The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has formally entered the realm of social media with the launch of the agency’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.

KDE’s Facebook page can be accessed at www.facebook.com/pages/Frankfort-KY/Kentucky-Department-of-Education/206750929353908 or by searching for “Kentucky Department of Education” on Facebook under “Government Organization.” Subscribe to the KDE Twitter feed by connecting to @KyDeptofEd.

The agency’s Facebook page will feature news and information from the agency, including meeting announcements and program updates. The Twitter feed will replicate some of those items and provide a means for immediate updates.

“Communications is a priority for this agency,” said Education Commissioner Terry Holliday, a longtime user of Facebook, Twitter (@kycommissioner), blogs and other forms of electronic communications. “It’s important that we reach as many audiences as possible, and having a social media presence enables immediate sharing of information and news. It also provides a means for direct feedback from educators, parents, students, elected officials and others.”

KDE will use social media in conjunction with its website, which will continue to serve as a repository for information, documents and other items, such as the Open House data portal.