On October 18, Scott Major, Berks County Intermediate Unit chief information officer, represented intermediate units at a joint hearing of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and the Senate Education Committee on the importance of protecting student data privacy.

Mr. Major testified on behalf of PAIU to explain the types of data that intermediate units house related to the students they serve, as well as the varying resources they currently have to implement an array of protections for this data. Furthermore, Mr. Major noted that implementing a statewide framework for privacy protections, in consultation with intermediate units and other experts, and backed with appropriate resources for implementation would go a long way in assuring that intermediate units can effectively protect sensitive data. Major also posed critical questions for consideration in the development of any legislation aimed at addressing student data privacy needs.

A week later, the House Education Committee held its own hearing on the same topic. PAIU submitted testimony reflecting consistent comments for intermediate unit suggestions, needs and partnership for implementing a statewide framework to protect student data.