North East ISD bans electronic devices during class time
To be in line with House Bill 1481’s prohibition of personal electronic devices during the school day, North East ISD now requires all students to turn off and store their cellphones and other electronic devices, such as smartwatches and tablets, in class time beginning in the 2025-26 school year.
The overview
According to district documents, the Texas Education Agency sent additional instructions informing districts that they could define what a “school day” means. Using these guidelines, NEISD defined the “school day” as instructional class time and only requires students to turn off and store their personal devices in class. Students will be allowed to use phones during time outside the classroom, such as passing periods and lunch as well as before and after school.
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Boerne ISD highlights staff acquisition, retention
Over the last year, Boerne ISD has improved staff retention and reduced the number of open positions from more than 60 in September 2024 to less than 10 as of Sept. 3.
Chief Human Resources Officer Jill Rhodes Pruin discussed staff positions during the Sept. 15 board of trustees meeting, including custodians, bus drivers, food service employees, teaching assistants, teachers, and speech and language therapists.
“These are some areas where we know we have had some challenges with staffing in the past,” she said.
The details
Rhodes Pruin said district staff is focused on improving retention and ensuring staff stay with the district each school year.
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New Braunfels Christian Academy makes headway on $15M academic building
Construction on New Braunfels Christian Academy’s 50,000-square-foot, two-story academic building at 220 FM 1863 is about to begin, Head of Schools Nick Reeves told Community Impact.
“We need more space for Christian leaders,” Reeves said.
What we know
The academic building will serve sixth- to 12th-grade students, have 37 classrooms, a career and technology space, offices, and a gathering space for meetings.
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Ollie's Bargain Outlet opening soon in New Braunfels
More big-box retailers continue to expand into New Braunfels as a new discount chain store is expected to open soon.
Latest update
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is set to open on Oct. 9, officials announced on the website.
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The Olde English Tea Shoppe & Cafe brings the taste of Britain to North San Antonio
After leaving Manchester, England, for a work trip to Texas, Robb Kelly said he never looked back.
That was almost two decades ago—now, he’s a local practicing recovery specialist and owner of The Olde English Tea Shoppe & Cafe, an authentic British cafe and restaurant in North San Antonio.
Some context
Kelly said he had an eclectic past in England, having worked as a session musician at Abbey Road Studios and performed with artists such as David Bowie and Elton John.
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