At the start of the school year, districts across the state were required to implement a cell phone and personal device ban.

For Boerne ISD and other districts, this ban means students cannot use personal communication devices on school property during the school day.

The state bill allows districts to implement this requirement however they see fit, and the Boerne ISD board of trustees officially approved the policy update Aug. 18.

The details

According to the approved policy, while on school property, the student shall store any personal communication device under administrative regulations.

Students who violate this policy or any regulations shall be subject to discipline per the board-adopted Student Code of Conduct, and an authorized employee shall confiscate the device.

For students who need devices for specific circumstances, the policy accommodates the following scenarios:

• The student’s use is necessary for implementation of the student’s individualized education program, a 504 plan, or a similar program or plan
• The student’s use is required due to a documented need based on a directive from a qualified physician
• The student’s use is necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or as part of the district or campus safety protocols