The Keller ISD Board of Trustees approved the district’s 2025–26 student code of conduct on July 24 after administrators summarized multiple changes required by recent state law and model updates. Trustees voted to adopt the updated code as presented.

Why it matters: The code defines district disciplinary procedures and reflects changes to Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code and model language provided by legal counsel. The updates change how and when students may be removed from class, expand in-school suspension (ISS) rules, alter consequences for e-cigarette possession, clarify services for special-education students in ISS, and add a definition of antisemitism for disciplinary purposes.

Major changes summarized by administration: Lindsay from Student Services said the district used the Walsh Gallegos model code (issued July 14) to incorporate legal changes. Key updates include:
- Teacher removal from class: Teachers may now remove a student for a single incident of behavior that interferes with learning or is unruly/disruptive/abusive; removal no longer always requires repeated documented behavior. A student removed cannot return without the teacher’s written consent unless a Placement Review Committee, a conference within three school days, and a return-to-class plan are prepared.
- In-school suspension (ISS): ISS assignments are no longer time-limited; the previous three-day limit has been removed. If ISS exceeds 10 days, campus administrators must review placement every 10 days.
- E-cigarette rules: First-time personal possession or use of an e-cigarette now results in at least 10 days of ISS (previously a mandatory five-day DAEP placement). Selling or giving an e-cigarette to another student remains a mandatory DAEP placement.
- ISS for special education: Special-education students placed in ISS must receive the special-education and related services specified in their IEP from day one of the placement.
- Homeless and early-grade students: Out-of-school suspension options expanded for homeless students and students in pre-K through second grade to include conduct that threatens immediate health and safety or documented repeated significant classroom disruption (previously limited to weapon/drug-related offenses).
- DAEP/JJAEP and assault changes: The statute’s list of mandatory placements was updated; notably, students who assault employees or volunteers now face required JJAEP or expulsion placements in certain cases rather than DAEP.
- Virtual expulsion program: The district may place expelled students in a district virtual-expulsion program (Edgenuity-based) if JJAEP rejects admission or returns the student before the discipline term ends; placements will be reviewed every 45 days and include technology access and assigned teachers to grade work.
- Antisemitism definition: Senate Bill language requiring a definition of antisemitism for disciplinary purposes was added; the code cites a definition that disciplinary staff will use when behavior appears motivated by antisemitism.

Board process and communication: Trustees asked how the district will notify families and staff. Administration said campuses will hold student assemblies and grade-level meetings, and the district will prepare communications before school starts. Trustees requested website banners and clear notices highlighting significant changes.

Vote and next steps: The board adopted the 2025–26 student code of conduct as presented (vote recorded as 5–0). Administration will train campus administrators on the updates and implement notification plans.

Ending: The code incorporates model legal language and statutory changes; school leaders said they will provide campus-level training and parental notice before the start of classes.