On June 27, a new section of Kentucky law will direct boards of education to designate traceable communication systems as the only method for staffs to contact students electronically.
Parents may offer written consent to alternate communication methods, and messages between district employees and their own children are exempt.
But the blanket law, gray as it may be, requires the reporting of violations, and officials must notify parents and state authorities — with all allegations investigated, and disciplinary actions established.
What it actually means, at least according to the Trigg County Board of Education and its lawyer Jack Lackey, is a swift change in the way teachers, coaches and administrators must continue educational and athletic conversations with students.
During last Thursday’s board meeting, Lackey said E-mails, text messages, phone calls and social media connections all fall under the purview of this new law — one he said that is truly aimed at thwarting measures like grooming practices, while mitigating the risk of inappropriate conversations.
Lackey also confirmed that a big reason this law was drafted, and unanimously approved in the state’s House and Senate, is because insurance costs around unauthorized communications, sexual contact and/or general misconduct “have no limit.”
Outlining the Trigg County Schools insurance policy, Lackey and Lake Barkley Insurance’s Adam Murphy further made the point.
Lackey also noted that this new communications bill is “going to drive some people crazy,” while Superintendent Rex Booth said updated local language is still in the works.
In other school board news:
— Director of Pupil Personnel Laura James confirmed that average daily attendance for the district in 2024-25 was 93.94%. While this continues a trend of annual improvement following COVID-19, James did confirm the district will still see a small reduction in SEEK because of this year’s drop in overall student population.
— Board members closed last Thursday’s meeting in executive session, with no action taken, regarding discussions around the annual superintendent evaluation process.
