At Derby Public Schools, we are committed to maintaining a focused, distraction-free learning environment that supports student achievement. In compliance with Kansas HB 2299, Derby Public Schools has implemented bell-to-bell personal electronic device expectations for all students. Specific procedures vary by school level. Please refer to student handbooks for complete building-level policies and expectations.

Prohibited personal electronic devices include cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, personal computers, wireless/Bluetooth earbuds, and gaming systems.

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Effective July 1, 2026, Derby Public Schools will implement changes to its communication practices to comply with HB 2299 (Cell Phone and Social Media Communication Bill). As required by HB2299, school boards must adopt policies and procedures prohibiting district employees from: 

• Privately or directly communicating with students through social media platforms, except when such communication occurs through a board-approved platform used for official school purposes; and

• Requiring students to use social media platforms for any assignment or extracurricular activity. 

The Board previously approved the purchase and implementation of ParentSquare as the district’s official communication platform for district, school, classroom and athletics/extracurricular communications. As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, families should expect the majority of school-related communications to be delivered through ParentSquare. Beginning July 1, staff-to-student/family communication for classroom, activity and athletic communications should be delivered through ParentSquare. 

Please note: Our current understanding is that HB2299 does not prohibit necessary phone calls, texts or use of district emails to parents or students related to school operations, student safety, transportation, activities or athletics. The law is primarily focused on electronic communications, especially social media communications. Staff should use the district-approved communication platform (ParentSquare) for routine electronic two-way communications and should keep direct phone, text and email communications with students limited to legitimate educational, activity, safety or operational purposes whenever possible.

Recent legislation also authorizes school boards to approve specific social media platforms for official district and school use. At the June 25 Board of Education meeting, to ensure compliance with these requirements while maintaining effective communication with students, families and the community, the Board approved the following platforms for official district and/or school use: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Social media platforms may be used to share information and promote school activities; however, they may not be used for two-way communication with students. Communication with students must occur through district-approved and managed platforms.