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Board reviews first reading of state'mandated cell phone policy after Texas law change
Summary
Trustees reviewed a proposed district policy to implement Texas Education Code 37.082 restricting student use of personal communication devices; the item was presented as a first read and will return for board approval.
Trustees heard a detailed presentation and discussion of how Southwest ISD will implement Texas Education Code 37.082, the recently changed state law that restricts student use of personal communication devices during the school day. Staff emphasized the presentation was to explain the statute and the district's intended approach; the policy itself (FNCE local) will return to the board for approval at a later meeting. "This is not a Southwest ISD policy. This is a Texas Education Code revision," Frances Barsonis said during the presentation, adding that the law referenced is "37.082." Barsonis outlined two implementation options districts may choose under the statute, and said the district proposes to allow students to bring devices to campus but require devices to be stored and not used from "first bell to last bell," with specified exceptions. Staff described exceptions that must be considered through appropriate committees for students with documented medical needs or individualized education program (IEP) accommodations. Barsonis said the law allows districts to establish a process for disposing of unclaimed devices after district attempts to notify parents; the law also removes the prior ability to charge an administrative retrieval fee. The proposed local policy would allow devices on transportation and extracurricular activities where safety or program logistics require use. Staff described a disciplinary sequence that begins with a warning, then confiscation and parent notification for repeated violations; principals will have disciplinary discretion consistent with the student code of conduct. Staff said administrators will be trained and that communications to families in English and Spanish will be distributed before implementation. Because this was a first read, no final action was taken. Staff said the board must adopt the local policy within 90 days of the statute's passage and that the item will be brought back for formal approval.
