As education becomes increasingly digital, the role of a school’s website is more important than ever. For Oklahoma public schools, charter schools, and even private institutions, a website is not only a communication tool—it’s a legal document. Federal and state regulations govern what information must be available, how it must be presented, and who must be able to access it. From accessibility standards to Title IV disclosures, failing to comply can result in lawsuits, complaints, and loss of funding.
This is why now is the time for Oklahoma schools to review and update their websites for legal compliance.
Website Accessibility (WCAG & ADA Compliance)
One of the most critical requirements for school websites is digital accessibility. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, all web content must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes students, parents, and staff who may rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or assistive technologies.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) provide the standard for measuring compliance. Schools must ensure their websites:
- Include proper alternative text for images
- Offer keyboard-accessible navigation
- Use clear contrast and readable font sizes
- Avoid inaccessible documents like untagged PDFs
Failure to meet these standards has already led to numerous Office for Civil Rights (OCR) investigations across the U.S., including in Oklahoma.
Title IV and Other Federal Compliance Requirements
Title IV of the Higher Education Act requires schools that receive federal funding to disclose specific information online. While more commonly enforced for higher education, many of the same principles apply to K-12 districts and charter schools.
Schools must clearly provide:
- Non-discrimination statements
- Policies on bullying, harassment, and discipline
- Title IX coordinator contact information
- Student rights under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
This information should be easy to find, written in plain language, and accessible to all users.
Oklahoma State-Specific Requirements
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) requires that districts post certain information on their websites, including:
- Board meeting agendas and minutes
- Report card for the school and district
- Accreditation status
- Financial transparency data (budgets, audits, expenditures)
Many of these documents must also be published in machine-readable formats to ensure accessibility. Schools that fail to meet these requirements may be subject to state audits or lose eligibility for grants.
Why It Matters
A non-compliant website isn’t just a legal liability—it’s a barrier to access. Families who cannot access information online due to a disability or language barrier are effectively excluded from full participation in their child’s education. And as schools rely more heavily on digital tools for communication, scheduling, remote learning, and even enrollment, the website becomes a front door to the entire educational experience.
Legal risks aside, a well-maintained, accessible, and compliant website reflects a district’s commitment to transparency and excellence.
How Schools Can Get Started
Reviewing and improving your school’s website doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few steps to begin:
- Conduct an accessibility audit
- Review your website content for required federal and state disclosures
- Ensure all PDF and downloadable documents are tagged and accessible
- Create a clear process for keeping your site up to date
Working with a partner like Rudder Digital ensures your site meets all compliance standards while remaining user-friendly and professional.
Make Compliance a Priority in 2025
Legal compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential. Oklahoma schools must take a proactive approach to website accessibility, transparency, and communication. Doing so not only reduces legal risk but also ensures every family, student, and community member has access to the resources they need.
Rudder Digital identifies and resolves legal requirements for school websites. We handle the compliance, so you can focus on students and education.
Contact us to schedule a free audit and consultation.
