Privacy Policy
Hilliard City Schools is committed to protecting the privacy of students, families, staff, and visitors who use our websites and online services.
This Privacy Policy explains what information may be collected through District-operated websites, how that information is used, how it may be disclosed, and the measures we take to protect it.
Scope
This Privacy Policy applies to official websites and online services operated by or on behalf of Hilliard City Schools.
This policy does not apply to third-party websites, applications, or services that may be linked from District websites. Users should review the privacy policies of any external sites they visit.
Information We Collect
Information You Voluntarily Provide
The District may collect information that you voluntarily provide through online forms, email communications, surveys, event registrations, or other interactions with the website. This information may include:
- Name
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Mailing address
- Information submitted through web forms or feedback requests
The District will use this information only for the purposes for which it was provided or as otherwise permitted by law.
Information Automatically Collected
When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:
- Internet Protocol (IP) address
- Browser type and version
- Device type
- Operating system
- Pages visited
- Date and time of access
- Referring website information
This information is used to maintain website security, improve functionality, analyze website performance, and enhance the user experience.
Cookies and Analytics
Hilliard City Schools uses cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality and understand how visitors interact with our website.
The District uses Google Analytics to collect aggregated, non-personally identifiable information about website usage, including pages viewed, traffic patterns, browser types, and general geographic regions.
Google Analytics helps the District evaluate and improve website content, accessibility, and overall user experience. Information collected through Google Analytics is subject to Google’s privacy practices.
Users may control cookie settings through their browser preferences.
Student Privacy
The District is committed to protecting student information and complying with applicable student privacy laws.
Student education records maintained by the District are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and related federal and state laws. The District does not knowingly collect student education records through its public website except as necessary to provide educational services and programs.
The District also complies with applicable requirements of:
- FERPA
- The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
- The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
as applicable to District operations and educational technology services.
Children’s Privacy
Hilliard City Schools does not knowingly collect personal information through its public website from children under the age of 13 except as permitted by law and in connection with legitimate educational purposes.
Where educational technology services are used to support instruction, the District evaluates such services for student privacy protections consistent with applicable legal requirements and District practices.
How Information Is Used
Information collected through District websites may be used to:
- Respond to requests and inquiries
- Deliver District communications
- Improve website accessibility and usability
- Monitor website performance and security
- Maintain and administer District operations
- Comply with legal obligations
The District does not sell personal information to third parties.
Artificial Intelligence Policy
Information Sharing and Disclosure
The District may disclose information:
- As required by federal or state law
- To authorized District personnel with a legitimate educational or operational need
- To contractors, service providers, or vendors performing services on behalf of the District
- In response to lawful court orders, subpoenas, or government requests
- To protect the security, rights, property, or safety of the District or others
When third-party service providers receive information on behalf of the District, they are expected to maintain appropriate safeguards and comply with applicable privacy requirements.
Public Records Notice
As a public school district, Hilliard City Schools is subject to the Ohio Public Records Act.
Information submitted to the District through website forms, email communications, or other electronic means may constitute a public record and may be subject to disclosure as required by Ohio law unless a specific exemption applies.
Users should avoid submitting sensitive personal information through public contact forms unless specifically requested by the District.
Data Security
The District employs reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
However, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure, and the District cannot guarantee absolute security.
Accessibility
Hilliard City Schools is committed to providing accessible digital content and services.
If you encounter an accessibility barrier while using our website or require information in an alternative format, please refer to our Accessibility Statement or contact the District for assistance.
Third-Party Websites
District websites may contain links to external websites, applications, social media platforms, or services that are not controlled by Hilliard City Schools.
The District is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or accessibility of third-party resources.
Changes to This Policy
The District may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or District practices.
The most current version will be posted on this page along with the updated revision date.
Contact Information
Questions regarding this Privacy Policy may be directed to:
Hilliard City Schools
2140 Atlas Street
Columbus, Ohio 43228
Or to our Contact Form
Effective Date: May 2026
Last Updated: July 2026