CCISD adopts phone ban policy for school day; outlines exceptions and confiscation procedures

Clear Creek ISD trustees approved a district policy to comply with House Bill 1481 that generally prohibits students from using personal telecommunication devices, including cell phones, smart watches and non-district headphones, on school property during the school day. District staff said the policy's intent is to reduce distractions and improve student engagement. "The intent is to reduce student distractions and improve student engagement in the learning environment," a staff presenter said. Campuses will store devices out of students' possession during the school day — in a bag, purse or backpack — and violations carry disciplinary consequences reflected in the student code of conduct. Staff described exceptions the district will allow: medical conditions that require immediate device access (for example, to monitor blood sugar), accommodations documented under Section 504 or individualized education program plans, and situations the school administrator deems an emergency. "Anything that's ordered or 504 accommodation... Emergency situations... deemed by the school administrator," staff said. Trustees discussed operational details, asking how confiscated devices will be handled and how students will continue to report safety concerns without personal phones. Staff said confiscated devices will be held and returned at the end of the day, that campuses will work on clear confiscation procedures and that students will have access to school-issued devices or other platforms (including the district website) to submit anonymous safety reports. The board approved the policy as a first-and-only reading to comply with the state law; trustees noted the district will monitor implementation and provide updates to the board after schools open.