The Board of School Committee voted on June 23 to approve a districtwide two‑way communication tool (vendor: TalkingPoints) to centralize parent–teacher communications, provide professional translations in more than 60 languages, and integrate with the district’s student information system.

Supporters, including IT and district staff, said the platform addresses inconsistent use of multiple messaging apps across schools and offers improved translation accuracy, read‑aloud capability for preliterate families, scheduling, and a record of outreach. Steve Cross, executive director of information and technology, and Dr. Camille Daugherty described how the district can fund the tool by reallocating savings from multi‑factor authentication implementation and other line items without asking for additional money.

Committee member Baines moved the measure and committee member Sol seconded it. During discussion, members raised budget concerns, questioned overlap with existing tools (ClassDojo, Remind, S'more/Thrillshare), and sought clarity about a district policy to disclaim that the app is not an emergency notification system. The district attorney’s counsel recommended automated notice language to users that the platform is not monitored for emergencies and should not be used for urgent safety reports.

Proponents emphasized that some currently used apps will likely reduce services or begin charging fees, while TalkingPoints offered Wi‑Fi‑enabled messages and an adaptive translation system with feedback for improving accuracy. Multilingual staff noted that the platform’s audio/translation features can reach families who are preliterate or who lack cell plans.

Opponents and cautious voices asked about long‑term subscription costs and whether the district should instead rely on family‑liaison work and existing systems; supporters said centralized oversight will reduce legal exposure from teachers using unvetted third‑party apps.

The board approved the purchase by voice vote after committee discussion. The district will add user disclaimers, draft an associated policy with legal review, and coordinate rollout and school‑level adoption plans.

Ending: The tool will be rolled out with district oversight and training; messaging to families and staff will stress appropriate uses and that it is not a substitute for emergency reporting procedures to schools or first responders.