Jennings County schools hold first reading of 'bell-to-bell' cellphone policy to comply with state law

A district presenter told the Jennings County School Corporation board on the first reading that the district is updating its student-device rules to comply with Senate Enrolled Act 78 and related Indiana code.

"I will repeat, that's a state law," the presenter said, stressing the policy is driven by statute. The changes would prohibit personal communication devices — including cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses and internet-capable gaming devices — from being used during the school day and require devices to be inaccessible to students from bell to bell.

The presenter summarized the proposed requirements: devices must be out of sight, powered off and inaccessible during the school day. Secondary students are expected to store devices in lockers or secured district pouches when provided. The presenter said the district will implement documented exceptions for medical needs, individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 accommodations, and language-translation needs; the superintendent or a designee may also permit device use in emergency situations.

Board members pressed the presenter for clarifications about enforcement and daily logistics. The presenter confirmed a device kept in a student’s pocket or bag would not satisfy the "inaccessible" requirement under the statute, and described district options for securing devices at the secondary level. The presenter said principals will exercise discretion for confiscated devices and that consequences consistent with the policy will apply.

This item was presented as a first reading; the presenter said the policy will return for a second reading and final vote before the start of the school year.

Sources: transcript of the Jennings County School Corporation board meeting (first reading presentation on student-device policy).