School officials can release personally identifiable information without parental consent if:

FERPA applies to the disclosure of education records and of personally identifiable information (PII) from education records that are maintained by the school.  Therefore, FERPA does not prohibit a school official from releasing information about a student that was obtained through the school official’s personal knowledge or observation, rather than from the student’s education records.  For example, if a teacher overhears a student making threatening remarks to other students, FERPA does not protect that information from disclosure.  Therefore, a school official may disclose what he or she overheard to appropriate authorities, including disclosing the information to local law enforcement officials, school officials, and parents.

Audience: 

K-12 School Officials

Postsecondary School Officials

Topics: 

FERPA

Parent and Eligible Student Rights

Records may be released without the student's consent: (1) to school officials with a legitimate educational interest; (2) to other schools to which a student seeks or intends to enroll; (3) to education officials for audit and evaluation purposes; (4) to accrediting organizations; (5) to parties in connection with ...
Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance.

What are the four main FERPA exceptions for sharing student PII?

Release without student written consent.
University officials carrying out their specifically assigned educational or administrative responsibilities. ... .
Appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency..
Federal officers as prescribed by law..
As required by state law..
FERPA allows schools to disclose information from a student's education record, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions: School officials with legitimate educational interest. Other schools to which a student is transferring. Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes.