Board moves to second reading on 'bell-to-bell' phone policy, favors storage approach

The Richmond Community Schools board moved a revised personal-communication-device policy (policy 5136) to second reading on June 17 after an extended discussion about how to comply with Indiana's 'bell-to-bell' law (Senate Enrolled Act 78), which extends device restrictions from instructional time to the entire school day.

Board members and policy staff discussed three approaches: a full ban on devices on school property, a storage policy requiring students to store devices during the school day (with exceptions for medical needs), or a limited allowance for devices under supervised, instructional use. Trustees generally described a storage policy as the "least restrictive" option that meets compliance requirements while allowing family communication before and after school.

Kristen, the policy presenter, said the revised draft selects a storage approach and will proceed to second reading. The board asked questions about implementation details and timelines; members noted that the law's implementation steps include a July 1 effective date for some provisions and a July 2028 date for certain instructional-device allowances. Several trustees requested a finalized version for the next meeting so the board can vote before school begins.

The motion to move the revised policy to second reading passed by voice vote, 6–0.

The transcript records discussion of exceptions for medical needs and the district’s existing protocols for parents contacting schools when students do not have access to devices during the day.