A New Law Will Affect Staff & Students in Meade County This School Year

A new piece of legislation from Frankfort will directly impact the way staff and students in Meade County and other Kentucky School districts can communicate ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.

As staff and students in Meade County adjust their alarms and prepare to return to the classroom this week, they'll also be adjusting to some significant changes as a result of a new piece of legislation recently approved by the Kentucky Legislature.

A photo of the Meade County Greenwave logo at the College and Career Center. Photo Credit: Meade County Schools Website

Kentucky Senate Bill 181 officially became law on June 27th and is aimed at eliminating abuse and inappropriate communication between school staff members and students. The bill requires that school districts designate a specific traceable communication system that will serve as the exclusive means for employees and volunteers to communicate with students electronically. In order for school staff to be able to communicate with students outside of the designated traceable communication system, parents will need to provide written consent.

Meade County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Martin says he understands the frustrations of some parents and guardians who could potentially be inconvenienced by this new law but says he believes the intentions of the legislators behind this new law are ultimately good.

"We know there are some people who don't like [it]," Dr. Martin said in a recent interview on WMMG's Edgewise program. "We have a a lot of parents that don't like that because of athletics, but here's what I'll say: I do believe our legislators have good intentions."

Dr. Martin also encouraged parents to reach out to him as the school year progresses with their concerns about the new bill.

"I have good communication with Representative Nancy Tate and Senator Steven Meredith," he said. "I'll be glad to pass that along to them or if you want to contact them directly. But let's just work together with a calm, contagious attitude on that."

Senate Bill 181 requires that violations of the new law be reported and principals, superintendents, and the commissioner of education are required to notify parents of any allegations of unauthorized electronic communication involving their children.

The bill does allow exceptions for school employees and volunteers to have electronic communication with students who are their family members.

The First day back for students in Meade County will be this Wednesday, August 6th. JCPS and Hardin County Schools will be back in the classroom on August 7th, and students return to school in Breckinridge County next Monday, August 11th.