FLORENCE, Ky. — Kentucky has passed a new law that changes how parents, teachers, and students communicate, aiming to reduce inappropriate contact between school employees and students.
Senate Bill 181, which passed unanimously in March, requires school staff to use a centralized communication system that archives and tracks messages. The law bans direct texting between employees and students.
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Boone County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Hauswald, overseeing over 20,000 students and 4,000 staff, said the district invested more than $75,000 in the system, Apptegy. He noted that the transition caused questions, anxiety, and some frustration among staff, but he supports the concept.
“It’s a big lift to make that pivot and to make that change. It has required a lot of work and effort. I do think it will help reduce these instances,” Hauswald said.
The system also streamlines communication by unifying all parents and students on one platform district-wide.
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor (R-LaGrange), the bill’s primary sponsor, said she is open to adjustments based on educator feedback. She is considering allowing group texts that include parents and clarifying who qualifies as a volunteer or family member.
“We’re going to redefine what a volunteer is so that we’re more specifically talking about volunteers who are in the school system on a regular basis and have regular direct communications with those students,” Tichenor said.
Boone County Commonwealth’s Attorney Louis Kelly highlighted the law’s protective measures for both students and staff.
“It protects teachers and school employees who are just trying to do their job. I think this law is going to help us identify and provide evidence against bad actors.”
The law applies statewide, but parents can opt out on a case-by-case basis by submitting a written request. Hauswald gave examples where exceptions might be necessary, such as a teacher in a rideshare with students or a staff member who works a second job where students are co-workers.
