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Board to align student phone policy with new Indiana law requiring devices off "bell to bell"
Summary
The board reviewed updated policy 5501 to comply with Indiana legislation effective July 1 that requires student cell phones to be turned off and put away during the school day while inside school buildings; the update would remove prior exceptions for passing periods and lunch.
The board reviewed recommended policy updates from the policy committee, including board policy 5501 (student cellular phone/electronic device). A board member said the policy language was changed to align with incoming Indiana legislation effective July 1: students’ cell phones must be turned off and kept in backpacks or lockers during the school day while inside school buildings.
The board member explained that the change eliminates prior allowances for phone use during passing periods and lunch while students are in school. When asked whether the rule applies on buses, a board member and Dr. Horton clarified the policy applies "bell to bell" while students are inside the building; bus travel to and from school is not covered by the inside-the-building restriction.
No formal vote on the policy was recorded during the meeting; the updates were presented as discussion items that will be included with the board packet for future action. The board said the policy will be distributed to families and students once it is approved to ensure awareness of the legislative requirement and the district’s updated expectation.
