diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 51e4d17..2991bb4 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -5,6 +5,35 @@ All notable changes to IDBridge are documented in this file.
 The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/). Versions use
 a calendar scheme `YY.M.D.build` (see [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md#versioning--releases)).
 
+## [26.10.9.0] - 2026-10-09
+
+### Added
+- **Group processing per source type: `ProcessGroupsAD` / `ProcessGroupsGoogle`.** New
+  per-record `[bool]` flags on `New-IDBridgeSourceRecord` (default `$true`). When a record's
+  flag is `$false`, that directory's group processing leaves the person alone entirely — no
+  adds, no removes, and no deactivate strip (an empty proposed list would otherwise strip
+  everything). The flags only narrow `enableGroupProcessing`; they can never turn group
+  processing on. `Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate` / `Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate` log the skipped
+  count at Trace, and the groups-not-processed trace ignores opted-out users. Plugin
+  templates expose it: staff (TemplateVersion 2) via `$ADProcessGroups` /
+  `$GoogleProcessGroups`; Skyward (TemplateVersion 3) and Infinite Campus (TemplateVersion 2)
+  per grade via `AD/Google.ProcessGroups` in `GradeDefaultSettings` / `GradeOverrides`.
+  Installed plugins need no change — records built without the flags stay opted in. Covered
+  by new cases in the AD/Google group-diff and source-record tests (`New-TestSourceRecord`
+  gains the two flags).
+
+### Fixed
+- **The deactivate group strip now has one gate in both directories and honors WhatIf.**
+  AD stripped groups on deactivate whenever `enableGroupProcessingTrash` was on, even with
+  `AD.enableGroupProcessing = $false`, while Google also required `enableGroupProcessing`.
+  Neither checked `enableGroupProcessingWhatIf`, so with Trash on, deactivations stripped
+  groups for real in WhatIf mode — contradicting the documented "no group writes happen".
+  Both directories now strip only when `enableGroupProcessing` and
+  `enableGroupProcessingTrash` are on, `enableGroupProcessingWhatIf` is off, and the user's
+  `ProcessGroups<Dir>` flag isn't `$false`. **Behavior change:** a config with Trash on but
+  WhatIf on (either directory) or AD group processing off no longer strips groups on
+  deactivate.
+
 ## [26.9.25.0] - 2026-09-25
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/CLAUDE.md b/CLAUDE.md
index 3613243..d030b20 100644
--- a/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/CLAUDE.md
@@ -97,7 +97,11 @@ logic gets tests alongside it.
    `Debug.readOnly = $false`. The shipped config defaults `ReadOnly = $true`.
 2. **Group writes are double-gated** by `enableGroupProcessing`, plus
    `enableGroupProcessingWhatIf` (log-only), `enableGroupProcessingRemove`
-   (allow removals), and `enableGroupProcessingTrash` (strip groups on deactivate).
+   (allow removals), and `enableGroupProcessingTrash` (strip groups on deactivate — only
+   with `enableGroupProcessing` on and WhatIf off, same gate in AD and Google).
+   Per person, a source record's `ProcessGroupsAD` / `ProcessGroupsGoogle = $false` (set by
+   the source plugin — per source type or per grade) leaves that user's groups in that
+   directory untouched: no adds, removes, or deactivate strips.
    `Google.groupsExcluded` / `AD.groupsExcluded` list wildcard patterns (email / name)
    for groups IDBridge must never touch — dropped at target-data retrieval, so no adds,
    removes, or deactivate strips ever reach them.
diff --git a/docs/configuration.md b/docs/configuration.md
index 3bd808e..4cdd2c4 100644
--- a/docs/configuration.md
+++ b/docs/configuration.md
@@ -68,10 +68,10 @@ the guard off (older configs keep working).
 | `enabled`                     | bool   | Master switch for Google processing (an auth failure throws — see behavioral notes). | `Initialize-IDBridge` (cascade), `Invoke-IDBridge` |
 | `customerID`                  | string | Workspace customer ID. | Google target/API calls |
 | `userRootOU`                  | string | Root OU path, e.g. `/YourDistrict`. Managed-population anchor for the change-volume guard. | `Invoke-IDBridge` (`ChangeThreshold`) |
-| `enableGroupProcessing`       | bool   | Enable Google group sync. | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
+| `enableGroupProcessing`       | bool   | Enable Google group sync. Per person, a source record with `ProcessGroupsGoogle = $false` is left out (see behavioral notes). | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
 | `enableGroupProcessingWhatIf` | bool   | While `$true`, group diffs are computed and logged but **no group writes happen** (even with `enableGroupProcessing = $true`). | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
 | `enableGroupProcessingRemove` | bool   | Allow removals (not just adds). | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
-| `enableGroupProcessingTrash`  | bool   | Strip group memberships when deactivating. | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
+| `enableGroupProcessingTrash`  | bool   | Strip group memberships when deactivating. Only takes effect with `enableGroupProcessing = $true` and `enableGroupProcessingWhatIf = $false`; never strips a user with `ProcessGroupsGoogle = $false`. | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
 | `groupsExcluded`              | array  | Group **email** wildcard patterns IDBridge never touches — matching groups are dropped at target-data retrieval, so no adds, removes, or deactivate strips ever reach them (exclusion wins even over a proposed group). Key absent = `@('classroom_teachers@*')` (the previous hardcoded behavior); if you set the key, include that pattern yourself. | `Get-TargetDataGoogle` |
 | `enableLicenseRemoval`        | bool   | Remove a user's discovered **paid** license assignments on the **full deactivate (trash) step only** — never on a `ForceDisable` update. The base Education Fundamentals license self-releases when the deactivate step archives the user. **On when the key is absent** (code default), but the shipped config template sets `$false` — so a scaffolded install starts with it off; setting `$false` also drops the `apps.licensing` scope from token requests. | `Invoke-IDBridge`, `Get-TargetDataGoogle`, `Get-IDBridgeGoogleScope` |
 | `licenseProductIds`           | array  | Products searched for a user's assignments (SKUs are discovered, not configured). Default `@('101031','101037')` (Education Standard/Plus + Teaching and Learning Upgrade) — paid products only; the base license is not touched by API (archiving releases it, and API removal fights OU auto-licensing). IDs: [Google's product list](https://developers.google.com/workspace/admin/licensing/how-to/products). | `Get-TargetDataGoogle` |
@@ -86,10 +86,10 @@ the guard off (older configs keep working).
 |-----|------|--------|---------|
 | `enabled`                     | bool   | Master switch for AD processing. | `Initialize-IDBridge`, `Invoke-IDBridge` |
 | `userRootOU`                  | string | Root OU DN, e.g. `OU=YourDistrict,DC=yourdomain,DC=local`. Managed-population anchor for the change-volume guard. | `Invoke-IDBridge` (`ChangeThreshold`) |
-| `enableGroupProcessing`       | bool   | Enable AD group sync. | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
+| `enableGroupProcessing`       | bool   | Enable AD group sync. Per person, a source record with `ProcessGroupsAD = $false` is left out (see behavioral notes). | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
 | `enableGroupProcessingWhatIf` | bool   | While `$true`, group diffs are computed and logged but **no group writes happen** (even with `enableGroupProcessing = $true`). | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
 | `enableGroupProcessingRemove` | bool   | Allow removals. | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
-| `enableGroupProcessingTrash`  | bool   | Strip groups on deactivate (passed to `Disable-IDBridgeADUser`). | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
+| `enableGroupProcessingTrash`  | bool   | Strip groups on deactivate (passed to `Disable-IDBridgeADUser`). Only takes effect with `enableGroupProcessing = $true` and `enableGroupProcessingWhatIf = $false`; never strips a user with `ProcessGroupsAD = $false`. | `Invoke-IDBridge` |
 | `groupsExcluded`              | array  | Group **name** wildcard patterns IDBridge never touches — matching groups are dropped at target-data retrieval, so no adds, removes, or deactivate strips ever reach them (exclusion wins even over a proposed group). Default `@()`. | `Get-TargetDataAD` |
 
 ### `Logging`
@@ -242,6 +242,13 @@ key. **Only names/locations are documented here — never values.** See [secrets
   (config or `-SkipGoogle`/`-SkipAD`) also disables that side's `enableGroupProcessing`.
 - **WhatIf vs. ReadOnly:** `Debug.ReadOnly` blocks *all* writes; `enableGroupProcessingWhatIf`
   scopes only group changes to log-only while other writes still happen (when not ReadOnly).
+  That includes the deactivate strip (`enableGroupProcessingTrash`).
+- **Group processing per source type:** the `AD`/`Google` switches above are directory-wide;
+  each source record's `ProcessGroupsAD` / `ProcessGroupsGoogle` (default `$true`, set by the
+  source plugin) narrows them per person. `$false` leaves that person's memberships in that
+  directory untouched — no adds, removes, or deactivate strips. The shipped staff plugin sets
+  it for all staff (`$ADProcessGroups`/`$GoogleProcessGroups`); the student plugins set it per
+  grade (`GradeSettings.<grade>.AD/Google.ProcessGroups`). See [plugins.md](plugins.md).
 - **Safe default:** the shipped config has `Debug.ReadOnly = $true` and AD/Google group
   `WhatIf = $true` — a fresh run reports intended changes without modifying anything.
 - **Change-volume guard:** `ChangeThreshold` aborts the whole run (before any writes) if a
diff --git a/docs/functions.md b/docs/functions.md
index 8ff7d69..5c4dfc1 100644
--- a/docs/functions.md
+++ b/docs/functions.md
@@ -427,9 +427,11 @@ Canonical factory for a source record — the shape plugins must emit. **Params:
 `JobTitle`, `Company`, `PersonType`, `PersonTypeID` [ValidateSet `1`/`2`/`3`], `IDBActive`
 [bool], `ProvisionAD`/`ProvisionGoogle` [bool]); optional/defaulted everything else
 (`Department`/`InternalID` → `$null`, `GroupsProposed` → `@()`, the AD/Google OU/password
-fields). **Returns:** an ordered `PSCustomObject` with the full 35-field contract (incl. optional
-AD attributes `Description`/`TelephoneNumber`/`EmailAddress`/`PasswordNeverExpires`/
-`ExtensionAttribute2-4`, and the override flags `ForceDisable`/`GoogleOUOverride`). Construction
+fields, `ProcessGroupsAD`/`ProcessGroupsGoogle` → `$true`). **Returns:** an ordered
+`PSCustomObject` with the full 37-field contract (incl. optional AD attributes
+`Description`/`TelephoneNumber`/`EmailAddress`/`PasswordNeverExpires`/`ExtensionAttribute2-4`,
+the per-user group-processing scope `ProcessGroupsAD`/`ProcessGroupsGoogle`, and the override
+flags `ForceDisable`/`GoogleOUOverride`). Construction
 enforces presence + type; cross-field rules live in `Test-IDBridgeSourceData`.
 
 ### `Test-IDBridgeSourceData` 🧮
@@ -559,8 +561,9 @@ plaintext phrase rides on each item for the caller's optional export and is neve
 
 ### `Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate` 🔒 🧮
 **Params:** `-UserList`, `-CurrentADGroups`. Diffs `GroupsProposed` vs `ADCurrentGroups`
-(adds must exist in AD). **Returns:** `@{ Add; Remove }` (each `@{PersonID; ADCurrentUserID;
-Groups}`).
+(adds must exist in AD). Users with `ProcessGroupsAD = $false` are skipped entirely — no adds
+and no removes (an empty diff would otherwise strip all their groups); the skipped count is
+logged at Trace. **Returns:** `@{ Add; Remove }` (each `@{PersonID; ADCurrentUserID; Groups}`).
 
 ### `New-IDBridgeADOrgUnit` 🔒 🌐
 **Params:** `-OrgUnit` (DN). Parses DN → `New-ADOrganizationalUnit`. Throws on failure —
@@ -568,7 +571,9 @@ Groups}`).
 
 ### `Disable-IDBridgeADUser` 🔒 🌐
 **Params:** `-User`, `-GroupRemovalProcessingStatus`. Disables account, stamps `Division`
-with timestamp, moves to trash OU, and (if flag) removes all current groups — each removal
+with timestamp, moves to trash OU, and (if flag) removes all current groups. `Invoke-IDBridge`
+sets the flag only when `enableGroupProcessing` + `enableGroupProcessingTrash` are on, WhatIf is
+off, and the user's `ProcessGroupsAD` isn't `$false` (the same gate as Google). Each removal
 recorded as its own `GroupRemove` write result; a failed group is logged and skipped.
 Disable/move failures return the ErrorRecord (the caller records the `Deactivate` result).
 
@@ -656,7 +661,9 @@ account would be re-matched every run). **Returns:** user objects.
 ### `Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate` 🔒 🧮
 **Params:** `-UserList`, `-GoogleGroups` (nullable). Diffs proposed vs current groups
 (adds must exist in Google; membership compared by each group's real email from
-`GoogleGroups` — a group's email does not always match its name). **Returns:** `@{ Add; Remove }`.
+`GoogleGroups` — a group's email does not always match its name). Users with
+`ProcessGroupsGoogle = $false` are skipped entirely — no adds and no removes; the skipped count
+is logged at Trace. **Returns:** `@{ Add; Remove }`.
 
 ### `Get-GoogleUsersOrphaned` 🧮
 **Params:** `-UserList`, `-GoogleUsers`, `-TrashOU`. Finds Google users whose ID isn't in
diff --git a/docs/getting-started.md b/docs/getting-started.md
index 3e1846f..6e4a138 100644
--- a/docs/getting-started.md
+++ b/docs/getting-started.md
@@ -203,7 +203,9 @@ Flip one brake at a time, with a read-only-style review (`-ReadOnly` or `-Previe
    legitimate first population isn't blocked.
 2. `enableGroupProcessing = $true` (per directory) with `WhatIf` still `$true` — review the
    group diffs in the log. Add patterns to `groupsExcluded` for any group IDBridge must
-   never touch (manually curated clubs, committees).
+   never touch (manually curated clubs, committees). To keep a whole source type (e.g. staff)
+   or a grade out of a directory's group processing, set that plugin's `ProcessGroups` flag
+   to `$false` (see [plugins.md](plugins.md#source-plugin-output-schema)).
 3. `enableGroupProcessingWhatIf = $false` — group **adds** go live.
 4. Later, as trust builds: `enableGroupProcessingRemove`, `enableGroupProcessingTrash`, and
    `Google.enableLicenseRemoval` (see [configuration.md](configuration.md#google-workspace-processing)).
diff --git a/docs/plugins.md b/docs/plugins.md
index 00a2041..f7a82cc 100644
--- a/docs/plugins.md
+++ b/docs/plugins.md
@@ -62,8 +62,9 @@ Source plugins **must build each record with the `New-IDBridgeSourceRecord` fact
 your field hashtable: `New-IDBridgeSourceRecord @recordFields`) rather than hand-rolling a
 `PSCustomObject`. The factory guarantees one canonical, ordered shape and enforces required
 fields + types at construction (core fields are `Mandatory`; `PersonTypeID` is a
-`ValidateSet`; `IDBActive`/`ProvisionAD`/`ProvisionGoogle` are `[bool]`; `GroupsProposed` null is
-normalized to `@()`). Downstream `Get-*To*` functions depend on these exact property names:
+`ValidateSet`; `IDBActive`/`ProvisionAD`/`ProvisionGoogle`/`ProcessGroupsAD`/`ProcessGroupsGoogle`
+are `[bool]`; `GroupsProposed` null is normalized to `@()`). Downstream `Get-*To*` functions
+depend on these exact property names:
 
 | Property | Notes |
 |----------|-------|
@@ -82,6 +83,7 @@ normalized to `@()`). Downstream `Get-*To*` functions depend on these exact prop
 | `GoogleOUOverride` | `[bool]` (def `$false`) — override-driven skip of the Google OU move. |
 | `IDBActive` | Master "active in source" flag. `$false` ⇒ deactivate in **every** directory. |
 | `ProvisionAD` / `ProvisionGoogle` | Per-user directory targeting `[bool]`. With `IDBActive`: create/update when both true; deactivate when either is false. (A young student = `ProvisionAD=$false`.) |
+| `ProcessGroupsAD` / `ProcessGroupsGoogle` | Per-user group-processing scope `[bool]` (def `$true`). `$false` leaves that directory's group memberships untouched for the person — no adds, no removes, no deactivate strip. Only narrows the directory's `enableGroupProcessing`; it never turns group processing on. This is how group processing is enabled per source type (staff vs. students) or per grade. |
 | `ADOrganizationalUnit` / `GoogleOrganizationalUnit` | Target OU (DN / path). |
 | `ADOrganizationalUnitTrash` / `GoogleOrganizationalUnitTrash` | Deactivation OU. |
 | `ADChangePasswordAtLogon` / `GoogleChangePasswordAtLogon` | Force change flag. |
@@ -203,6 +205,9 @@ File: `C:\IDBridge\Plugins\Invoke-PluginGSheetStaff.ps1`. Pulls staff from a Goo
   comma-split `ApplicationGroups` **+** `EmailGroups`, de-duplicated. The bundled helper is
   a starting point (`All Staff`, `<building> Staff`, and `All Professional Staff` via a
   person-type allow-list) — extend it to encode your district's group policy.
+- **Group-processing scope:** `$ADProcessGroups` / `$GoogleProcessGroups` (default `$true`) set
+  `ProcessGroupsAD` / `ProcessGroupsGoogle` on every staff record — set one `$false` to leave
+  staff group memberships untouched in that directory while students are still processed.
 
 ### `Invoke-PluginStaffOverride` — Override *(disabled in config)*
 File: `C:\IDBridge\Plugins\Invoke-PluginStaffOverride.ps1`. Reads `Get-GoogleSheetData`
@@ -228,6 +233,10 @@ File: `C:\IDBridge\Plugins\Invoke-PluginSkywardSMSStudents.ps1`. Pulls students
 - **Per-directory provisioning:** `ProvisionAD = [bool]$GradeSettings.<grade>.AD.Provision` and
   `ProvisionGoogle = [bool]…Google.Provision` — so "younger grades = Google only" is set by adding
   a `GradeOverrides` entry with `AD = @{ Provision = $false }`.
+- **Per-directory group scope:** `ProcessGroupsAD/Google = <grade>.AD/Google.ProcessGroups -ne $false`
+  (default `$true`) — so students can be left out of a directory's group processing entirely
+  (set it in `GradeDefaultSettings`) or per grade (`'01' = @{ AD = @{ ProcessGroups = $false } }`).
+  Read as `-ne $false` rather than `[bool]` so a settings block without the key stays opted in.
 - **Name casing:** `NameFirst`/`NameLast` are run through the module's `Format-IDBridgeName`
   (Skyward returns ALL-CAPS → Title Case). Because the update functions compare names
   case-sensitively (`-cne`), existing accounts get the casing fix too, not just new ones.
@@ -248,7 +257,7 @@ secret `ApiKey-InfiniteCampus`; optional school exclusion by identifier; safety
 - **Per-grade settings** work exactly as in the Skyward plugin (`GradeDefaultSettings` +
   `GradeOverrides` merged across `ValidGrades`), but password types are limited to
   `RANDOM`/`API-PASSPHRASE` — Infinite Campus OneRoster exposes no food-service PIN or
-  password word.
+  password word. Group-processing scope (`AD/Google.ProcessGroups`) works the same way too.
 - `IDBActive`: false if not seen within `DaysLastSeen` (14), if IC reports the student as
   not `active`/account-disabled (`Status`, `ActiveUserAccount`), if the primary enrollment's
   `RoleEndDate` is in the past, or if the grade is missing/disabled in settings. Grade-12
diff --git a/src/IDBridge/IDBridge.psd1 b/src/IDBridge/IDBridge.psd1
index e3a30f7..7582a34 100644
--- a/src/IDBridge/IDBridge.psd1
+++ b/src/IDBridge/IDBridge.psd1
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 @{
     RootModule        = 'IDBridge.psm1'
-    ModuleVersion     = '26.9.25.0'
+    ModuleVersion     = '26.10.9.0'
     GUID              = 'a0a0c664-888e-44e2-9c12-fc8647a520c0'
     Author            = 'Sam Cattanach'
     CompanyName       = 'SC Networks LLC'
diff --git a/src/IDBridge/Private/AD/Disable-IDBridgeADUser.ps1 b/src/IDBridge/Private/AD/Disable-IDBridgeADUser.ps1
index 72d3b8b..60f090f 100644
--- a/src/IDBridge/Private/AD/Disable-IDBridgeADUser.ps1
+++ b/src/IDBridge/Private/AD/Disable-IDBridgeADUser.ps1
@@ -16,15 +16,16 @@ The source record for the user to deactivate (uses ADCurrentUserID, ADOrganizati
 ADCurrentGroups, and PersonID).
 
 .PARAMETER GroupRemovalProcessingStatus
-When $true, remove the user from all current groups as part of deactivation (driven by the AD
-enableGroupProcessingTrash setting).
+When $true, remove the user from all current groups as part of deactivation. Invoke-IDBridge passes
+$true only when AD enableGroupProcessing and enableGroupProcessingTrash are on, WhatIf is off, and
+the user's ProcessGroupsAD is not $false.
 
 .EXAMPLE
-Disable-IDBridgeADUser -User $item -GroupRemovalProcessingStatus $IDConfig.AD.enableGroupProcessingTrash
+Disable-IDBridgeADUser -User $item -GroupRemovalProcessingStatus ($adGroupTrashEnabled -and $item.ProcessGroupsAD -ne $false)
 
 .NOTES
    Created by: Sam Cattanach
-   Modified: 2026-06-26
+   Modified: 2026-10-09
 #>
 function Disable-IDBridgeADUser {
     [CmdletBinding()]
diff --git a/src/IDBridge/Private/AD/Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate.ps1 b/src/IDBridge/Private/AD/Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate.ps1
index 180773b..64ad4d0 100644
--- a/src/IDBridge/Private/AD/Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate.ps1
+++ b/src/IDBridge/Private/AD/Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate.ps1
@@ -6,6 +6,8 @@ Diff proposed vs current AD group membership for active linked users.
 For each active, AD-provisioned, linked user, compares GroupsProposed against ADCurrentGroups and
 builds an Add list (proposed groups that exist in AD and the user isn't already in) and a Remove
 list (current groups no longer proposed). Adds are limited to groups present in CurrentADGroups.
+Users with ProcessGroupsAD = $false are skipped entirely (no adds, no removes) - an empty proposed
+list would otherwise strip all of their groups - and the skipped count is logged at Trace.
 
 .PARAMETER UserList
 The enriched source records.
@@ -21,7 +23,7 @@ $groups = Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate -UserList $sourceData -CurrentADGroups $adDat
 
 .NOTES
    Created by: Sam Cattanach
-   Modified: 2026-06-26
+   Modified: 2026-10-09
 #>
 function Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate {
     [CmdletBinding()]
@@ -36,8 +38,15 @@ function Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate {
 
     $itemListAdd = @()
     $itemListRemove = @()
+    $skippedCount = 0
 
     foreach ($item in $UserList | Where-Object {$_.IDBActive -eq $true -and $_.ProvisionAD -eq $true -and $_.ADCurrentUserID}) {
+        #Opted out of AD group processing - leave the user's groups untouched (no adds, no removes)
+        if ($item.ProcessGroupsAD -eq $false) {
+            $skippedCount++
+            continue
+        }
+
         #Create list for adding groups
         $userGroupsAdd = @()
 
@@ -75,6 +84,10 @@ function Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate {
         }
     }
 
+    if ($skippedCount -gt 0) {
+        Write-Log -Message "AD: Group processing skipped for $($skippedCount) user(s) with ProcessGroupsAD = `$false." -Level Trace
+    }
+
     return [PSCustomObject]@{
         Add = $itemListAdd
         Remove = $itemListRemove
diff --git a/src/IDBridge/Private/Google/Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate.ps1 b/src/IDBridge/Private/Google/Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate.ps1
index ef79137..2cfde8a 100644
--- a/src/IDBridge/Private/Google/Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate.ps1
+++ b/src/IDBridge/Private/Google/Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate.ps1
@@ -8,7 +8,9 @@ GoogleCurrentGroups and builds an Add list (proposed groups that exist in Google
 already in) and a Remove list (current memberships no longer proposed). Membership is compared by
 each group's real email from GoogleGroups (a group's email does not always match its name), so a
 group named Grade-PK with email studentsgradepk@domain diffs correctly. Adds are limited to groups
-present in GoogleGroups.
+present in GoogleGroups. Users with ProcessGroupsGoogle = $false are skipped entirely (no adds, no
+removes) - an empty proposed list would otherwise strip all of their groups - and the skipped
+count is logged at Trace.
 
 .PARAMETER UserList
 The enriched source records.
@@ -24,7 +26,7 @@ $groups = Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate -UserList $sourceData -GoogleGroups $goog
 
 .NOTES
    Created by: Sam Cattanach
-   Modified: 2026-07-21
+   Modified: 2026-10-09
 #>
 function Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate {
     [CmdletBinding()]
@@ -39,6 +41,7 @@ function Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate {
 
     $itemListAdd = @()
     $itemListRemove = @()
+    $skippedCount = 0
 
     #Map group names to emails (and back) so membership is compared by each group's real email
     $groupEmailByName = @{}
@@ -49,6 +52,12 @@ function Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate {
     }
 
     foreach ($item in $UserList | Where-Object {$_.IDBActive -eq $true -and $_.ProvisionGoogle -eq $true -and $_.GoogleCurrentUserID}) {
+        #Opted out of Google group processing - leave the user's groups untouched (no adds, no removes)
+        if ($item.ProcessGroupsGoogle -eq $false) {
+            $skippedCount++
+            continue
+        }
+
         #Create list for adding groups
         $userGroupsAdd = @()
 
@@ -90,6 +99,10 @@ function Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate {
         }
     }
 
+    if ($skippedCount -gt 0) {
+        Write-Log -Message "Google: Group processing skipped for $($skippedCount) user(s) with ProcessGroupsGoogle = `$false." -Level Trace
+    }
+
     return [PSCustomObject]@{
         Add = $itemListAdd
         Remove = $itemListRemove
diff --git a/src/IDBridge/Public/Core/Invoke-IDBridge.ps1 b/src/IDBridge/Public/Core/Invoke-IDBridge.ps1
index 1812e3d..6b39b72 100644
--- a/src/IDBridge/Public/Core/Invoke-IDBridge.ps1
+++ b/src/IDBridge/Public/Core/Invoke-IDBridge.ps1
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ Invoke-IDBridge -Preview -ShowPasswords | Where-Object Action -eq 'Create' | For
 
 .NOTES
    Created by: Sam Cattanach
-   Modified: 2026-08-21
+   Modified: 2026-10-09
 #>
 function Invoke-IDBridge {
     [CmdletBinding()]
@@ -193,17 +193,19 @@ function Invoke-IDBridge {
 
 
         #region Groups Not Processed
+        # Users opted out of a directory's group processing (ProcessGroups<Dir> = $false) are left out -
+        # their proposed groups are never processed there, so a missing group is not worth reporting.
         if ($IDConfig.Debug.TraceLogging -eq $true) {
             #AD Checks
             if ($IDConfig.AD.enabled -eq $true -and ($IDConfig.AD.enableGroupProcessing -eq $true -or $IDConfig.AD.enableGroupProcessingWhatIf -eq $true)) {
                 Write-Log -Message "AD: Checking for Groups Proposed for Processing that do not exist in the Target Data." -Level Trace
-                Show-GroupsNotProcessed -ProposedGroups $sourceData.GroupsProposed -TargetGroups $adData.Groups -Directory 'AD'
+                Show-GroupsNotProcessed -ProposedGroups ($sourceData | Where-Object { $_.ProcessGroupsAD -ne $false }).GroupsProposed -TargetGroups $adData.Groups -Directory 'AD'
             }
 
             #Google Checks
             if ($IDConfig.Google.enabled -eq $true -and ($IDConfig.Google.enableGroupProcessing -eq $true -or $IDConfig.Google.enableGroupProcessingWhatIf -eq $true)) {
                 Write-Log -Message "Google: Checking for Groups Proposed for Processing that do not exist in the Target Data." -Level Trace
-                Show-GroupsNotProcessed -ProposedGroups $sourceData.GroupsProposed -TargetGroups $googleData.Groups.name -Directory 'Google'
+                Show-GroupsNotProcessed -ProposedGroups ($sourceData | Where-Object { $_.ProcessGroupsGoogle -ne $false }).GroupsProposed -TargetGroups $googleData.Groups.name -Directory 'Google'
             }
         }
         #endregion Groups Not Processed
@@ -386,10 +388,13 @@ function Invoke-IDBridge {
             }
 
             #Disable Users
+            #Groups are stripped on deactivate only while group processing is live (enabled + Trash, not WhatIf)
+            #and the user hasn't opted out (ProcessGroupsAD = $false) - same gate as Google
+            $adGroupTrashEnabled = ($IDConfig.AD.enableGroupProcessing -eq $true -and $IDConfig.AD.enableGroupProcessingTrash -eq $true -and $IDConfig.AD.enableGroupProcessingWhatIf -ne $true)
             foreach ($item in $ADUsersToDeactivate) {
                 try {
                     #Disable-IDBridgeADUser returns the ErrorRecord on failure instead of throwing
-                    $disableResult = Disable-IDBridgeADUser -User $item -GroupRemovalProcessingStatus $IDConfig.AD.enableGroupProcessingTrash
+                    $disableResult = Disable-IDBridgeADUser -User $item -GroupRemovalProcessingStatus ($adGroupTrashEnabled -and $item.ProcessGroupsAD -ne $false)
                     Add-IDBridgeWriteResult -Directory AD -Action Deactivate -PersonID $item.PersonID -Target $item.UPN -Success ($null -eq $disableResult) -ErrorMessage "$($disableResult)"
                 }
                 catch {
@@ -561,10 +566,13 @@ function Invoke-IDBridge {
             }
 
             #Strip group memberships on deactivate (batched) and remove licenses
+            #Groups are stripped only while group processing is live (enabled + Trash, not WhatIf)
+            #and the user hasn't opted out (ProcessGroupsGoogle = $false) - same gate as AD
+            $googleGroupTrashEnabled = ($IDConfig.Google.enableGroupProcessing -eq $true -and $IDConfig.Google.enableGroupProcessingTrash -eq $true -and $IDConfig.Google.enableGroupProcessingWhatIf -ne $true)
             $googleBatchRequests = @()
             $identityMap = @{}
             foreach ($item in $GoogleUsersToDeactivate) {
-                if ($IDConfig.Google.enableGroupProcessing -eq $true -and $IDConfig.Google.enableGroupProcessingTrash -eq $true) {
+                if ($googleGroupTrashEnabled -and $item.ProcessGroupsGoogle -ne $false) {
                     foreach ($group in $item.GoogleCurrentGroups) {
                         try {
                             Write-Log -Message ("Google: Applying: Removing Group: $group from $($item.personID)")
diff --git a/src/IDBridge/Public/Source/New-IDBridgeSourceRecord.ps1 b/src/IDBridge/Public/Source/New-IDBridgeSourceRecord.ps1
index 74a6f55..f12d4a7 100644
--- a/src/IDBridge/Public/Source/New-IDBridgeSourceRecord.ps1
+++ b/src/IDBridge/Public/Source/New-IDBridgeSourceRecord.ps1
@@ -56,10 +56,20 @@ Override-driven flag (boolean) to skip the Google OU move. Defaults to $false.
 Whether this person should have an Active Directory account (per-user targeting). With
 IDBActive, drives create/update vs. deactivate for AD. Distinct from the global config switch.
 
+.PARAMETER ProcessGroupsAD
+Whether AD group processing applies to this person (boolean). Defaults to $true. When $false the
+user's AD group memberships are left untouched - no adds, no removes, and no strip on deactivate.
+Only narrows AD.enableGroupProcessing; it can never turn group processing on.
+
 .PARAMETER ProvisionGoogle
 Whether this person should have a Google Workspace account (per-user targeting). With
 IDBActive, drives create/update vs. deactivate for Google. Distinct from the global config switch.
 
+.PARAMETER ProcessGroupsGoogle
+Whether Google group processing applies to this person (boolean). Defaults to $true. When $false
+the user's Google group memberships are left untouched - no adds, no removes, and no strip on
+deactivate. Only narrows Google.enableGroupProcessing; it can never turn group processing on.
+
 .PARAMETER ADKey
 AD account password as a SecureString, or $null when using ADPassphraseAPI.
 
@@ -71,7 +81,7 @@ $record = New-IDBridgeSourceRecord @recordFields
 
 .NOTES
    Created by: Sam Cattanach
-   Modified: 2026-06-25
+   Modified: 2026-10-09
 #>
 function New-IDBridgeSourceRecord {
     [CmdletBinding()]
@@ -104,6 +114,7 @@ function New-IDBridgeSourceRecord {
 
         # --- Active Directory ---
         [Parameter(Mandatory)][bool]$ProvisionAD,
+        [bool]$ProcessGroupsAD = $true,
         [string]$ADOrganizationalUnit = '',
         [string]$ADOrganizationalUnitTrash = '',
         [bool]$ADChangePasswordAtLogon = $false,
@@ -116,6 +127,7 @@ function New-IDBridgeSourceRecord {
 
         # --- Google Workspace ---
         [Parameter(Mandatory)][bool]$ProvisionGoogle,
+        [bool]$ProcessGroupsGoogle = $true,
         [string]$GoogleOrganizationalUnit = '',
         [string]$GoogleOrganizationalUnitTrash = '',
         [bool]$GoogleChangePasswordAtLogon = $false,
@@ -151,6 +163,7 @@ function New-IDBridgeSourceRecord {
         ForceDisable                  = $ForceDisable
         GoogleOUOverride              = $GoogleOUOverride
         ProvisionAD                   = $ProvisionAD
+        ProcessGroupsAD               = $ProcessGroupsAD
         ADOrganizationalUnit          = $ADOrganizationalUnit
         ADOrganizationalUnitTrash     = $ADOrganizationalUnitTrash
         ADChangePasswordAtLogon       = $ADChangePasswordAtLogon
@@ -161,6 +174,7 @@ function New-IDBridgeSourceRecord {
         ADPassphraseAPI               = $ADPassphraseAPI
         ADKey                         = $ADKey
         ProvisionGoogle               = $ProvisionGoogle
+        ProcessGroupsGoogle           = $ProcessGroupsGoogle
         GoogleOrganizationalUnit      = $GoogleOrganizationalUnit
         GoogleOrganizationalUnitTrash = $GoogleOrganizationalUnitTrash
         GoogleChangePasswordAtLogon   = $GoogleChangePasswordAtLogon
diff --git a/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginGSheetStaff.ps1 b/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginGSheetStaff.ps1
index 76cf855..7773d1c 100644
--- a/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginGSheetStaff.ps1
+++ b/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginGSheetStaff.ps1
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 #Spreadsheet Data Staff — IDBridge plugin template
-# TemplateVersion: 1
+# TemplateVersion: 2
 <#
 Shipped with the IDBridge module and copied to <RootPath>\Plugins by Install-IDBridge.
 Every placeholder value below must be edited for your district before enabling the plugin
@@ -43,6 +43,7 @@ function Invoke-PluginGSheetStaff {
 
     #AD Config
     $ADProvision = $true
+    $ADProcessGroups = $true #Set $false to leave staff AD group memberships untouched (no adds, removes, or deactivate strips)
     $ADUserRootOU = "OU=YourDistrict,DC=yourdomain,DC=local"
     $ADPassPrefix = 'Temp-'
     $ADChangePasswordAtLogon = $true
@@ -50,6 +51,7 @@ function Invoke-PluginGSheetStaff {
 
     #Google Config
     $GoogleProvision = $true
+    $GoogleProcessGroups = $true #Set $false to leave staff Google group memberships untouched (no adds, removes, or deactivate strips)
     $GoogleUserRootOU = "/YourDistrict"
     $GooglePassPrefix = 'Temp-'
     $GoogleChangePasswordAtLogon = $false
@@ -162,6 +164,7 @@ function Invoke-PluginGSheetStaff {
             PersonType     = $item.PersonType
 
             ProvisionAD               = $ADProvision
+            ProcessGroupsAD           = $ADProcessGroups
             ADOrganizationalUnit      = "OU=$($item.PersonType),OU=$($PersonTypeGeneric),$($ADUserRootOU)"
             ADOrganizationalUnitTrash = "OU=$(Get-Date -Format yyyy),OU=$($PersonTypeGeneric),OU=Trash,$($ADUserRootOU)"
             ADChangePasswordAtLogon   = $ADChangePasswordAtLogon
@@ -169,6 +172,7 @@ function Invoke-PluginGSheetStaff {
             ADKey                     = if ($keyAD) { ConvertTo-SecureString -String $keyAD -AsPlainText -Force } else { $null }
 
             ProvisionGoogle           = $GoogleProvision
+            ProcessGroupsGoogle       = $GoogleProcessGroups
             GoogleOrganizationalUnit      = "$($GoogleUserRootOU)/$($PersonTypeGeneric)/$($item.PersonType)"
             GoogleOrganizationalUnitTrash = "/Trash/$($PersonTypeGeneric)/$(Get-Date -Format yyyy)"
             GoogleChangePasswordAtLogon   = $GoogleChangePasswordAtLogon
diff --git a/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginInfiniteCampusStudents.ps1 b/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginInfiniteCampusStudents.ps1
index c2b5771..7eb33f0 100644
--- a/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginInfiniteCampusStudents.ps1
+++ b/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginInfiniteCampusStudents.ps1
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 #Infinite Campus Student Plugin — IDBridge plugin template
-# TemplateVersion: 1
+# TemplateVersion: 2
 <#
 Shipped with the IDBridge module and copied to <RootPath>\Plugins by Install-IDBridge.
 A minimal starting point for pulling students from the Infinite Campus OneRoster API. Edit every
@@ -81,12 +81,14 @@ function Invoke-PluginInfiniteCampusStudents {
         Provision = $true
         AD = @{
             Provision = $true
+            ProcessGroups = $true   # $false leaves the grade's AD group memberships untouched (no adds, removes, or deactivate strips)
             passPrefix = 'Temp'
             ChangePasswordAtLogon = $false
             PasswordType = 'RANDOM'
         }
         Google = @{
             Provision = $true
+            ProcessGroups = $true   # $false leaves the grade's Google group memberships untouched
             passPrefix = 'Temp'
             ChangePasswordAtLogon = $false
             PasswordType = 'RANDOM'
@@ -105,6 +107,8 @@ function Invoke-PluginInfiniteCampusStudents {
         # }
         # Example: younger grades Google-only
         # 'KG' = @{ AD = @{ Provision = $false } }
+        # Example: leave a grade's AD groups alone (Google groups still processed)
+        # '01' = @{ AD = @{ ProcessGroups = $false } }
         # Example: if 9-12 used passphrases instead
         # '09' = @{ AD = @{ PasswordType = 'API-PASSPHRASE' }; Google = @{ PasswordType = 'API-PASSPHRASE' } }
     }
@@ -272,6 +276,7 @@ function Invoke-PluginInfiniteCampusStudents {
             PersonType     = "Student - Grade $($Grade)"
 
             ProvisionAD               = [bool]$GradeSettings.$($Grade).AD.Provision
+            ProcessGroupsAD           = ($GradeSettings.$($Grade).AD.ProcessGroups -ne $false)
             ADOrganizationalUnit      = "OU=Grade-$($Grade),OU=$($PersonTypeGeneric),$($ADUserRootOU)"
             ADOrganizationalUnitTrash = "OU=$(Get-Date -Format yyyy),OU=$($PersonTypeGeneric),OU=Trash,$($ADUserRootOU)"
             ADChangePasswordAtLogon   = $GradeSettings.$($Grade).AD.ChangePasswordAtLogon
@@ -279,6 +284,7 @@ function Invoke-PluginInfiniteCampusStudents {
             ADKey                     = if ($keyAD) { ConvertTo-SecureString -String $keyAD -AsPlainText -Force } else { $null }
 
             ProvisionGoogle           = [bool]$GradeSettings.$($Grade).Google.Provision
+            ProcessGroupsGoogle       = ($GradeSettings.$($Grade).Google.ProcessGroups -ne $false)
             GoogleOrganizationalUnit      = "$($GoogleUserRootOU)/$($PersonTypeGeneric)/Grade-$($Grade)"
             GoogleOrganizationalUnitTrash = "/Trash/$($PersonTypeGeneric)/$(Get-Date -Format yyyy)"
             GoogleChangePasswordAtLogon   = $GradeSettings.$($Grade).Google.ChangePasswordAtLogon
diff --git a/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginSkywardSMSStudents.ps1 b/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginSkywardSMSStudents.ps1
index 0d102a8..7174941 100644
--- a/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginSkywardSMSStudents.ps1
+++ b/src/IDBridge/Templates/Plugins/Invoke-PluginSkywardSMSStudents.ps1
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 #Skyward SMS Student Plugin — IDBridge plugin template
-# TemplateVersion: 2
+# TemplateVersion: 3
 <#
 Shipped with the IDBridge module and copied to <RootPath>\Plugins by Install-IDBridge.
 A minimal starting point for pulling students from the Skyward SMS OneRoster API. Edit every
@@ -76,12 +76,14 @@ function Invoke-PluginSkywardSMSStudents {
         Provision = $true
         AD = @{
             Provision = $true
+            ProcessGroups = $true   # $false leaves the grade's AD group memberships untouched (no adds, removes, or deactivate strips)
             passPrefix = 'Temp'
             ChangePasswordAtLogon = $false
             PasswordType = 'RANDOM'
         }
         Google = @{
             Provision = $true
+            ProcessGroups = $true   # $false leaves the grade's Google group memberships untouched
             passPrefix = 'Temp'
             ChangePasswordAtLogon = $false
             PasswordType = 'RANDOM'
@@ -99,6 +101,8 @@ function Invoke-PluginSkywardSMSStudents {
         # }
         # Example: younger grades Google-only
         # 'KG' = @{ AD = @{ Provision = $false } }
+        # Example: leave a grade's AD groups alone (Google groups still processed)
+        # '01' = @{ AD = @{ ProcessGroups = $false } }
         # Example: if 9-12 used passphrases instead
         # '09' = @{ AD = @{ PasswordType = 'API-PASSPHRASE' }; Google = @{ PasswordType = 'API-PASSPHRASE' } }
     }
@@ -277,6 +281,7 @@ function Invoke-PluginSkywardSMSStudents {
             PersonType     = "Student - Grade $($Grade)"
 
             ProvisionAD               = [bool]$GradeSettings.$($Grade).AD.Provision
+            ProcessGroupsAD           = ($GradeSettings.$($Grade).AD.ProcessGroups -ne $false)
             ADOrganizationalUnit      = "OU=Grade-$($Grade),OU=$($PersonTypeGeneric),$($ADUserRootOU)"
             ADOrganizationalUnitTrash = "OU=$(Get-Date -Format yyyy),OU=$($PersonTypeGeneric),OU=Trash,$($ADUserRootOU)"
             ADChangePasswordAtLogon   = $GradeSettings.$($Grade).AD.ChangePasswordAtLogon
@@ -284,6 +289,7 @@ function Invoke-PluginSkywardSMSStudents {
             ADKey                     = if ($keyAD) { ConvertTo-SecureString -String $keyAD -AsPlainText -Force } else { $null }
 
             ProvisionGoogle           = [bool]$GradeSettings.$($Grade).Google.Provision
+            ProcessGroupsGoogle       = ($GradeSettings.$($Grade).Google.ProcessGroups -ne $false)
             GoogleOrganizationalUnit      = "$($GoogleUserRootOU)/$($PersonTypeGeneric)/Grade-$($Grade)"
             GoogleOrganizationalUnitTrash = "/Trash/$($PersonTypeGeneric)/$(Get-Date -Format yyyy)"
             GoogleChangePasswordAtLogon   = $GradeSettings.$($Grade).Google.ChangePasswordAtLogon
diff --git a/tests/Private/AD/Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate.Tests.ps1 b/tests/Private/AD/Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate.Tests.ps1
index 26cca9f..7ab7b46 100644
--- a/tests/Private/AD/Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate.Tests.ps1
+++ b/tests/Private/AD/Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate.Tests.ps1
@@ -101,4 +101,47 @@ Describe 'Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate' {
             @($result.Remove).Count | Should -Be 0
         }
     }
+
+    It 'leaves a user with ProcessGroupsAD = $false untouched - no adds and no removes' {
+        # Both records would add 'Math Dept' and remove 'Old Team'; only the opted-in one may.
+        $records = @(
+            (New-TestSourceRecord -PersonID '1' -ProcessGroupsAD $false -GroupsProposed 'Staff', 'Math Dept' -ADCurrentGroups 'Staff', 'Old Team')
+            (New-TestSourceRecord -PersonID '2' -GroupsProposed 'Staff', 'Math Dept' -ADCurrentGroups 'Staff', 'Old Team')
+        )
+
+        InModuleScope IDBridge -Parameters @{ records = $records } {
+            Mock Write-Log {}
+            $result = Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate -UserList $records -CurrentADGroups @('Staff', 'Math Dept', 'Old Team')
+
+            @($result.Add.PersonID) | Should -Be @('2')
+            @($result.Remove.PersonID) | Should -Be @('2')
+            Should -Invoke Write-Log -Times 1 -Exactly -ParameterFilter { $Message -like 'AD: Group processing skipped for 1 user(s)*' -and $Level -eq 'Trace' }
+        }
+    }
+
+    It 'treats an override-sheet string FALSE as opted out' {
+        $records = @(New-TestSourceRecord -ProcessGroupsAD 'FALSE' -GroupsProposed 'Staff' -ADCurrentGroups 'Old Team')
+
+        InModuleScope IDBridge -Parameters @{ records = $records } {
+            Mock Write-Log {}
+            $result = Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate -UserList $records -CurrentADGroups @('Staff', 'Old Team')
+
+            @($result.Add).Count | Should -Be 0
+            @($result.Remove).Count | Should -Be 0
+        }
+    }
+
+    It 'still processes a record with no ProcessGroupsAD property (built outside the factory)' {
+        $record = New-TestSourceRecord -GroupsProposed 'Staff' -ADCurrentGroups 'Old Team'
+        $record.PSObject.Properties.Remove('ProcessGroupsAD')
+
+        InModuleScope IDBridge -Parameters @{ records = @($record) } {
+            Mock Write-Log {}
+            $result = Get-ADUserGroupsToUpdate -UserList $records -CurrentADGroups @('Staff', 'Old Team')
+
+            @($result.Add).Count | Should -Be 1
+            @($result.Remove).Count | Should -Be 1
+            Should -Invoke Write-Log -Times 0 -ParameterFilter { $Message -like '*skipped*' }
+        }
+    }
 }
diff --git a/tests/Private/Google/Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate.Tests.ps1 b/tests/Private/Google/Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate.Tests.ps1
index 7abe1d0..d1121f4 100644
--- a/tests/Private/Google/Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate.Tests.ps1
+++ b/tests/Private/Google/Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate.Tests.ps1
@@ -117,4 +117,45 @@ Describe 'Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate' {
             @($result.Remove).Count | Should -Be 0
         }
     }
+
+    It 'leaves a user with ProcessGroupsGoogle = $false untouched - no adds and no removes' {
+        # Both records would add 'Staff' and remove the Grade-PK membership; only the opted-in one may.
+        $records = @(
+            (New-TestSourceRecord -PersonID '1' -ProcessGroupsGoogle $false -GroupsProposed 'Staff' -GoogleCurrentGroups 'studentsgradepk@example.org')
+            (New-TestSourceRecord -PersonID '2' -GroupsProposed 'Staff' -GoogleCurrentGroups 'studentsgradepk@example.org')
+        )
+
+        InModuleScope IDBridge -Parameters @{ records = $records; groups = $Groups } {
+            Mock Write-Log {}
+            $result = Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate -UserList $records -GoogleGroups $groups
+
+            @($result.Add.PersonID) | Should -Be @('2')
+            @($result.Remove.PersonID) | Should -Be @('2')
+            Should -Invoke Write-Log -Times 1 -Exactly -ParameterFilter { $Message -like 'Google: Group processing skipped for 1 user(s)*' -and $Level -eq 'Trace' }
+        }
+    }
+
+    It 'treats an override-sheet string FALSE as opted out' {
+        $records = @(New-TestSourceRecord -ProcessGroupsGoogle 'FALSE' -GroupsProposed 'Staff' -GoogleCurrentGroups 'studentsgradepk@example.org')
+
+        InModuleScope IDBridge -Parameters @{ records = $records; groups = $Groups } {
+            Mock Write-Log {}
+            $result = Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate -UserList $records -GoogleGroups $groups
+
+            @($result.Add).Count | Should -Be 0
+            @($result.Remove).Count | Should -Be 0
+        }
+    }
+
+    It 'is independent of ProcessGroupsAD - an AD-only opt-out is still processed in Google' {
+        $records = @(New-TestSourceRecord -ProcessGroupsAD $false -GroupsProposed 'Staff')
+
+        InModuleScope IDBridge -Parameters @{ records = $records; groups = $Groups } {
+            Mock Write-Log {}
+            $result = Get-GoogleUserGroupsToUpdate -UserList $records -GoogleGroups $groups
+
+            @($result.Add).Count | Should -Be 1
+            @($result.Add[0].Groups) | Should -Be @('Staff')
+        }
+    }
 }
diff --git a/tests/Public/Source/New-IDBridgeSourceRecord.Tests.ps1 b/tests/Public/Source/New-IDBridgeSourceRecord.Tests.ps1
index 481a754..ba9c751 100644
--- a/tests/Public/Source/New-IDBridgeSourceRecord.Tests.ps1
+++ b/tests/Public/Source/New-IDBridgeSourceRecord.Tests.ps1
@@ -37,6 +37,15 @@ Describe 'New-IDBridgeSourceRecord' {
         $record.ADOrganizationalUnit | Should -Be ''
         $record.ADKey | Should -BeNullOrEmpty
         $record.GroupsProposed | Should -Be @()
+        $record.ProcessGroupsAD | Should -BeTrue
+        $record.ProcessGroupsGoogle | Should -BeTrue
+    }
+
+    It 'carries a per-directory group-processing opt-out through' {
+        $record = New-IDBridgeSourceRecord @BaseFields -ProcessGroupsAD $false
+
+        $record.ProcessGroupsAD | Should -BeFalse
+        $record.ProcessGroupsGoogle | Should -BeTrue
     }
 
     It 'normalizes a null GroupsProposed to an empty string array' {
diff --git a/tests/TestHelper.psm1 b/tests/TestHelper.psm1
index 3764b20..a7f6046 100644
--- a/tests/TestHelper.psm1
+++ b/tests/TestHelper.psm1
@@ -83,6 +83,7 @@ function New-TestSourceRecord {
 
         # AD provisioning + attached AD target state
         [bool]$ProvisionAD = $true,
+        $ProcessGroupsAD = $true,   # untyped: tests also pass an override-sheet string ('FALSE')
         [AllowNull()][string]$ADCurrentUserID = 'tuser',
         [bool]$ADCurrentUserEnabledStatus = $true,
         [AllowNull()][string[]]$ADCurrentGroups = @(),
@@ -94,6 +95,7 @@ function New-TestSourceRecord {
 
         # Google provisioning + attached Google target state
         [bool]$ProvisionGoogle = $true,
+        $ProcessGroupsGoogle = $true,
         [AllowNull()][string]$GoogleCurrentUserID = 'g-tuser',
         [bool]$GoogleCurrentUserSuspendedStatus = $false,
         [AllowNull()][string[]]$GoogleCurrentGroups = @(),
@@ -130,6 +132,7 @@ function New-TestSourceRecord {
         ForceDisable                     = $ForceDisable
         GroupsProposed                   = $GroupsProposed
         ProvisionAD                      = $ProvisionAD
+        ProcessGroupsAD                  = $ProcessGroupsAD
         ADCurrentUserID                  = $ADCurrentUserID
         ADCurrentUserEnabledStatus       = $ADCurrentUserEnabledStatus
         ADCurrentGroups                  = $ADCurrentGroups
@@ -139,6 +142,7 @@ function New-TestSourceRecord {
         ADPassphraseAPI                  = $ADPassphraseAPI
         ADKey                            = $ADKey
         ProvisionGoogle                  = $ProvisionGoogle
+        ProcessGroupsGoogle              = $ProcessGroupsGoogle
         GoogleCurrentUserID              = $GoogleCurrentUserID
         GoogleCurrentUserSuspendedStatus = $GoogleCurrentUserSuspendedStatus
         GoogleCurrentGroups              = $GoogleCurrentGroups