
As Kentucky students return to classrooms, a new law is reshaping the way teachers and coaches can interact with them. Senate Bill 181, passed during the legislative session, seeks to establish clear boundaries and accountability in communications between students and school personnel. This legislation aims to prevent potential misconduct by restricting the use of personal communication channels.
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The central tenet of SB 181 is the requirement for traceable communication. The law prohibits teachers, coaches, and volunteers from using personal text messaging, third-party apps, personal email addresses, or social media to communicate with students. The goal is to eliminate avenues for communication that lack oversight and could potentially be exploited.
The impetus behind SB 181 lies in the prevention of child abuse and grooming. By limiting communication to approved and monitored platforms, the law aims to create a safer environment for students and reduce the risk of inappropriate relationships developing between students and adults in positions of authority. Concerns about grooming were voiced by officials like Kentucky High School Athletic Association Commissioner Julian Tackett, who emphasized the importance of preventing even isolated incidents.
Prior to SB 181, JCPS relied on various communication methods, including email, flyers, and parent messaging. To comply with the new law, JCPS is implementing a more structured approach, centered around approved digital platforms.
JCPS is introducing a new communication platform, Thrillshare, which offers two-way communication capabilities. This platform, along with others like Google Classroom, will be integrated into the district’s electronic communication guidelines.
The platforms approved by JCPS for permanent use include:
JCPS will also transition from School Messenger to Thrillshare for district-wide emails.
While SB 181 applies broadly, there are some exceptions:
SB 181 relies on a reporting system for enforcement. School employees and volunteers are mandatory reporters and must notify their supervising principal if they observe any unapproved communication between a student and an employee/volunteer within their district.
While students are not penalized for messaging employees on unapproved platforms, faculty members are prohibited from responding if they suspect the message is from a student in their district. Monitoring will occur at the school level, without district-wide oversight.
The implementation of SB 181 is expected to present some challenges. As local administrations are responsible for monitoring communication within their schools, inconsistencies between districts are likely. Effective communication and adaptation will be crucial to ensuring the law’s intent is honored and student safety remains the top priority. The law may be refined and adjusted as needed to address any unforeseen issues or challenges that arise during its implementation. The primary goal is to create a safe and transparent communication environment for all students in Kentucky’s public schools.