Shelby County Public Schools remains committed to the safety and well-being of all students while fostering transparency and encouraging parent engagement. In alignment with the requirements of Senate Bill 181, new communication protocols will be implemented effective immediately.

Traceable Communication Systems Required

All electronic communication between staff or volunteers and students regarding school business or on behalf of Shelby County Public Schools  must occur through district-approved, traceable communication platforms, which include:

• Apptegy (also known as “Rooms” or “Thrillshare”)

• District Microsoft Email

• AVAYA

This requirement applies to all school-related activities, including clubs, athletic teams, tutoring, and classroom correspondence. The use of non-traceable electronic platforms (such as personal email, text messaging, or social media) for school business is strictly prohibited.

Posting pictures or updates on official school social media accounts is still permitted, but the following guidelines must be followed:

• Disable direct messaging whenever possible

• Avoid tagging students or engaging in two-way communication

• Turn off comments

• Ensure that only designated adult staff manage and post content

Electronic Communication Outside of School-Sponsored Activities

If an employee or volunteer communicates electronically with a student in a non-school-related capacity (e.g., church groups, babysitting, piano lessons), the following conditions must be met:

• The student’s parent or guardian must sign a district-approved waiver.

• The waiver form is available on the district website. It must be completed online, printed, signed, and returned in person to the student’s school.

• Staff may not solicit waivers from parents or guardians.

• A separate waiver is required for each student and for each specific organization or business. 

• A single waiver may not apply to multiple students. Parents or guardians should list any restrictions on the electronic communication platforms they wish to be used under the section titled “Indicate any other terms below limiting electronic communication between the employee/volunteer and your child.” If nothing is listed, the staff member or volunteer can use any and all electronic communication platforms including social media. 

Summary

SCPS does not allow waivers for employees or volunteers who are communicating in their capacity as representatives of Shelby County Public Schools. All school-related electronic communication must take place through a district-approved, traceable platform. As a district, we may add additional approved traceable communication platforms before the start of school in August. If an employee or volunteer needs to communicate with students for non-school-related purposes—such as operating a business or serving as a youth pastor—a waiver may be initiated by the parent or guardian and submitted online. 

Family Member Exemptions

The only exemptions automatically permitted by law apply to immediate family members, including:

• Parents and legal guardians

• Siblings

• Aunts and uncles

• Grandparents

All other family relationships—including cousins, in-laws, and step-relatives—must adhere to the abovementioned waiver requirements.

This is a new legal mandate with significant consequences, so we as a district are proceeding cautiously, consulting with our attorney, and establishing procedures that protect both students and staff.