This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenter Bréone Dupree, who covered the Feb. 18 Metropolitan School District of Warren Township Board of Education meeting.📝 Read more about what happened.
Students in Indiana could see a full ban on personal devices next year under Senate Bill 78, which school board members discussed at a recent meeting.
The bill would require schools to prohibit students from using or having personal, wireless communication devices during school hours. Julie French, a Warren Township school board member, said students can expect a bell-to-bell ban next year under the new law.
“It depends on what policy we decide upon as to whether they cannot even bring them to school at all, or if they can leave them in book bags,” said French.
Banned devices include cellphones, smart watches and other personal electronics.
Currently, students are allowed to use phones at lunch and during passing periods.
The new legislation allows exceptions, including devices used to monitor medical conditions.
Gov. Mike Braun has until March 9 to either sign or veto the bill. If he takes no action, the bill becomes law without his signature.
School districts will have to create a policy and notify families before July 1.
What’s Next?
The next Warren Township school board meeting is at 6:30 p.m. March 18 at the Warren Education and Community Center, 975 N. Post Road, or streamed online.
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Sharlene Birdsong is the assignment editor for Indy Documenters. You can reach her at sharlene.birdsong@mirrorindy.org.
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