In a case that’s sending shockwaves across Illinois, Mercer County School District Superintendent Timothy Farquer and two technology staff members were arrested for allegedly accessing and sharing student vaccine records without consent. Prosecutors say the trio violated both state and federal privacy laws by compiling immunization data into a database and distributing it to unknown parties. What Happened Farquer, along with Amberly Norton and Andrea Long, faces charges of: Unauthorized access to medical records (misdemeanor) Computer tampering (misdemeanor) Felony official misconduct If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison. The motive and recipients of the shared data remain undisclosed. Teri Ross of Illinois Legal Aid Online emphasized that unless there’s a confirmed outbreak, there’s no legitimate reason to access student immunization records without parental consent. “It’s a breach of community trust,” she warned. Why Kane County Should Pay Attention This case underscores the urgent need for transparency and safeguards in school health data practices—issues that resonate deeply in Kane County, where parents have long voiced concerns about overreach in school-based health initiatives. Key implications for Kane County: Reinforces the need for informed consent : Parents must be notified and give permission before any medical data is accessed or shared. Raises questions about local school district protocols : Are Kane County schools properly training staff on data privacy laws? Strengthens the case for public access to exemption forms : The recent victory in posting the Illinois Certificate of Religious Exemption on the Kane County Health Department website now looks even more vital. Galvanizes community oversight : This incident may inspire more residents to attend school board meetings, request policy reviews, and demand accountability. Community Response and Next Steps This breach could be a turning point for Kane County advocates. It’s a moment to: Call for audits of school data access protocols. Push for legislation that strengthens parental control over student health records. Educate families on their rights under FERPA and Illinois privacy laws. This breach isn’t just a headline—it’s a call to action. For Kane County families, it’s a reminder that vigilance matters. Now is the time to demand transparency in school health protocols, insist on parental consent before any data is accessed, and ensure that exemption forms and privacy protections are clearly posted and upheld. Let this moment fuel a broader movement: one that safeguards our children’s medical privacy, strengthens local oversight, and reaffirms the principle that parents—not institutions—should control their children's health information. Superintendent, school employees arrested after allegedly sharing student vaccine records
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What Kane County Families Need to Know