The Harlingen CISD Board of Trustees approved the district’s 2025–26 student code of conduct Aug. 12, incorporating legislative changes from the 89th Texas Legislature and updated guidance from legal review.

Daniel Garza, who presented the overview, told trustees the revised code — adapted from the TASB model and reviewed by district counsel — includes several substantive changes. Those include new administrative guidelines about student use of personal communication devices on school property during the instructional day (House Bill 1481), clarified language on mandatory disciplinary alternative placement (DAP) criteria, strengthened descriptions of teacher removal procedures, and time limits and review processes for in‑school and out‑of‑school suspensions.

Garza described the device language as addressing “students are not permitted to use personal communication devices during the instructional school day,” and said the district has created administrative guidance to implement the law. The code also adds clearer language about DAP placements and a 10‑day review for in‑school suspension. Trustees voted to approve the revised code as presented.

Board members asked for and received a summary of the most significant changes and thanked staff for the legal review and the TASB alignment. The administration noted it will distribute the finalized code and any implementing guidance to campuses and families.