The Whitley County Board of Education (BOE) addressed updates related to Senate Bill 181, commonly referred to as SB 181, during its regular meeting at the BOE Central Office on Aug. 21.
SB 181 is a recently passed legislation that prohibits communication between staff and students through social media, text messages, or phone calls.
At the previous meeting, the board adopted ParentSquare, a secure application that facilitates traceable communication between staff and students.
The policy 08.2324 now allows ParentSquare, school email, and Google Classroom as approved traceable communication tools.
Additionally, Kevin Anderson, the Technology Coordinator for the district, informed the board of how they plan to handle data security for the year, ensuring data security for students and staff in the district by strengthening safeguards against cyber threats.
The board approved the Data Security Implementation Plan.
Superintendent John Siler stated, “Anderson and his team are trying to keep all the fishing scams limited. It’s a constant battle.”
The BOE has been looking for an athletic trainer, and they have signed the contract to obtain one—something they haven’t had for nearly a year.
“We definitely will try to take care of our student athletes,” Siler stated.
In other business, the BOE approved the motion for:
-The Union Commonwealth University School of Education Candidate Placement Agreement Memorandum of Agreement, allowing students from nearby local colleges to observe teachers and assist with student teaching placements. Typically, if these student teachers perform well, they may secure a job afterward.
– Appalachian Education Service Agency Results planning Process Subaward Agreement through Gear-Up with Whitley County School District, allowing the district to take students to university and college campuses.
-The School Nutrition program.
-The Elementary School Dental Program Agreement for the 25-26 year, which is an agreement with Elgin’s Children Foundation. They take elementary students in for a screening. If a dentist identifies any issues that require an office visit, Elgin will cover the costs. Additionally, they collaborate with family resource coordinators to arrange transportation if necessary.
-Memorandum of Agreement between Dayspring Health and Whitley County BOE for the dental services with Whitley County middle and high school students.
-The Motor Vehicle and Watercraft Property Tax Certification with a property tax rate of $55.20 for $100 of assessed value of motor vehicles and watercraft for 2026.
-The Tax Rate for Real Estate is $0.46, $45.6, plus $0.4 for prior year losses due to exonerations and personal property. Siler assured the board that this would decrease the tax rate.
-Multiple athletic improvements at Whitley County High School, including the final pay application for the baseball and softball turf field conversion project and initial steps towards replacing the tennis courts. Flooring renovation projects at the high school and Whitley Central Primary were also improved.
