May 22, 2026
Dear WCCS Families,
We want to share important information for next school year that will impact all students in our state. Beginning July 1, a new Indiana law will require all school districts to have an official policy prohibiting the use of personal electronic devices during the instructional school day. Board policy 5136 was presented to our Board of Trustees at the May 4 Work Session and adopted at the Monday, May 18 Board Meeting.
Starting with the new school year in August, our policy states that devices must be powered off, stored away, and inaccessible to students throughout the school day. This will apply to all personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smart watches, earbuds/headphones, and any other electronic device that can connect to the internet or send messages. This only applies to personal devices and will not apply to the school-issued device that students use during their classes.
Under the current law, Indiana schools allow limited use of wireless devices, and our students, with the encouragement of their families, have done a great job adjusting the past two years. In fact, many students have shared that they are able to engage in more meaningful conversations with their friends and teachers during class without the distraction of personal devices.
We are working closely with our building administrators to ensure the new policy is implemented consistently across all of our schools. More specific details and reminders on daily expectations will be communicated from your school prior to the new school year.
Your support is greatly appreciated in talking with your student about this upcoming change as a result of the new state law. We are confident our students will adapt to the new expectation and make positive choices, allowing for more personal connections with friends and a distraction-free school environment to focus on learning.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership.
Seth Slater, WCCS Interim Superintendent
Dr. Trent Lehman, WCCS Incoming Superintendent