Dear Eagle Family,

We are writing to inform you about the implementation of Kentucky Senate Bill 181. This legislation ensures that all communication between school staff or volunteers and students is conducted in a safe, traceable, and professional manner through district-approved platforms.

What the Law Requires:

• All electronic communication with students must be traceable and accessible by the district.

• Private or encrypted messaging apps (e.g., Snapchat, WhatsApp, apps with disappearing messages) are prohibited.

• One-on-one social media messaging is prohibited unless the student is an immediate family member.

• All communications become educational records and are subject to FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).

• School districts are required to retain archives of all official student communication.

District-Approved Communication Platforms:

• Google Suite (Google Classroom, Google Meet (Recorded), Gmail, Google Docs, & Google Slides)

• Thrillshare/Apptegy – Rooms

These communications are considered part of the student’s educational record and may be requested by the parent/guardian under FERPA.

Waiver for Outside Communication: - A parent may submit a district-provided waiver to authorize a designated school district employee or volunteer who is not a family member to communicate electronically with his or her child outside of the traceable communication system. 

• A new waiver must be submitted each school year.

• A separate form is required for each student, staff member, and volunteer.

• Signatures are required from the student (13+), parent/guardian, employee/volunteer, and principal.

• A waiver does not authorize inappropriate or unprofessional communication.

• To request an outside communication waiver, you may complete a paper copy at your child’s school office.

District Oversight and Access:

• Johnson County Schools reserves the right to monitor, review, and archive all communications sent using approved platforms.

• Parents have the right to access their child’s communications through school-issued accounts or by formal request.

To request an outside communication waiver, you may complete a paper copy at your child’s school office.

Thank you for supporting a safe and transparent learning environment.

Sincerely,

Thom Cochran

Superintendent, Johnson County Schools