LINDEN — North Montgomery School Corporation is now included in a growing list of Indiana schools pursuing litigation against social media platforms. The school board approved a resolution at Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting.
More than 100 Indiana school corporations are suing social media companies, including Facebook and Snapchat, alleging the platforms are harmful and addictive to students.
Court records show schools claim social media causes disruptive behavior in students, including anxiety and a lack of focus.
A multi-district litigation representing at least 112 Indiana school districts is being handled by Missouri-based law firm Wagstaff & Cartmell, LLP. The firm has said the litigation is not a class-action lawsuit and that each school corporation is its own plaintiff.
According to the law firm, if the schools do not win, there is no cost or reimbursement fee for participating districts.
North Montgomery Superintendent Dr. Anthony Tharp investigated the issue after being contacted by North Montgomery School Corporation Attorney Stu Welliver had brought it to the attention of the superintendent.
“I looked into the lawsuit information and feel it is in our students’ best interest to join the growing list of schools,” Tharp said. “I feel it is another way we can protect our students.”
This year Indiana schools have banned the use of student cell phones during the school day to meet a new Indiana law passed last spring in Indianapolis. The legislators claim phone use in the classroom by students harms learning and student addiction to social media platforms are part of the problem.
The board approved the Montgomery County Community Foundation Health and Wellness Grant. The grant provides needy students with funds for medical services and clothing.
Tharp reported school bus routes are presently fully staffed but the number of drivers is continually changing. Tharp also reported there is a shortage of drivers willing to drive to evening events. Anyone willing to drive students to events such as athletic contests are encouraged to apply.
The board approved the 2026-27 West Central Indiana CTE Joint Services Agreement and the Joint Services and Supply Fund Agreement for Special Education.
Josh Thompson was approved to be an academic advisor effective July 30.
Blake Powell was hired to be an industrial arts teacher.
The board approved a list of 15 substitute teachers for the upcoming school year. Anyone interested in being a substitute teacher can start the application process on the corporation’s website.
A donation from Keystone Corp. in the amount of $6,380 was accepted to pay for overdue lunches.
A field trip for the FFA Dairy Judging Team was approved. The team will travel to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to participate in the national judging contest from Sept. 12–15.
It was reported the new high school gym floor should be available for use on Friday.
