Valparaiso Community Schools board adopts student cell‑phone policy, to take effect July 1

Valparaiso Community Schools board members voted June 22 to adopt a district student cell‑phone policy set to take effect July 1, 2026, after a lengthy discussion about how the rules would be enforced and communicated to families.

Board President said the district had solicited input from parents, teachers and administrators and aimed to follow the requirements imposed by Indiana law while making the policy implementable at the school level. The policy language was presented as the product of multiple drafts and community feedback; members said they expect to amend operational details as needed after rollout.

John, a board member who joined the meeting by Zoom, said the board had consulted the Indiana School Boards Association policy guidance and examples from other districts and described the approved draft as "probably our best effort right now." He added that administrative guidance would be issued to schools to explain day‑to‑day procedures for students and families.

Board members raised specific implementation questions during debate, including whether schools would prohibit phones entirely (option A) or allow them powered off and stored (option B); how confiscated phones would be secured; and whether camera‑monitored storage would be required so staff would avoid handling students' personal devices. The board discussed placing phones in a sealed container in the school office and using a visible camera as one suggested approach.

Ashley, a staff member who prepared a draft myth/fact sheet, said the district would finalize and post quick‑reference materials and the full policy on the district website to help parents and staff understand the new rules.

The chair called for a motion to accept the policy "as it is currently written," with the acknowledgment that amendments may be needed later. The motion was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote; no opposing votes were recorded on the public audio. The board announced the policy would become effective July 1, 2026, and that administrators would publish implementation guidance before schools reopen.

Next steps: the administration will publish the finalized policy and the myth/fact sheet on the district website and issue school‑level guidance; the board said it will accept feedback and consider future amendments if operational issues arise.