News Release

DUNLAP — Concord Community Schools have announced its consideration of joining other districts across Indiana to seek litigation against social media companies.

Dan Funston, Concord Community Schools superintendent, explained during a school board meeting, July 18, the burden on school districts caused by social media and its effects it has on students is the cause for the, possibly, country-wide litigation. He continued by explaining Indiana is almost last in the country in mental health support for students. Funston mentioned the emotionally taxing toll social media takes on mental health counselors in the district.

Funston mentioned he was approached by a law firm, Wagstaff & Cartmell, to invite him to join a webinar that further explained the potential lawsuit.

Districts already involved include Indianapolis Public Schools, Fort Wayne Community Schools, Elkhart Community Schools, Greater Clark County Schools, and Lawrenceburg Community Schools, amongst others.

The lawsuit alleges social media places an unnecessary stress on school administrators by creating disorderly school environment, as well as social media addiction and ensuing mental health crises, causing school districts to have to hire an increased number of mental health professionals, develop lesson plans on the harms of social media, provide educators, staff and community training; acknowledge property damage that is caused by mentally distressed students, increase disciplinary actions; address bullying, harassment, and threats; confiscate mobile, electronic devices, alert parents and guardians of behavioral and attendance issues, investigate and respond to threats made via social media platforms, and update handbooks and school policies.

The lawsuit claims social media is the cause for an increase in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, attention-deficit disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, local of focus and inability to concentrate, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, and the law allows districts the chance to hold social media platforms responsible for the harm caused to students.

Community members are encouraged to reach out to Funston or members of the board to share their thoughts on the district joining the lawsuit.

ILEARN Results

Kent Myers, assistant superintendent of curriculum, informed the board about ILEARN scores, which were released Wednesday, July 12. Myers explained, compared to the state average, Concord scores were below average, but improved from years past.

Myers explained one group that has shown adversity in improvement is the district’s English Learner students. Myers disclosed the district has averaged 100 additional EL students per year, however in the 2022/2023 academic year, the district saw a 200 student increase. EL students are about 30% of the district’s student population.

Concord is adopting new textbooks for this upcoming academic year, which Myers hopes better supports the educational growth of the sixth through eighth grades. Myers plans on adopting the same curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade, which will be applied in the 2024-2025 school year.

Bond Hearing

The Concord Community School Board approved a $3.5 million general obligation bond. This will give upgrade to two school parking lots and improvement to the high school softball fields to help with drainage, replace fencing and scoreboards and to improve walkways.

Funston mentioned the traffic concerns at Ox Bow and East Side Elementary. He explained one goal of the bonds is to move traffic off main roads at both schools. Additionally, improving drainage and lighting needs, and meeting ADA standards.

If bids come in lower than they are expected to, the bond may also complete paving at Ox Bow Elementary School’s playground, a new boiler and a new school bus.