Board outlines waiver process under new communications law, says in-person verification required

Board members and the superintendent explained how parents can use a statutory waiver to exempt specified employee-to-student communications under the new communications law (referred to repeatedly in the meeting as Senate Bill 181, and once as House Bill 181). The district said waivers must be completed in person so staff can verify the identity of the parent or guardian.

During the board forum, a trustee explained the law’s limits and the district’s interpretation: the exemption language in the statute covers parent-to-child communications, but if a parent wants a non-parent caregiver (for example, a grandparent) or an employee other than a parent to communicate with the student without district tracing, the parent must complete a waiver for each employee. “It cannot be a blanket exemption,” the trustee said, adding, “If you want Miss Smith to be able to contact you, you have to fill out for Miss Smith.”

The superintendent described the district’s current process: waivers will be completed in person rather than electronically so staff can verify the adult’s identity, similar to checking identification when a guardian comes to pick up a child. He said the district will consider electronic waivers in the future but will not accept them now because the district needs a reliable verification method.

Board members also said the district will preapprove apps for extracurricular communication (sports, band, clubs) and that those approved apps will be the channel for team and club messages. Trustees noted the law took effect June 27, and the district said it has already approved apps for extracurricular groups and provided training relevant to the law’s documentation requirements.

The board instructed staff to provide the waiver form and in-person process to families; no new board policy vote was taken on the waiver process at this meeting.