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Northwest ISD updates student code of conduct to reflect 2023–2025 Texas legislation
Summary
The board approved a revised 2025–26 student code of conduct with new rules on personal communication devices, disciplinary procedures, teacher removal and DAEP/ISS options tied to recent state law changes.
The Northwest Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the district's 2025–26 student code of conduct after administrators presented changes required or enabled by recent Texas legislation.
District staff member Kelly Hobbs (presenter) told the board the revisions reflect changes in Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code and multiple bills from the 89th Texas Legislature, including House Bill 6, House Bill 1481 and Senate Bill 326. "Students will not be allowed to use [personal communication devices] during the school day," Hobbs said, adding that the district will require devices to be powered down and stored in students' backpacks with limited exceptions for documented medical needs.
The revised code also implements new state guidance on discipline placement and teacher removal. Under the changes Hobbs reviewed, possession of nicotine products no longer triggers a mandatory DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program) placement in every case; campuses may use either DAEP or a 10‑day in‑school suspension for possession or use of nicotine products. The code adds explicit procedures for teacher removal of disruptive students, a campus placement-review committee process, and requirements for conferences with parents and teachers before a return to class. Hobbs said the district is awaiting model templates from the Texas Education Agency for the behavior agreement and return-to-class plans that the legislation contemplates.
Other technical changes the board approved include definitions of antisemitism (Senate Bill 326), updates to mandatory DAEP and expulsion offenses, and a district process for appeals and alternative assignments for parents who cannot provide supervision during out-of-school suspensions. The code also clarifies that elementary students must be at least 6 years old to be placed in DAEP except in federal firearms cases, and that students in DAEP can participate in summer school.
Board discussion focused on implementation details. Trustee comments requested follow-up on how the district will track instances of teacher removal once digital forms are finalized; Hobbs said the district will track removals in its administrative systems. Trustees also asked for further work with Aramark and campus offices on payment options after learning that students and parents sometimes pay fees through an app that charges a fixed convenience fee; administrators said in-person payment remains a no-fee option and they will follow up with vendors.
The board's approval was unanimous. Administration said it may bring back clarifications later this year if the Texas Education Agency issues more guidance; trustees were told the legislative changes are complex and the agency's models may prompt future adjustments.
