Santa Rosa County School District cuts ties with Tutor.com — here’s why
SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)—The Santa Rosa County School District has decided to suspend its contract with Tutor.com due to a possible compromise of student data privacy.
Pensacola International Airport adding Tampa, Norfolk flights with Breeze Airways
A letter from the Florida Commissioner of Education, Manny Diaz, Jr., to Florida school district superintendents, charter school governing boards, and state college presidents said Tutor.com is owned by Primavera Capital, whose headquarters are in China.
“Ties to foreign countries of concern may compromise student data privacy, which we will never allow in Florida schools,” the letter said.
A previous news release from the SRCSD, sent on March 14, emphasized its “unwavering commitment to the safety and privacy of its students.”
The tutoring service was introduced to students considered English Language Learners in Santa Rosa County, according to the release. Funding supported it from 2019 to 2021.
From 2021 to 2024, the school district extended the service to all students using the remaining funding.
Diaz said the Florida Department of Education just recently investigated Primavera Capital, which is when they found its headquarters were in China.
He also said that the board has just recently adopted rules that will strengthen and protect student data privacy.
“School districts, charter schools and state colleges must take measures to ensure that all of their contracts comply with Florida law and State Board of Education rules in order to protect students’ data,” continued the letter.
“Institutions must take the necessary steps to protect their students from nefarious foreign actors such as the Chinese Communist Party.”
Eglin Air Force Base shares upcoming road closures ahead of military training, test
The SRCSD is working to select another tutoring resource for students.
They said they hope to have a new service when students return from spring break.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
