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Gary schools adopt state-required bell-to-bell ban on student personal devices
Summary
The Gary Community School Corporation board voted unanimously to implement Indianalaw by adopting a bell-to-bell ban on personal communication devices (including bus restrictions), with limited exceptions for documented medical, IEP/504, emergency translation and approved instructional use. Board members debated enforcement and options before the vote.
The Gary Community School Corporation board voted unanimously to adopt revised policies (5136; 5136.01) that implement a new Indiana law restricting student personal communication devices during the school day.
Chelsea Whittington, the district's chief of public and community relations, told the board the policy implements a state law effective July 1 and that the district is proposing a bell-to-bell prohibition, including on buses, with exceptions for documented medical needs, IEP or Section 504 accommodations, emergency translation needs and teacher-approved instructional use. "We will be working with parents and families to have this information ahead of time," Whittington said, describing outreach and signage plans.
Board discussion focused on enforcement and local options within the state law. Attorney Lockett noted the Indiana School Boards Association had opposed the statute and cautioned that districts have choices about implementation. A board member pressed whether the policy could allow phone use on buses; staff said the district had chosen the stricter interpretation and cited safety and consistency as reasons to prohibit devices from the time students board the bus until they leave campus.
Dr. Stokes said the district expects to rely on a combination of expectations, teacher oversight and bus-camera footage for after-the-fact monitoring. "It takes you, it takes me, it takes all of us," he said, arguing that consistent expectations help reduce classroom distraction and curb recordings that fuel social-media bullying.
Board members asked about discipline and practical enforcement. Staff responded that violations could result in disciplinary action and that parents or guardians may be required to pick up confiscated devices; serious violations could involve law enforcement. Whittington emphasized planned communication with families and the training of staff on school procedures.
The motion to approve the policy implementation passed on roll call 5to0. The board directed staff to continue community outreach and to prepare guidance and signage for the district's schools ahead of the July 1 effective date.
The policy adoption affects student conduct rules across the district and will be added to the district's student-handbook and staff training materials prior to the start of the next school year.
