Jackson County Superintendent Weighs In on New Law (SB 181) Requiring Traceable School Communication

June 19, 2025

by Jerry Sparks, Co-Editor/Senior Reporter

As schools across the mountains begin their summer break, educators and administrators are turning their attention to a new law that could significantly impact how they communicate with students.

Senate Bill 181, recently passed by the Kentucky General Assembly, requires school districts to implement traceable communication systems when employees message students online. The legislation aims to protect students from inappropriate or unmonitored contact by ensuring transparency in all digital interactions between staff and students.

Senator Phillip Wheeler, who co-sponsored the bill, said the goal is not to interfere with positive relationships between students and educators, but to safeguard children from potential misconduct.
"Our intention is not to harm the relationship between students and school administrators or teachers," Wheeler said. "But just to make sure that kids -- who are really our most vulnerable people in society -- are protected from that very small number of bad apples who might seek to abuse these types of privileged communications."

The bill has prompted school systems across the state to reevaluate how staff interact with
students on digital platforms, particularly through social media and messaging apps.

Jackson County Superintendent Renee Smith provided these comments on the new legal requirements:

"With the recent passage of Senate Bill 181, Kentucky school districts are now required to use traceable communication systems when staff message students online. This law aims to protect students by ensuring transparency in digital interactions.

At Jackson County Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students are our highest priorities. We fully support the intent of SB 18; it is a critical step in ensuring that all interactions are appropriate, professional, and in line with our district's values.

We are reviewing and updating our communication policies to meet the new requirements -- while continuing to foster positive, professional relationships between students and staff. Our goal is not to eliminate these tools, but to manage them responsibly. This includes identifying platforms that offer security, school-monitored messaging and ensuring that all staff receive guidance on appropriate digital communication.

We will keep families informed as these updates take shape. Thank you for your continued trust and support."

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