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Traceable Communication with Students - Info Regarding SB 181
Russell County Board of Education

This is a letter from Superintendent Michael Ford to Laker Families regarding two new KY laws affecting how schools communicate with students and how students may use technology during the school day.

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)

New Student Registration Graphic District Wide
Russell County Schools

Russell County Schools will hold new student registrations this summer at various dates and times.  Please see the graphic and the article text for more details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kindergarten Registration Graphic
Russell County Schools

The dates for 2025-26 Preschool Registration have been announced by the district.  Registration will take place at the RC Public Library on the posted dates.  Please see the article for full details.

The dates for 2025-26 Preschool Registration have been announced by the district. 

Preschool registration on Russell County’s new Laker Away Learning Preschool Bus will take place at the Russell County Public Library on April 16th, 23rd & 30th from 9am – 4pm each of those dates. 

This is for children that will be 4 years old by August 1, 2025 and meet income guidelines, or a child who will be 3 years old by August 1, 2025 and a disability is suspected. 

Please bring the following with you:

·      Certified Birth Certificate

·      Immunizations Certificate

·      Physical

·      Eye Exam

·      Proof Of Income (this year’s tax paperwork)

If you have any questions, please call the Russell County Board of Education at 270-343-3191.

Russell County Board of Education Members Sworn in for New Terms
Christopher Godby

At a special meeting this week three of our School Board members were sworn-in for reelected terms.

 

The Russell County Board of Education welcomed the reelection of Brenda Higginbotham, Gerald Murray, and Joy Wilson before a special school board meeting held January 21. The three members were sworn in by Family Court Judge Jennifer Edwards, who is also the mother of Mrs. Wilson.

Mrs. Higginbotham and Mr. Murray begin their fourth terms on the board, while Mrs. Wilson embarks on her third term. Each term spans four years, reflecting the members' commitment to supporting education in Russell County.

 

Christopher Godby

PUBLIC NOTICE
RUSSELL COUNTY SCHOOLS
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT

 

ANUNCIO PUBLICO
ESCUELAS DEL CONDADO DE RUSSELL
DECLARACION DE LAS POLIZAS SIN DISCRIMINACION 

  • Auditorium/Natatorium Complex
  • Jamestown Elementary School
  • Lake Cumberland Regional College and Workforce Center
  • Russell County High School
  • Russell County Middle School
  • Russell County Schools
  • Russell Springs Elementary School
  • Salem Elementary School