Board reviews first reading of student cell‑phone policy amid after‑school communication concerns

Kokomo School Corporation staff presented a first reading of a proposed student wireless communication device policy, saying it would not ban phones outright but would require secondary students to store devices in lockers and elementary students to keep devices powered off and stored with backpacks.

“It's not my recommendation to bar cellular devices coming into school during the day at all,” the staff member said, noting that many students participate in after‑school activities and need a way to contact families after practices and events. The staff member also pointed to existing school practices: “All of our secondary schools have lockers … students are required to store their wireless communication device in their locker anyways.”

Board members raised practical questions about how families would reach students during evening events. A board member suggested installing accessible phone stations near athletic facilities so students could place calls without asking a staff member. The board member said such stations could help parents delay giving children cell phones and reduce the pressure on families to provide devices at younger ages.

Staff replied that classroom phones and main offices can place outgoing calls and that coaches often have access to phones, but they acknowledged a gap when offices are closed for evening events. The staff member emphasized medical exceptions, noting devices such as glucose monitors are allowed and that the district will continue to accept feedback from the association over the coming month.

The presentation was labeled a first reading; no formal action was taken. Board members were given a month to submit feedback so administrators can refine implementation details — including messaging protocols for coaches, potential supervised phone stations, and exceptions for assistive technology — before the policy returns for a future vote.