CSD remains deeply committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where all students are affirmed and supported. As part of this commitment, we are now offering a convenient and secure way for families to request updates to a student's name and/or gender marker by using the Infinite Campus parent portal. This updated process helps to ensure that student information is accurate and aligned with state reporting requirements while continuing to honor each student's identity with care and respect. Using Infinite Campus for this process allows our district to manage student information more effectively and ensures alignment with state reporting expectations.

If a student has a legal name change and proper documentation is submitted by the parent/legal guardian, the name will be updated throughout all district systems and reflected in official records.

If there is no legal name change, updates to preferred names, pronouns or gender markers can still be made within local systems only such as Google Workspace. However, legal names will continue to appear on transcripts and other official documents submitted to outside agencies. This approach allows us to honor student identity while providing families with a clear, consistent experience.

For families, this shift also brings added convenience and clarity. Submitting requests through Infinite Campus, a system already used to manage student records, grades and communication, creates a smoother experience without the need for separate platforms. Once a parent submits the request, school counselors will continue to receive and review each request, providing support throughout the process to ensure students feel seen, safe and supported. The CSD website will be updated to reflect this update in the process. Additionally, school-based staff, including administrators, counselors, and registrars, will be trained in the process change at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.

I. Legal Name Change
If a student's legal name has been legally changed, CSD will update the student's name throughout our entire system. This update will be reflected in state reporting and in all official internal records. Only legal names will appear on transcripts and any official documents requested by outside entities.

II. Preferred Name/Gender Marker (No Legal Change)
If there has been no legal name change, CSD can still update the student's preferred name and/or gender marker within Google Workspace applications for school use only. Families and students will see these local updates in teacher rosters, email directories, and other internal systems. These updates will not appear on official transcripts or on documents sent externally; those will continue to use the legal name on file.

III. Nickname Option
Students may choose to add a nickname to their profile. This alerts teachers and staff to use the student's chosen name in daily interactions. Please note that a nickname will not appear on any formal school documents (report cards, transcripts, etc.) but will be visible in class lists and communications.

IV. Support & Next Steps
To submit a legal name change, preferred name/gender marker change, or nickname, the parent or legal guardian should complete the designated form in the parent portal. Once the form is submitted, the student's counselor will receive a referral to ensure the student has any additional support they may need. We strive to provide a safe, respectful environment, and counseling staff are available to discuss social, emotional, or logistical questions.

If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact CSD's Lead Counselor, Dr. Kimberly Jones, at kjones@csdecatur.net.