Corsicana ISD adopts districtwide ban on personal communication devices; updates code of conduct and employee handbook

Corsicana ISD trustees on Aug. 4 adopted a district policy (FNCE) prohibiting student use of personal communication devices during the instructional day and on school property, effective Aug. 13, 2025, to ensure compliance with Texas House Bill 1481. At the same meeting the board approved updates to the student code of conduct and the 2025–26 employee handbook, and voted to accept the 2025–26 T-TESS appraiser list and a new athletic policy regarding private‑ and home‑school participation.

The cell‑phone policy defines "personal communication devices" broadly to include cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, earbuds and similar items and requires students to keep devices secured in backpacks and not on their person during the instructional day. Use is prohibited during passing periods and lunch and the restriction applies from the morning school bell until the final bell. Students may use devices…