JCPS to implement Kentucky law requiring traceable communication when contacting students

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools will soon implement a new Kentucky law that restricts how coaches and teachers can communicate with students.

Senate Bill 181 focuses on electronic communication outside of school, like texting or messaging on social media. It requires all school staff, coaches, and volunteers to use traceable communication when they need to talk to a student.

JCPS said as of Monday, June 16, all electronic communications directed to students must be routed through the parent or guardian, or a student's JCPS email.

Text messages and certain group messaging apps can no longer be used.

While staff and volunteers can continue to post announcements on social media, they are not allowed to reply to comments from students on apps like Facebook Messenger or Instagram messaging.

A major goal of the bill is to prevent abuse. As it made its way through the legislature in March, Ashley Nation, who experienced grooming from her teacher while she was a student, said it will help with transparency and accountability in teacher-student communication.

Nation shared her story with WDRB in 2021 during an investigation into her former Silver Creek High School theater teacher.

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JCPS to implement Kentucky law requiring traceable communication when contacting students