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Silver Creek board debates student wireless‑device options, weighs $70,000 pouch solution
Summary
At its May 11 meeting the administration presented Policy 5136 on personal communication devices, explaining two statutory options (inaccessible storage vs. prohibition) and an estimated one‑time cost of about $70,000 for locking pouches if the district must provide secure storage.
The Silver Creek School Corporation board heard a detailed first reading on Policy 5136, the district’s proposed update to rules on student wireless electronic devices, at its May 11 meeting.
Under new Indiana statutory language, schools may either prohibit possession of wireless electronic devices during the school day by making them "inaccessible" (for example in lockers or approved storage) or ban students from bringing them to campus at all. Dr. Briggs told the board the administration’s preliminary recommendation is to use a school‑by‑school approach: middle and high school students could keep devices secured and inaccessible (lockers) while primary/elementary buildings would likely prohibit devices on campus unless the Department of Education defines backpacks or cubbies as "inaccessible." The district is awaiting IDOE guidance anticipated in mid‑June.
The administration described an operational and cost tradeoff if the state does not accept lockers/backpacks as "inaccessible": small individual locking pouches that secure phones on entry could be purchased and installed; the district estimated about $25 per pouch and roughly $70,000 in one‑time costs to equip the targeted student population.
Dr. Briggs summarized the policy goal plainly: "We don't want to see it, we don't want to hear it," emphasizing a focus on minimizing in‑class distraction while complying with state law. Board members discussed building‑specific exceptions for younger students who might need devices after school for athletics or parent pickup, selection of which grades would receive pouches, and vendor lead times.
Why it matters: The district’s interpretation of "inaccessible" will determine whether staff can adopt a lower‑cost approach (lockers/backpacks) or must invest in equipment to physically secure devices. The decision affects student routines, family communications after school and district one‑time expenditures.
What’s next: The board will consider a second reading and vote once IDOE issues guidance; staff plan to update student handbooks and return revised policy language on May 26 or at the June meeting if needed.
