Kilgore ISD trustees consider implementation plan for new law banning student device use during instructional day
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Summary
Trustees discussed a district policy to comply with a new state law that prohibits students from using personal communication devices during the instructional day, including smartwatches; a motion to adopt a policy was made and seconded but a board vote was not recorded in the transcript excerpt.
Kilgore ISD trustees discussed and moved to adopt a district policy to comply with a state law prohibiting students from using personal communication devices on campus during the instructional day. The discussion focused on enforcement, exemptions, smartwatches and how campuses will align local procedures.
Doctor Baker briefed trustees on the law’s scope and implementation timeline, saying the statute prohibits student use “bell to bell” and includes smartwatches. He told the board the district must decide local enforcement details and disciplinary levels, and that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) still needs to issue implementation guidance.
“Tomorrow morning, that attachment that you have goes out if this gets approved tonight,” Doctor Baker said, describing the parent and student notification the district planned to publish.
Board members debated enforcement and practical concerns for extracurricular travel, off‑campus competitions and staff use. Trustees asked whether fines could be charged and where any collected fees would be deposited; staff replied the law allows districts to outline fees and that district practice will determine fund allocation. Administrators described creating a campus‑level procedure to distinguish smartwatches with limited functionality from fully connected devices.
A motion to approve the district policy implementing House Bill 14 81 (as referenced in the meeting materials) was made by Trustee Deeds and seconded by Trustee Borders; the transcript shows discussion and a second but does not record a final vote in the excerpt provided. Staff emphasized enforcement will require consistent campus procedures and staff commitment, and noted unusual cases — for example, students attending events at other districts — will present enforcement challenges.
District staff said they plan to incorporate offense levels and disciplinary steps into the student handbook and expect to adjust the handbook after TEA issues formal guidance. Staff also clarified the law governs students, not staff; campuses will update faculty expectations separately.
Trustees asked about rollout and communications; staff said the district would notify parents and students immediately after board approval and use August to align campus procedures before classes begin.