Board approves KSBA policy updates and adopts Google/ClassDojo as traceable communication platforms; tables broader traceable-systems decision

The Bath County Board of Education on July 28 completed its second reading of KSBA annual policy updates and voted to adopt district Google email and Google Classroom plus ClassDojo as its traceable communication platforms while tabling consideration of broader paid, two‑way platforms pending legal review.

Superintendent Dr. Melton and district staff reviewed the KSBA policy packet; the board approved the second reading of the annual KSBA policy and procedure updates, with the board retaining several policies in their current form (including maternity leave items cited in the packet). The board then voted to take the first reading of policy 8.2324 (traceable communication) and to approve the district’s interim platform approach using district Google email, Google Classroom and ClassDojo for elementary-level parent/teacher communications.

A lengthy discussion followed about how coaches, volunteers and secondary‑level staff can communicate with students and families while complying with state law and KDE guidance. Staff and board members noted three pathways under consideration: (1) use existing district Google accounts and Google Classroom where appropriate; (2) maintain ClassDojo for elementary parent–teacher exchanges (ClassDojo does not allow two‑way student–teacher messaging in the district’s described use); or (3) acquire a paid, vendor platform that explicitly supports two‑way, traceable student–staff messaging with administrative access. Staff said KDE guidance and the relevant statute (referred to in discussion as Senate Bill 181) constrain which systems are compliant and that some commonly used consumer apps (Facebook, TeamReach, SportsU) do not meet district access or retention requirements.

District staff reported vendor first‑year price points from outreach: one compliant vendor quoted about $15,800 the first year and another quoted about $16,400 the first year; staff warned the board that the law governing traceable communications could change on Jan. 1 and questioned whether a large one‑time purchase should be made for a short interval of uncertain usage. Staff also said a waiver process is available that would permit two‑way communication for specific staff members (coaches or volunteers) if parents sign consent forms and the district centrally documents and retains the communications access.

Board members cited practical examples: coaches who need to notify students or relay schedule changes when parents cannot be reached, and the administrative burden of collecting waivers and monitoring access centrally. The board voted to approve the district’s use of Google email, Google Classroom and ClassDojo as its traceable platforms (motion passed by voice vote). The board also voted to table broader procurement or platform decisions and asked the board attorney to research legal and compliance questions before the board’s next substantive meeting on the topic.

Board members requested staff present cost comparisons, implementation timelines, waiver forms and compliance checklists for the attorney and board to review. No vendor contract was executed at the July 28 meeting; the board’s action established district use of existing Google services and ClassDojo and directed further research before committing to paid platforms.