Parents praise ParentSquare as Henrico staff propose expanded features after pilot

Henrico County Public Schools staff briefed the board on plans to expand ParentSquare, the district's family‑communication platform, saying the initial implementation included a limited set of features and that field users have requested additional capabilities.

A parent who spoke during the discussion praised the platform's consolidation of information, saying: "I cannot overarticulate how... not having to check seven apps for information but just having it in one place" and called the platform a significant improvement for family communication. Parents and teachers asked whether students can message parents from the system, how automated morning recording notices should be handled by staff and how multilingual communications would be supported.

Staff said they would review contract language to enable additional features requested during the pilot and emphasized that the division provides guidance to staff on responding to the notice that "this phone call is being recorded." A teacher asked specifically whether students were able to message their parents; staff acknowledged the question and said they would clarify functionality and support.

Speakers also raised accessibility concerns including multilingual communications and the ability for families to receive and act on information. Several speakers asked for clear contact points and direct‑message support so parents can reach staff more easily.

The board did not take a vote on new contracting language in the provided transcript; staff indicated further review and communication would follow to implement additional features and supports for families.