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Kingsport trustees discuss policy to require district‑approved communications platforms; vote expected in July
Summary
Board members discussed proposed wording to require employees to use district‑provided or district‑approved communications platforms when messaging students and families, clarifying the policy is intended to formalize ParentSquare as the district’s approved platform while remaining flexible for future changes. The policy (ethics policy 5.611) will return for a July vote.
District staff brought forward a proposed addition to the district ethics policy (Policy 5.611) to clarify that employees should use only district‑provided or district‑approved communications platforms when communicating directly with students, parents or guardians.
Dr. TR said the wording is intended to ensure "professional, appropriate and transparent communication" and to make clear that the district’s approved platform (currently ParentSquare) is the expectation for staff while preserving the option to adopt a different platform if approved by the superintendent’s office.
A trustee asked whether the policy should reference the singular platform or use the plural "platforms"; staff said the plural language was chosen so the policy remains evergreen and would not lock the district to a specific brand. Trustees suggested minor syntax clarifications and staff noted they would consult the city attorney and return the policy for a vote in July.
Mary Beth (Miss Kench) was acknowledged for her work on rolling out ParentSquare and training staff. The board did not take a vote on the policy at the June 9 meeting; staff plans to present it for final action at the July meeting.
The discussion referenced Policy 5.611 by number and emphasized that employees would be expected to use district‑approved tools so communications can be recorded and protected under district procedures.
