The Mesquite Independent School District Board of Trustees approved the 2025–26 student handbook and code of conduct on July 31 after trustees discussed logistics for clear backpacks, dress code changes and when the handbook will be posted online.

Why it matters: The district said the handbook clarifies safety protocols and campus expectations; staff also outlined how the clear‑backpack policy will be implemented for students who participate in athletics, band or who carry instrument cases.

Board discussion and clarifications: A trustee asked district staff to explain the clear-backpack procedures for athletes and other students who do not carry clear backpacks. A staff member explained that some campus protocols — developed with schools last year — recognize exceptions where clear backpacks are impractical, including athletics, band and instrument cases. She said many campuses use large laundry carts at the main office where athletes can leave non‑clear backpacks; coaches collect those items and transport them to field houses or locker rooms so students do not carry non‑clear backpacks through the building.

On dress code, the personnel presenter said a stakeholder committee of parents, students, teachers, campus and district administrators and board members recommended adding plain jeans to the approved dress-code options. The committee also removed a requirement that principals designate specific spirit days; now students may wear a feeder-pattern, campus, college/university or military T‑shirt any day without a principal-designated spirit day.

Availability and language access: The personnel presenter said, if the board approves the code, the district will translate it into Spanish and post the handbook and code of conduct on the district website; staff said they will coordinate with communications and aim to post as soon as translation is complete.

Action: Trustee Everett moved to approve the student code of conduct; Trustee Hornsby seconded the motion and trustees approved the consent agenda item by voice vote (“Ayes have it. Motion carries.”).

Discussion vs. decision: The board’s review and the staff explanations were discussion. The board’s voice vote to approve the handbook and code of conduct was a formal decision. The district directed staff to translate and publish the final documents for parents and students.

Ending: Staff said they will notify parents when the handbook and code of conduct are posted and that translated copies will be provided online.