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Board adopts handbook changes: high-school cell-phone lockers and initial AI guidance included
Summary
Trustees approved updates to the employee handbook and the student/family handbook for 2026–27, adding a high-school cell-phone locker policy, attendance-law updates, and initial guidelines on appropriate AI use for staff and students.
The Muncie Community Schools board voted to adopt updates to the employee handbook and the student and family guide for the 2026–27 school year, changes administrators said align district policy with recent law and classroom practice.
Doctor Bell presented the proposed employee handbook changes, including a 90-day probation period for custodial staff before eligibility for vacation and benefits, an updated list of official closing and delay days, and revised attendance language that will be considered in promotions, transfers and evaluations. "These changes cover support staff, teachers, certified staff and administrators so that everyone's clear," Doctor Bell said.
On the student and family handbook, a presenter summarized the key changes approved by trustees: updates to bullying-notification timelines required under new law, a new high-school cell-phone policy that will require most devices to be stored in lockers and powered off during the school day (exceptions apply for IEP/504 plans, translation devices or school-issued devices), and initial guidance for staff and students on the appropriate and ethical use of artificial intelligence. The presenter said the district reviewed handbook language used by other Indiana districts and emphasized that the AI guidance does not name specific commercial tools but focuses on compliance, academic integrity and responsible use.
Board members asked how families will receive the changes; administrators said the handbook is accessible online, families sign off during enrollment, and ParentSquare has been used for distribution. Trustees moved and seconded the approvals and the motions passed by voice vote.
What this means: High-school students will need to store cell phones in lockers during school hours unless they have an approved exception, and teachers have new guidance on how AI tools are expected to be used and monitored. Administrators said they will roll the changes out to families and staff during back-to-school activities and administrative retreats.
