Skip To Main Content

2024 Kentucky Summative Assessment Results (KSA)
Proficient Reading: Elementary 35% | Middle 34% | High 38%     |     Distinguished Reading: Elementary 24% | Middle 24% | High 22% 
Proficient Math: Elementary 39% | Middle 39% | High 35%     |     Distinguished Math: Elementary 20% | Middle 21% | High 22% 
KY School Report Card for Oldham County Schools

Senate Bill 181

Re: SB 181 - New Law Affecting Student Communication

June 27, 2025 

Dear OCS Families,

We want to make you aware of a new state law—KRS 160.145 (Senate Bill 181)—that goes into effect Friday, June 27, 2025. This law governs all traceable communication between students and teachers, school employees, and school volunteers.

Oldham County Schools is actively exploring communication tools that meet the new legal requirements. In the meantime, we are providing the following interim guidance for communication between students and staff, coaches, or volunteers:

What You Need to Know:

Beginning June 27, 2025, all electronic communication with students must:

  • Go through the student’s OCS email account, or
  • Be sent to the parent/guardian, who may then share it with the student

This requirement applies to all communication, whether it is school-related or not (e.g., church activities, babysitting arrangements, non-school-affiliated sports teams, etc.).

What’s Still Allowed:

  • Posting announcements on public social media pages is still permitted. However, staff should not reply to student comments on these posts.
  • Direct communication with parents/guardians via phone, text, email, or app remains fully allowed.

Not Permitted:

  • Direct text messages to students
  • Replies to student comments on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.)
  • Use of messenger apps with students (e.g., Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, SnapChat)

Also Not Permitted (Until Further Notice):

  • Group communication apps with students such as Band, Remind Me, Game Changer, TeamSnap, Sports Engine, etc.

The bill does allow a parent or legal guardian to submit written consent for a designated employee or volunteer to communicate with his/her student outside of the traceable communication system. The district is currently working on getting this waiver system in place, and additional updates will be shared as solutions are finalized.

We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we work to implement a compliant, safe communication process.

Re: Traceable Communication Waivers and App Info

August 4, 2025

Dear OCS Families,

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we would like to remind you about Senate Bill 181 (SB 181) and its impact on how school staff communicate with families. This law covers all two-way communication involving students and teachers, school employees and volunteers, and requires that these interactions be traceable.

Traceable Communications App

To comply with SB 181, Oldham County Schools will be using TalkingPoints as the district's official and approved platform for two-way communication between school staff and families. TalkingPoints supports communication in multiple languages and is accessible via text, app, or web - making it easy for families to stay informed and engaged.

We anticipate that TalkingPoints will be ready for districtwide use later this month. More information will be provided once we are ready to launch this platform.

Waiver Option

We understand that some families may prefer to communicate using other methods. SB 181 allows for flexibility through a parent waiver, which gives you the option to allow communication via other platforms, such as direct text messages. You can find the link to this waiver, as well as additional information on SB 181 here: https://www.oldham.kyschools.us/sb-181

Please note that if you previously filled out a waiver on paper, you will need to re-submit using the electronic form above. 

Thank you for your understanding as we work to comply with these regulatory requirements.