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Superintendent: state cell-phone ban for students takes effect next school year; district to begin parent outreach
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Bennett told the board that the state legislature passed a law restricting student use of cell phones and smartwatches during the school day beginning in the 2026–27 school year and that the district will start messaging parents; she also outlined upcoming A–F accountability changes and a July timeline for iLearn results.
Dr. Bennett told the Clarksville Community School Corp board that the state general assembly has passed legislation banning student use of cell phones and smartwatches during the school day, with implementation slated for the 2026–27 school year. She said the law had not yet been sent to the governor at the time of the meeting and that the district will begin communicating the change to parents this spring.
"This law prohibits the use of cell phones for any student and smartwatches for any students at any point during the school day," Dr. Bennett said, adding there are a few limited exceptions tied to medical or special-education needs. She told the board the district will work with its communications staff to message the new rules to families and acknowledged the transition may produce "some hiccups" that the district will try to address through clear outreach.
Dr. Bennett also briefed the board on the Indiana State Board's approval of revised A–F accountability metrics. She said the system will combine an academic component and additional measures into school-level grades; the district expects the new iLearn score-level settings to be set this year and indicated school results likely will be available in July.
Board members were advised the district will provide additional updates as the state finalizes rules and the district refines guidance for families and staff.
