Denton ISD moves toward districtwide restriction on personal devices; pilots reported reduced incidents

Denton Independent School District trustees heard a workshop update Tuesday on proposed changes to the student code of conduct that would limit personal telecommunication devices during the school day and rely on district‑issued instructional technology for classroom use.

Doctor Russell (district staff, code of conduct lead) told trustees the district plans to make district devices the primary instructional technology and to prohibit use of personal devices without principal or teacher approval. “Use of each of these items would be strictly prohibited without approval of the principal or classroom teacher, and these devices should remain often not visible during the school day,” Russell said.

Why it matters: Administrators and campus pilots reported the policy changes reduced disruptive behavior, improved student engagement and reduced peer‑to‑peer conflicts. Board members were told the state legislature passed a law (House Bill 1481) that requires school policy addressing personal communication devices by September 1.

What the pilots found: Campus leaders from Sandbrock Ranch Elementary, Betty Meyers Middle School and Denton High School described their experiences. Claire Springer (elementary principal) said parent outreach and education — including booklets and workshops — helped families adjust. Ron Sterling (principal, Betty Meyers Middle) reported a “stronger student focus and engagement,” fewer peer conflicts and less cyberbullying when phones were stowed. Joel Hayes (principal, Denton High School) described multi‑year pilot steps and said faculty adopted consistent classroom rules (for example, phones “off and out of sight” or stored) that reduced incidents and shortened restroom‑related disruptions.

Administrators described alternatives to monetary fines. Betty Meyers piloted a progressive‑discipline education course for students who violate phone rules; completion of a 30–45 minute, parent‑assisted module is required before students regain device privileges on campus. Hayes and Sterling said the focus was on education and culture change rather than penal fines.

Legal and timing considerations: District counsel and staff told trustees that model policies from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) are in development and the district expects to receive draft model policies in mid‑July. Doctor Russell said the district will craft local policy in time to present changes for board adoption in July once model language is available.

Concerns raised: Trustees asked about smartwatches and safety. Staff said legislative language and TASB guidance will clarify counts for smartwatches; district proposals presented during the workshop treat smartwatches as personal telecommunication devices and would restrict their visible use during the school day. Trustee Ms. Hayes noted safety and after‑school schedules for older students; staff said bell‑to‑bell restrictions could still allow tailored safety protocols for students who need to contact guardians after late activities.

Next steps: Staff will draft code‑of‑conduct amendments and a complementary update to the student/parent handbook to mirror the board‑adopted code. The board’s policy committee and TASB model policies will inform final language before formal board consideration in July.