Board gives first reading to stricter cell‑phone rules and changes to grading policy

The Borden‑Henryville School Corporation board reviewed two notable policy changes in a first reading: a more restrictive cell‑phone rule and revisions to the grading policy that would lower the threshold for retakes.

Superintendent (as identified in the meeting) told the board the district must review its cell‑phone policy "because of the state law" and described the proposed rule as "bell to bell," meaning students would be required to put phones away for the entire instructional day. The superintendent presented the proposal for board review as a first reading; the policy will return for future consideration and has not been adopted.

On grading, the superintendent said the district committee recommended moving the grading weights from an 80/20 split to a 60/40 split. The proposed change also lowers what triggers a retake: previously a 70 score triggered a retake, and the committee recommended lowering that trigger to 60 so that students who are passing but stuck in repeated retakes have different options. The superintendent said feedback from high‑school teachers informed the suggested changes.

Board members did not take a final vote on either policy at this meeting; both were presented as first reads. The superintendent emphasized that the grading change was intended "just allowing some students who are getting trapped in a perpetual cycle of retakes" to have relief and noted that 60 is still considered a passing score for the proposed approach.

Next steps

Both items will return to the board for additional review and a possible final vote at a later meeting; no adoption or binding change took place at this session.