Board hears first reading of amended cell-phone policy to comply with Indiana law SA78

The Center Grove Community School Corp. board received a first reading of amended policy 5136, which administrators said aligns the district with Indiana law SA78 by restricting student use of personal wireless communication devices from bell to bell.

Mrs. Murray told the board that students may bring devices to school but must keep them powered off and stored (locker or backpack) during the school day; documented medical needs or IEP/504 accommodations would allow approved use in buildings. "This will help reduce distractions and support student learning," Mrs. Murray said.

Administrators said they will revise the student and parent handbooks to match the policy language and bring the handbooks and a second reading of the policy to the board next month; staff are preparing visuals and communications for families ahead of the next school year.

Because this was a first reading, no vote was taken; board members asked clarifying questions about implementation and communications to families.