Data Usage Policy

1. Overview

This Data Usage Policy explains how Unchalked collects, processes, stores, and utilizes data to provide our Texas School District Intelligence Platform. We are committed to transparency and responsible data practices.

This policy complements our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, providing detailed information about our data handling practices.

2. Data Sources

2.1 Public Records

We collect data from publicly available sources including:

• Texas Education Agency (TEA) public databases
• School district websites and public records
• Government transparency portals
• Public meeting minutes and agendas
• Official district communications

2.2 User-Generated Content

We collect data that users provide through our platform:

• PIR request submissions and content
• User account information and preferences
• Communication logs and email correspondence
• Platform usage patterns and interactions

2.3 Automated Collection

We automatically collect technical data including IP addresses, browser information, usage analytics, and system performance metrics to improve our platform.

3. Data Processing Purposes

We process data for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide and maintain our platform functionality
• PIR Management: To facilitate Public Information Request creation, tracking, and management
• Communication: To enable email integration and user notifications
• Analytics: To understand usage patterns and improve our services
• Compliance: To meet legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Security: To protect our platform and users from fraud and abuse

4. Data Categories and Usage

4.1 School District Data

We collect and display information about Texas school districts:

• Contact Information: District addresses, phone numbers, email addresses
• Demographics: Enrollment numbers, student-teacher ratios, demographic breakdowns
• Financial Data: Budget information, expenditures, revenue data
• Performance Metrics: Accountability ratings, test scores, graduation rates

4.2 User Data

We process user information for platform functionality:

• Account Information: Names, email addresses, organization affiliations
• PIR Requests: Request content, district targets, submission dates
• Communication Data: Email correspondence, response tracking
• Usage Analytics: Platform interactions, feature usage, search patterns

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We share data in the following circumstances:

• Public Display: PIR requests may be publicly displayed as required by Texas Public Information Act
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services for platform operation
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
• User Consent: With explicit user consent for specific purposes
• Aggregated Analytics: Non-personal, aggregated usage statistics for research

6. Data Retention and Storage

6.1 Retention Periods

We retain different types of data for varying periods:

• Account Data: Retained while account is active, deleted upon account closure
• PIR Requests: Retained indefinitely as required by public records laws
• Usage Analytics: Retained for up to 3 years for service improvement
• Communication Logs: Retained for up to 7 years for legal compliance

6.2 Storage Security

All data is stored using industry-standard security measures including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.

7. Data Accuracy and Quality

We strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date data:

• Regular updates from official sources
• User feedback and correction mechanisms
• Data validation and quality checks
• Transparent sourcing and attribution

8. User Rights and Controls

Users have the following rights regarding their data:

• Access: View and download your personal data
• Correction: Update inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request removal of personal data (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Export your data in a standard format
• Restriction: Limit how we process your data
• Objection: Object to certain types of data processing

9. Data Protection Measures

We implement comprehensive data protection measures:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and penetration testing
• Access controls and authentication systems
• Data backup and disaster recovery procedures
• Employee training on data protection
• Incident response and breach notification procedures

10. Third-Party Data Processing

We work with trusted third-party service providers who may process data on our behalf:

• Cloud hosting and infrastructure providers
• Email service providers for PIR communications
• Analytics and monitoring services
• Customer support and communication tools

All third-party providers are bound by contractual obligations to protect data and comply with our privacy standards.

11. International Data Transfers

Our platform primarily operates within the United States. Any international data transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and regulations, including appropriate safeguards and user consent where required.

12. Changes to Data Usage

We may update this Data Usage Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify users of material changes and provide an opportunity to review and accept updated terms.

13. Contact Information

For questions about our data usage practices, please contact us: