Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Policy Staff Communications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears first reading of staff–student communications policy; district will require archived, district‑sanctioned apps
Summary
At a May 12 meeting the Blue Valley Board of Education reviewed proposed policy changes that would require staff to use district‑sanctioned, archived applications for one‑on‑one or small‑group communications with students and bar personal texting or email for those purposes.
The Blue Valley Board of Education received a first reading of revised policies on staff electronic communications and staff–student relations on May 12, 2025.
Dr. Collier presented the proposed changes, explaining the policies are designed to require that any one‑on‑one or small‑group electronic communication between staff and students must occur through district‑sanctioned applications that provide archival capability. He said the policy “prohibits any other behavior and outlines consequences” and gave an example to clarify the scope: “What this policy prohibits...I cannot email you...I cannot text you personally via your cell phone outside of one of those applications,” Collier said.
Board members asked how long archived communications will be retained. Collier said each approved vendor must meet a minimum archival threshold tied to board expectations: “Currently, it meets the board policy, recommend, requirement of at least 12 months,” he said. Staff clarified that specific vendors may retain content for longer than 12 months and that the district maintains records documenting retention timelines for each vendor.
The policy package includes administrative guidelines to implement the rules. The board did not take action; Collier said the drafts will be posted on the district website for public feedback until the next meeting, when the board may vote on formal adoption.
Board members praised the work to evaluate vendor solutions and to bring clarity and predictability to staff, students and families about acceptable methods of electronic communication.
