The revision is in response to new requirements under House Bill 1481, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature in June, which mandates tighter restrictions on student use of personal communication devices during school hours, said Sherri Ashorn, KISD director of student affairs, at the July 21 board meeting.
What’s changing
The policy changes were approved by KISD trustees at the July 28 meeting and by LCISD trustees at the June 17 meeting.
Under the new policy, students will be prohibited from having cell phones on their person or using devices anywhere on school property during the instructional day, per KISD and LCISD district communications.
Marlon Waites, LCISD chief student service officer, said at the June 17 board meeting that the bill overrides the school policy approved in January by banning student phone use during the school day, including during lunch and other non-instructional time.
Similarly, KISD’s policy will shift from limited access to personal devices based on grade level as approved in July 2024.
Waites said that the bill also eliminates the previously enforced $15 fee charged to LCISD students for retrieving confiscated phones.
The details
Per the policy, students with an Individualized Education Plan or with Section 504 accommodations may use their device if campus administrators deem appropriate, district officials said.
Required by state policy, these changes will be shared with KISD and LCISD parents and students in time for the Sept. 1 compliance deadline:
- Personal communication devices must be stored in the student’s backpack or locker while on school property during the day.
- Violation of the policy will result in device confiscation, followed by parent communication and pick up, in addition to campus-specific restrictions.
- In emergency situations, KISD school staff will instruct students on the use of telecommunication devices. LCISD students are advised to make emergency calls at the front desk.
