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Dear Laker Families, 

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying a safe, restful summer with family and friends. 

I’m writing to inform you about two new Kentucky laws—Senate Bill 181 (SB 181) and House Bill 208 (HB 208)—that affect how schools communicate with students and how students may use technology during the school day. Both laws go into effect Friday, June 27, 2025. 

SB 181 – Traceable Communication with Students 

SB 181 requires that all electronic communication between school employees/volunteers and students occur through an approved, traceable communication system. For Russell County Schools, this includes ParentSquare and district-issued email. These systems allow messages to be monitored and made available for parent/guardian review. 

Key points: 

• Staff and volunteers may not use personal email, text messaging, social media, or other non-approved apps to communicate with students. 
• Parents may provide written consent using the waiver form to allow specific school employees or volunteers (such as a coach or club sponsor) to communicate with their child outside the approved system. One waiver is required per person. The waiver form is attached. 
• Immediate family members (parent, grandparent, sibling, child, aunt, uncle) who are also school employees or volunteers are exempt when communicating with their own relatives. Under this law, “parent” includes legal guardians or others legally responsible for a student. 
• This requirement applies even outside school settings if the adult is a school employee or school volunteer (such as at church or on a community team), unless a parent/guardian provides written consent (wavier). 

You will receive information within the first 10 days of school explaining how to access ParentSquare and view communications. That information will be included with beginning-of-year paperwork. However, once ParentSquare goes live this summer, we will begin rolling it out to parents and guardians. 

HB 208 – Student Use of Devices and Social Media 

HB 208 regulates student use of personal devices (cell phones, tablets, etc.) during the school day: 

• Students may not use personal devices during instructional time unless permitted by a teacher for an instructional activity or in the event of an emergency. 
• Individual schools may impose stricter rules. Russell County High School and Russell County Middle School will continue their policy prohibiting use of personal telecommunications devices (including smartwatches) throughout the entire school day. 
• Access to social media will be blocked on school networks unless specifically approved for instructional use. 
• The district’s technology systems will also use enhanced filtering to block inappropriate content, including sexually explicit material and unauthorized social media. 

These changes are intended to reduce distractions, enhance student safety, and support a more focused learning environment. 

Both laws were passed with the intent to protect students and promote transparency. While well-meaning, they do present some practical challenges, especially in small communities like ours, where school staff often interact with students in roles outside the classroom. We are committed to complying with these laws while maintaining strong, respectful relationships with students and families. 

Please take time to talk with your child(ren) about these changes. If you are a community member who also works with students (in church, youth sports, etc.) and you are a school employee or volunteer, these laws apply to you as well. 

I understand there are still many questions, and I’ve been in contact with legislators who are committed to addressing the unintended consequences during the 2026 legislative session. 

If you have questions, please contact your child’s school. If school staff are unavailable, you may call the Russell County Board of Education Central Office at 270-343-3191. If you choose to provide written consent for an employee or volunteer to communicate with your child outside of our traceable system, the waiver must be completed and submitted before any communication takes place. The form should be returned to your child’s school principal, but if needed, it can also be submitted to the Russell County Board of Education Central Office during summer break. 

We appreciate your continued support as we implement these new requirements and remain committed to providing a safe, productive learning environment for every child. 

Sincerely, 

Michael A. Ford
Superintendent
Russell County Schools 

attachment:  Consent for Outside Traceable Communications (Waiver Form)

Russell County Schools will hold new student registration this summer at the listed dates and times.

RCHS (270-866-3341):  August 4^th 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & August 6^th 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

RCMS (270-866-2224):  August 4^th 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM & August 6^th 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

RSES (270-866-3586):  July 14^th 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM & July 15^th 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

JES (270-343-3966):  June 12^th 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM & July 17^th 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

SES (270-866-6197):  June 26^th 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM & July 17^th 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Please call your child's school if you need additional information.