Does a school board need consent to collect personal information about a student?

If a school board has the legal authority to collect personal information, and it is collecting the information directly from the student, or their parents or guardians, then the school board does not require consent.

Even though consent is not required for a direct collection of information to be authorized, a school board may still decide to get consent. For example, a school board may design a student survey that it believes is necessary to meet its obligations under the Education Act to promote student achievement and well-being. It may decide to make this survey consent-based by clearly indicating the survey is voluntary and providing information on how to opt out and withhold consent.¹³