and all students who have not received such services since the 2016-2017 school year.
The records will be destroyed in accordance with state law N.J.A.C 6A:32-7.8 and N.J.S.A. 47:3-17 unless the former student or legal guardian notifies the school district otherwise in writing by Dec. 1. Community members who need more information can contact Caitlin Mallory, director of special education, at (856) 429-5600, ext. 4431.
The notice reads as follows:
Office of Compliance, Equity and Student Services
Department of Special Education
Dear Former Students or Legal Guardian, Special Education Records, which have been collected by Cherry Hill Public Schools related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of Special Education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for a period of seven years after Special Education services have ended for the student. Special Education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, completes his or her educational program at the age of 21, or moves from the district.
This notification is to inform former students and legal guardians of Cherry Hill Public Schools that special education records will be destroyed for any and all students who have not received Special Education Services since the 2016-2017 school year. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law N.J.A.C 6A:32-7.8 and N.J.S.A. 47:3-17 unless the former student or legal guardian notifies the school district otherwise. Please note that records will not be mailed but must be picked up in person. To ensure confidentiality, persons receiving the records will be required to present identification and sign a document indicating receipt of the records. The legal guardian (must have proof of guardianship) or eligible (adult) student may request the records in writing with a valid signature (scanned letters via email will also be accepted) or in person at the following address:
Lewis Administration
Building Attn: Director of Special Education
45 Ranoldo Terrace, Cherry Hill
While the District is no longer required to maintain records after seven years, these records may prove beneficial to the former student or legal guardian when applying for Social Security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. I urge you to pick up these records. If a written request is not received by December 1, 2023, records will be destroyed. If you require additional information, please contact me at 856-429-5600, extension 4431. Please note, records will need 5-10 business days to be prepared for pick up with valid I.D. after the record request has been received. Thank you,
Caitlin Mallory
Director of Special Education
