By the numbers
So far, 1,604 students have been authorized to use their personal laptops, said Monica Baines, director of advanced academics and college and career readiness.
While most students are adhering to the rules amid updated policies, officials emphasized consistent enforcement and personal responsibility.
“It’s an honor code,” Baines said at the Oct. 21 board meeting. “If you say you’re going to do something, then follow your word and do that.”
Who’s eligible?
Baines said the BYOL initiative is currently limited to students who are:
- Enrolled in at least one Advanced Placement, dual-credit or dual-enrollment course
- In ninth through 12th grade
- Maintain a 90% attendance rate or higher
- Complete an Acceptable Use Agreement, co-signed by a parent or guardian
Executive Director of Technology Chad Jones said there have been no reports of unauthorized laptop usage submitted, which he said is monitored through district-managed Wi-Fi networks that filter content to block social media, messaging apps and other distractions.
While teachers help monitor device use, Jones said the system is designed not to place additional burden on them, as administrators and technology filters shoulder much of the enforcement responsibility.
How it’s going
Out of the 1,576 violations documented since the personal device ban was implemented for the 2025-26 school year in July, Baines said 83% were issued to high schoolers, mostly occurring within the classroom, which shows instructional time is still being impacted.
Nearly 87% of violations occurred by first-time offenders and 12% by second-time offenders, Baines said.
“The first infraction is enough for most kids not to do it again,” she said.
Trustee George Arroyo noted some campuses, including those zoned to George Ranch High on the Maroon track, have fewer violations, due to a strict no-cell phone policy that predates district-wide enforcement.
The feedback
From a district-administered survey of 30 AP and dual credit teachers across all high schools, Baines said most reported positive outcomes, citing improved access and fewer instructional disruptions.
Additionally, Baines said some teachers noted challenges with the reliability of district devices, making BYOL a helpful supplement. She said the district technology team continues to respond to issues and provide support.
Moving forward
In September, Board President Jacci Hotzel said the future of Lamar CISD’s BYOL initiative may hinge on the outcome of the 2025 bond election, which includes $10.69 million to provide laptops for all students in third through 12th grade.
This month, Jones said the district requires a 31% expansion—or 11,000 devices over four years—to meet demand amid a growing enrollment of about 2,000 students annually. He said the bond also supports a staggered replacement plan, with a six- to seven-year maturity to avoid long-term debt on short-lifespan technology.
Hotzel said if approved, the bond could make personal devices in classrooms unnecessary.
Early voting for the bond is underway now through Oct. 31, and Election Day is Nov. 4.
