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Requesting Exceptional Education Records

Student Records

Important Notice About Special Education Records

 

In January 2026, in line with the Tennessee Department of Education’s Records Retention Schedule and federal law (IDEA and FERPA), Monroe County Schools will begin reviewing and securely destroying special education records for students who were born between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2000.

 

Monroe County Schools keeps special education records for seven years after the student turns 18 (or until the student turns 25). These records are no longer needed by the district once they are past that date.

 

If you or your child received special education services through Monroe County Schools and were born in 2000, you may request a copy of these records before they are destroyed.

How to Request Your Records

To ask for a copy of your special education records, please fill out the request form: Request a Copy of Special Education Records

 

Deadline to submit your request is December 31, 2025.
Record destruction will begin in January 2026.

 

You will be contacted when your records are ready, if still available. A photo ID with your name and date of birth (such as a driver’s license) is required to pick up the records. Copies will be provided free of charge.

What Is Being Destroyed?

Only special education records are being destroyed. This may include:

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

  • Evaluation reports

  • Eligibility documents

  • Progress reports

  • Related services information (e.g., OT, PT, speech)

These records can be helpful for future services, college disability support, or Social Security benefits. Please consider keeping a copy for your personal records.

What Records Will Still Be Kept?

Basic school records like:

  • Student name and birthdate

  • Parent or guardian name

  • Grades and transcripts

  • Attendance

  • State test scores

…are kept permanently at the student’s high school or the Monroe County Schools Central Office.

Questions or Need General Education Records?

If you were born before 2000, your special education records have already been destroyed. General education records may still be available.

For questions, contact:
Haley Raper
📞 423-442-2373
📧 [email protected]