The Elkhorn Area School District's Policy Committee convened on August 4, 2025, to discuss the engagement of administrators and teachers with students on social media and online networking platforms. The primary focus of the meeting was to establish clear guidelines regarding appropriate interactions between school staff and students in digital spaces.

Committee members expressed strong concerns about the potential risks associated with private communications on social media. They emphasized that administrators and teachers should refrain from engaging with students on these platforms, citing issues of privacy, security, and the potential for inappropriate relationships. One member highlighted the prevalence of news stories involving school employees and misconduct, reinforcing the need for strict boundaries.

The discussion included the use of various communication apps, such as Snapchat and WhatsApp, which allow for encrypted and disappearing messages. Committee members unanimously agreed that these platforms pose significant risks, as they do not provide a permanent record of conversations, making it difficult to ensure accountability. They suggested that any communication should occur through school-sanctioned channels, such as official school websites or public social media pages, where interactions can be monitored and documented.

The committee also debated the definition of "engaging" with students, noting that while public interactions on school platforms are acceptable, private one-on-one communications should be avoided. They proposed refining the policy to explicitly prohibit any engagement with students through social media that does not retain a record of the conversation.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions underscored the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in digital communications between school staff and students. The proposed policy changes aim to protect students and staff alike, ensuring that all interactions are appropriate and transparent. Further review of existing policies will be necessary to finalize these recommendations.