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Clark County board names approved 'traceable' tools for staff-student electronic communication
Summary
The Clark County Public Schools board approved a list of district-approved, traceable electronic communication systems and discussed implementation steps, waiver procedures, training, and record access required under state law (KRS 160.145).
The Clark County Public Schools Board of Education voted to designate a set of district-approved electronic communication tools for staff, coaches and volunteers and to adopt related procedures required under Kentucky law.
The action, approved unanimously, names Clark County Public School email accounts, Infinite Campus Messenger, Google Core Services, ParentSquare and TalkingPoints as the district’s official “traceable” two-way communication systems to be used for electronic contact with students. The board’s vote followed extended staff presentation and discussion about parental waivers, record access and training needed to implement the new legal requirements.
Kentucky statute KRS 160.145 and recent related legislation require that communications between district employees and students be capable of being retained and provided to parents and administrators. District staff told the board the approved list covers systems the district can archive and control and that the list can be adjusted later. Board member Dorsey made the motion to adopt the list and board member Kaiser seconded it; the motion passed 5-0.
During discussion, staff described several practical steps: posting a waiver/consent form as part of online student registration; allowing parents to set an end date or revoke consent; training for teachers, coaches and volunteers; and a public information campaign for families. Staff recommended modifying the waiver form so one signed form may authorize multiple adults (rather than requiring a separate form for each adult) to reduce administrative burden. The board directed staff to proceed with the implementation planning and community outreach.
Board members and staff acknowledged open questions about enforcement and operational details. Staff said the statute requires the district to provide parents access to relevant communications and that district administrators will need procedures to respond to records requests. They also said the district will investigate alleged misuse and involve human resources or state reporting systems where the law requires. The board flagged the need for clear training and for communicating timelines to parents before the school year starts.
The board approved the designation of the systems under policy O8.2324 and directed staff to return with final forms, training plans and any recommended procedural changes as the district moves to implement the new traceable-communication requirements.
