With the approval of Senate Bill 181, passed during the 2025 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly, school districts across Kentucky are now required to designate a “traceable communication system” as the exclusive means for school employees and volunteers to communicate electronically with students. This requirement goes into effect on June 27, 2025. To comply with this new requirement, WCPS is designating the engagement platform TalkingPoints as our primary communication tool. We will also continue to use district email, Google Workspace for Education applications, and Infinite Campus for this purpose. Parents may always log in to their child’s district account to review any communications taking place. If you wish to preview TalkingPoints communications for your child 13+, please contact your school’s principal and a transcript can be provided. All TalkingPoints communications for students under 13 will be delivered to parents.
Senate Bill 181 prohibits WCPS teachers, classified staff and volunteers from “unauthorized electronic communication” with students. “Unauthorized electronic communication” includes communications such as personal text messages, communications through personal email accounts and social media accounts (including district/school social accounts). There are a few exceptions, which include electronic communications between a student and school employee/volunteer who is a birth parent, legal guardian or other agency responsible for a student, as well as siblings, children, aunts, uncles and grandparents.
A parent/guardian may authorize a designated District employee or volunteer, who is not a family member, to communicate electronically with his or her child outside of the traceable communication system.
A completed form for each student per designated District employee or volunteer who has permission to communicate with the student outside of traceable communication shall be filed in the administrative office of the student's school prior to any outside electronic communication being sent. This consent may be revoked by a parent at any time.
Because of this new legal requirement, future WCPS social media communications will have commenting and messaging disabled to prevent inadvertent two-way communication with students. You may also notice teachers and staff removing students from social media accounts. Please understand that this is not intended as a personal matter, but rather a necessary step to ensure Warren County Public Schools remains in full compliance with the new legal requirements.
It is necessary that WCPS track electronic communications to maintain proper educational records. Therefore, WCPS staff will use district email, TalkingPoints, Google Workspace for Education applications, or Infinite Campus for electronic communication with students and parents.
We appreciate your understanding as we adjust to these changes.
Respectfully,
Rob Clayton
Superintendent
