Privacy Policy

Gaston County Schools Privacy Policy

Use of Personal Information
Gaston County Schools does not collect personal information unless you voluntarily provide it by sending an email, completing an online form, or participating in a survey. Any personal information you share will be used only for the stated purpose at the time of collection. We do not share personal information with non-affiliated third parties unless otherwise noted when it is collected.

Consent
When consent is required for the use or disclosure of personal information, the school will seek permission from the appropriate person. For a student’s personal information, consent will be obtained from the student and/or the parent or guardian, depending on the situation and the student’s ability to understand the consequences of sharing that information.

Media Best Practices
Gaston County Schools follows best practices when publishing photos, student work, or other identifying information. A signed release or likeness consent form is required before using such materials. Staff are encouraged to review the district’s “Legal Guidelines for Using Photos” or contact the communications office for questions about media consent.

Cookies
Our website may use cookies to improve your browsing experience, such as remembering your preferences or keeping you logged in to certain areas. Cookies do not contain personal information. You can choose to accept, reject, or delete cookies through your web browser settings. Please note that some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

Log Files
Our website uses analytics tools such as Google Analytics to study website traffic and usage trends. Data collected may include IP addresses, geographic locations, browser types, internet service providers, referring and exit pages, and time spent on pages. This information is collected anonymously and is used to improve website performance and accessibility.

Links to Other Websites
Our website may include links to external sites. Gaston County Schools is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites. We encourage visitors to read the privacy policies of any external sites they visit.

According to Gaston County Board of Education policy: "The school system retains control over what links will be placed on system-related websites; however, the linked sites themselves are not under the control of the school system, its agents, or its employees.  The school system is not responsible for the contents of any linked site, any link contained in a linked site, or any changes or updates to such sites.  The school system provides links as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement of the site by the school system.  The school system reserves the right to remove or restrict any links."

Security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information shared through our website. When users submit personal information through forms or online services, the information is encrypted using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. Servers that store personal information are housed in secure environments. Credit card information is not permanently stored on district servers.

Non-Secured Communications
Please be aware that posts or comments shared on public areas of our website, such as discussion boards or forums, may be visible to others. Users should avoid sharing personal information in these areas.

Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this privacy policy, contact Gaston County Schools at webmaster@gaston.k12.nc.us or call (704) 866-6211.