School starts one week from today for students in Hamilton Southeastern Schools. The first day of classes for the 2026-27 school year is Wednesday, August 5, with teachers reporting Monday, August 3, for two days of orientation and in-service.
When students walk through the doors next Wednesday, the biggest change they will notice has nothing to do with buildings or buses. It is in their pockets — or rather, it no longer will be.
Phones away, bell to bell
A new state law, Senate Enrolled Act 78, took effect July 1 and requires every Indiana school district to prohibit student use of personal wireless devices for the entire school day, “bell to bell” — not just during class time, as the previous law required. The ban covers cell phones, smartwatches, personal laptops, gaming devices and similar electronics, including lunch and passing periods.
Governor Mike Braun signed the measure in March after it passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support. “Teachers can teach, and classrooms can function as they should,” Braun said at a ceremonial signing in May.
At HSE Schools, how phones are stored will depend on the building, district officials told WRTV. Students in grades 5-8 at intermediate and junior high schools will keep phones in their lockers all day. At the high school level, where locker space is limited, students will keep phones powered down inside their backpacks, and teachers will designate areas in the classroom — generally along a wall, away from students’ desks — where backpacks are stored during class.
The law allows exceptions for emergencies, medical needs and students with accommodations such as IEPs and 504 plans. HSE officials say enforcement will begin with the first violation: the phone is confiscated and the student receives detention, with parent involvement and progressive discipline after that.
“I really believe in my heart of hearts that it’s going to benefit our students,” Christi Thomas, HSE’s director of student services, told WRTV, adding that she expects “a learning curve” for students who have grown up with phones.
Other new state laws
The cell phone measure was not the only 2026 legislation affecting schools. House Enrolled Act 1408 requires social media companies to verify users’ ages and obtain parental permission before anyone under 16 can open an account. Senate Enrolled Act 76 requires school districts to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. And beginning July 1, a state protection expired that had barred schools from expelling K-8 students solely for chronic absenteeism or habitual truancy, meaning attendance carries higher stakes this year.
Kegley’s first opening day
This will be Dr. Matt Kegley’s first start of school as superintendent. The school board formally appointed him April 29 after he served as interim superintendent, but he is hardly new to the district — this is his 20th year with HSE Schools and his 30th in education. He previously served as deputy superintendent and, before that, as principal of both Riverside Junior High School and Hamilton Southeastern High School.
In an interview with LarryInFishers shortly after his appointment, Kegley discussed his priorities for the district, staffing and the referendum. You can listen to that conversation here.
One week to go. Enjoy it, students — and maybe get in some extra screen time while you still can.