Dear Maple Run Families,
We hope you’re enjoying the start of summer and finding time to relax and recharge.
We want to share an important update that will affect how Vermont schools, including ours, communicate with students and families. On Friday, June 27, Governor Phil Scott signed House Bill H.480 into law. While the bill includes several updates to Vermont’s education statutes, one section—§ 584: Use of Social Media Platforms in Education—takes effect immediately and will impact communication practices statewide.
This part of the new law is designed to support student safety and well-being by setting clear and healthy guidelines for how technology and social media are used in schools. It requires Vermont schools to:
Communicate with students only through social media platforms officially approved by the school district. These platforms must keep a complete, unchangeable record of all messages to ensure safety and transparency.
Do not require students to use social media for homework, sports, clubs, or any other school-related activities that occur outside of regular school hours. This helps students maintain a healthy balance between school and personal time.
At Maple Run, our leadership team is reviewing current tools and communication practices to ensure compliance with these new requirements, while continuing to provide meaningful and supportive connections between students, families, and schools. We will keep you updated in the coming weeks as we finalize any changes.
The law also includes upcoming changes related to student cell phone and personal electronic device use in schools. These policies are not yet in effect, but we expect more guidance from the Vermont Agency of Education in the coming months and will keep you informed as we learn more.
These changes are part of a broader statewide effort to create safer, more focused learning environments—something that aligns deeply with our mission to ensure a meaningful, flexible, rigorous, and safe education for all students. At Maple Run, we remain committed to building a school community where every student feels connected, supported, and ready to thrive.
If you have any questions or thoughts, please reach out to me directly.
Thank you for being such a vital part of our community.
With appreciation,
Bill Kimball
Superintendent of Schools