As the summer season draws to a close, numerous students in the Tri-State region are preparing to return to school. However, this academic year will bring about some changes in Indiana, with the introduction of two new laws that will regulate cell phone usage within classrooms and absenteeism.
Dearborn and Ohio County students will be heading back to school on Wednesday, July 31st, thanks to two bills that were signed by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb back in March. These new laws are now in effect and ready to be implemented for the upcoming school year.
Indiana’s latest legislation bans the use of personal devices such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices in classrooms.
According to Karl Galey, the Superintendent of Lawrenceburg Community Schools, it is imperative for students to switch off their cell phones and keep them out of sight during class. Alternatively, some teachers may have designated areas where students can turn in their phones and keep them switched off during class time. Galey emphasized the importance of this rule to FOX19 NOW.
Devices can still be used in certain situations, such as when a teacher grants permission for educational purposes or to monitor a student’s health.
People with disabilities have the option to use assistive technology devices while in school. In case of an emergency, students are allowed to use their cell phones.
According to Galey, teachers will be authorized to confiscate phones if they are being used or if they ring during class. However, they will surrender the phones to the administrators and return them at the end of the day. Depending on the frequency of the offense, the consequences will become more severe.
According to the superintendent, repeat offenders would face either detention or Friday school as the most severe form of punishment.
Dearborn and Ohio counties have taken a significant step forward in addressing truancy by collaborating with juvenile courts, the prosecutor’s office, probation officers, and the department of child services. While the Indiana legislature has passed a new truancy law that only applies to students in grades K-6, these counties have extended their efforts to encompass high schoolers as well.
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- Elementary Level: Six excused absences are permitted.
- Grades 6th-12th grade: Four excused absences are permitted.
Galey explained that as a student accumulates unexcused absences, it would result in receiving letters from the school, probation department, or department of child services. If the situation escalates, it could lead to a visit with the circuit court judge.
As Wednesday marks the commencement of a new school year, the superintendent and his staff are brimming with enthusiasm. However, there will be some modifications to the routine.
All parents in school districts across Dearborn and Ohio counties should refer to their individual district’s handbook which outlines the new rules, according to his request.
