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Bath County board approves Google email, Google Classroom and ClassDojo for traceable communication; tables broader systems pending legal review
Summary
The board approved a first reading of a traceable communications policy and limited platform approvals (Google email, Google Classroom, ClassDojo) while tabling consideration of broader two‑way messaging systems until the board attorney reviews legal implications and waiver options.
At its July 28 meeting the Bath County Board of Education took steps to comply with new rules on traceable communications by approving limited platforms and asking for legal review before committing to broader systems.
During discussion, district staff (Speaker 6 and Speaker 2) explained the district currently uses Google Suite and Google Classroom and that ClassDojo is commonly used at elementary grades, but noted ClassDojo does not support two‑way student‑teacher messaging for older grades in ways that satisfy the new law’s traceability expectations. Staff said compliant, two‑way platforms exist but cited substantial first‑year costs in examples raised during the meeting (staff referenced figures of about $15,800 and $16,400 as sample first‑year costs for fully compliant vendor platforms) and said the board must weigh whether to invest now given possible state law changes expected in January.
Speaker 6 described options including attaching waiver language to the district policy for particular staff such as coaches, which would require documented parental consent stored centrally. "There is also the possibility of an exception with the district approving a consent where...the district can approve a waiver," Speaker 6 said, noting waivers create administrative work but are feasible if the board wants to allow coaches limited messaging under parental consent.
The board approved the first reading of the traceable communications policy and voted to authorize district Google email, Google Classroom and ClassDojo as the district’s two‑way traceable communication platforms. The board also voted to table broader traceable systems and directed the board attorney to research legal implications and provide clarification.
Why it matters: the decision balances legal compliance, student safety and practical needs for quick coach‑to‑student communications. Board members emphasized urgency because the school year approaches and staff must provide workable options to coaches and parents.
Next steps: staff will compile platform options and costs for the board and the board attorney will issue a legal memorandum on waivers and compliance so the board can revisit expanded platform approvals before implementation.
No public comments were received at the meeting.
