While a new policy has not yet been set, Friendswood ISD officials are inching closer toward an “away for the day” cellphone policy for the 2025-26 school year.

Officials presented considerations and feedback from FISD students, staff and community members at the March 10 board meeting.

The overview

Currently, cellphone use is prohibited during the instructional day at FISD unless a teacher permits their usage, officials said.

Once a cellphone is confiscated, the teacher will turn the phone into the school principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return it to the student at the end of the school day or to contact the parents to pick up the device, according to the FISD student handbook.


At the meeting, Kim Cole, FISD’s assistant superintendent of secondary teaching and learning, presented the following three options to the board:
  • Instructional time only, which is the same policy FISD currently has in which cell phones have to be put away during class periods
  • “Away for the day,” meaning cell phones must be out of sight during school hours, including during lunch, in between class periods, etc.
  • “Away for the day” with YONDR pouches, which are lockable phone pouches, for secondary grade levels
The options were also presented to the district’s “Think Tank,” which consists of 24 FISD members, including counselors, administrators, students, parents and teachers from each campus, according to district documents.

Based on survey results, a majority of the Think Tank believed YONDR pouches were the best idea out of the three.
Quote of note

“Overwhelmingly, teachers are supporting this idea that we cannot have cell phones in the classroom,” Cole said. “That separation from their academic learning environment is extremely important.”

What else?


Although the district has not made any decision in the direction it’ll go for cellphones, Cole noted the YONDR pouches will be a $105,000-$125,000 investment to purchase pouches for sixth through 12th grade.

The second year and beyond will cost $15,000-$18,000 for an annual refresh, as incoming sixth graders will need to receive pouches, Cole said.

If pouches become lost or damaged, Cole said it would most likely be the student or family’s responsibility to replace the pouch, which would cost about $30.

Stay tuned


Officials said the new cellphone policy could be a potential action item for consideration of the board of trustees at its April 14 meeting.

The board will meet at 5:45 p.m. on April 14 at 402 Laurel Drive, Friendswood.