Illinois
Illinois school district superintendent allegedly shared student vaccine records
Prosecutors alleged Timothy Farquer accessed student vaccine records, put them into a database and shared them, violating student privacy, according to court documents filed Sept. 25.
*video from another source
By Matt Stefanski and KWQC• Published October 7, 2025• Updated on October 7, 2025 at 10:41 pm
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The superintendent of a northwestern Illinois school district and two employees were arrested after sharing student vaccine records, authorities said.
KWQC, the NBC affiliate in the Quad Cities, reported Timothy Farquer, the superintendent of the Mercer County School District, was charged with felony official misconduct as well as unauthorized access to medical records and computer tampering, both misdemeanors.
Two school employees in the technology department, Amberly Norton and Andrea Long, were arrested on the same charges, authorities said. If convicted, they could spend up to five years in prison.
Prosecutors alleged Farquer accessed student vaccine records, put them into a database and shared them, violating student privacy, according to court documents filed Sept. 25. Authorities haven't said who Farquer shared the records with or provided a reason as to why he accessed them.
The Mercer County School is based in Aledo, approximately 30 miles south of Moline.
Student vaccine records are protected under both Illinois and federal laws.
The school district released the following statement on what allegedly occurred:
"The Mercer County School Board acknowledges the recent arrests of Superintendent Timothy Farquer and two District IT staff members. We understand the seriousness of the allegations and are cooperating fully with legal counsel and relevant authorities to ensure a fair and transparent review of the facts.
Illinois school districts maintain student health records as part of students’ cumulative educational record as part of a legally recognized process. Such records are essential to ensuring student safety, compliance with state mandates, and appropriate educational support.
Under the Illinois School Student Records Act (“ISSRA”), student health records are explicitly defined as part of the student’s school record. Their use by teachers, school nurses, and support staff is not only common but necessary to meet the educational and developmental needs of our students. Moreover, the management of these records—including secure digital access—is administered by the district’s IT department, consistent with best practices and statutory obligations.
The Board emphasizes that these records are governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and ISSRA, not by HIPAA or medical privacy laws applicable to healthcare providers. Their use within the school setting is lawful, regulated, and essential to the functioning of our educational mission.
We remain committed to protecting student privacy, supporting our staff, and upholding the integrity of our district. We ask the community to withhold judgment until all facts are reviewed and due process is respected."
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