Bath County board adopts first reading of traceable-communications policy, approves Google/Google Classroom/ClassDojo as platforms; tables further system review

The Bath County Board of Education on July 28 approved a first reading of a KSBA traceable‑communications policy and took actions on which digital platforms the district will recognize for traceable communications.

The board voted to approve at first reading KSBA policy 8.2324 (traceable communications). In a separate motion the board approved using the district’s Google email accounts, Google Classroom and ClassDojo as the district’s traceable communication platforms; board members and staff discussed the platforms’ limits for two‑way student–teacher messaging and whether additional, paid platforms or signed waivers should be pursued.

Why it matters: Kentucky law and KSBA guidance restrict direct, two‑way electronic communication between students and school employees without safeguards. Board members and staff raised concerns about coaches and volunteers needing timely ways to contact students during practices, trips or emergencies, and discussed whether the district should pursue a parental waiver or purchase a compliance-certified communication platform.

Discussion and costs: staff said ClassDojo meets many needs for elementary classrooms but does not permit two‑way student messaging in a way that satisfies state requirements for older students. Staff noted commercially available two‑way systems that are described as compliant carry significant first‑year costs; staff cited examples in the meeting of roughly $15,800 and $16,400 for first‑year pricing for two vendors that provide two‑way, auditable communications. Staff also confirmed they had contacted the Kentucky Department of Education engineer about acceptable solutions and that KDE advised some common social platforms do not meet statutory requirements for traceable communications.

Board action: after discussion the board took three formal actions: it approved the KSBA annual policy/procedure reviews (second reading) with a few policies retained in current form, approved the first reading of policy 8.2324 (traceable communication), and approved using district Google email, Google Classroom and ClassDojo for traceable communications. Later in the meeting the board voted to table a further action on selecting additional traceable systems and directed the board attorney to research statutory and compliance questions and report back.

Ending: Staff said they will compile cost estimates, platform comparisons and a proposed waiver form if the board wants to pursue waivers; the board directed staff to return with options and legal guidance before finalizing any paid‑platform purchases.