Keller ISD Board Approves 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct Changes

The Keller Independent School District (KISD) Board convened on July 24, 2025, to discuss and approve the updated Student Code of Conduct for the 2025-2026 academic year. The meeting, led by Dr. Wilson, emphasized the significant changes made to the code, which were necessitated by recent legislative updates from the 89th Texas Legislature.

Lindsay, a representative from the Student Services Department, presented the comprehensive revisions to the code, which is designed to ensure legal compliance and promote a safe learning environment. The updates were based on a model provided by the law firm Walsh Gallegos, which incorporated changes from Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code.

Key changes highlighted during the meeting included:

1. **Teacher Removal from Class**: Teachers can now remove students from class for a single incident of disruptive behavior, rather than requiring documentation of repeated offenses.

2. **In-School Suspension (ISS)**: The previous three-day limit on ISS has been lifted, allowing for longer assignments. Additionally, if a student is placed in ISS for more than ten days, a review by campus administrators is required every ten days.

3. **E-Cigarette Policy**: The consequences for possession or use of e-cigarettes have been modified. A first-time offense will now result in ISS for at least ten days, while selling or distributing e-cigarettes will still lead to mandatory placement in the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).

4. **Parental Requests for ISS**: Parents can request that their child be reassigned from out-of-school suspension to ISS if they cannot supervise the child during the suspension period, though this will only be considered in extenuating circumstances.

5. **Special Education Services**: Students receiving special education services placed in ISS will continue to receive their required services from day one of their placement.

6. **Expanded Suspension Criteria**: The criteria for out-of-school suspension for homeless students and those in pre-K through second grade have been broadened to include behaviors that threaten classroom safety.

7. **Harassment and Retaliation**: The definitions of harassment and retaliation have been updated to include criminal offenses, leading to mandatory DAEP placements if police are involved.

8. **Assault Consequences**: Students who assault employees or volunteers will now face mandatory expulsion, with placement in the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP).

9. **Virtual Expulsion Program**: A new virtual expulsion program will provide remote learning opportunities for students expelled under specific circumstances.

10. **Antisemitism Definition**: In compliance with Senate Bill 326, a definition of antisemitism has been added to the code to address behavior motivated by such sentiments.

The board unanimously approved the 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct as presented, with plans to train campus administrators on the updates. The revisions aim to enhance the district's disciplinary framework while ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all students.