SCHERTZ‑CIBOLO‑U CITY ISD reviews state-driven changes to student code of conduct, personal-device rules

SCHERTZ‑CIBOLO‑U CITY ISD trustees heard a multi-page update on state-mandated changes to the district's student code of conduct and discussed how the district will implement new discipline, parent‑involvement and personal device rules.

The district's policy lead said the Texas Association of School Boards provided a consolidated package of required edits and that the district has about 30 pages of changes to review. The presentation highlighted three pieces of recent legislation driving the changes: House Bill 6, Senate Bill 12 and House Bill 1481 (the personal communication device bill).

District staff said the changes will require revisions to local practice and training for staff. Administrators will discuss draft language with principals and assistant principals during an August 1 meeting; TEA guidance on some items is expected Aug. 7, and the district must notify parents of changes before the first day of school.

Among the specific changes summarized by staff:

- Campus behavior coordinator: State law again requires a designated campus behavior coordinator (CBC). District staff said the new language clarifies a CBC may designate additional staff to assist, provided the CBC ensures implementation of Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code.

- Personal communication devices: The new law defines ‘‘personal communication devices’’ (cell phones, earbuds/headphones, smartwatches) and enables districts to prohibit possession or use during instructional time. District staff said they will present a draft local policy and discipline schedule in the August workshop; final TEA guidance is due Aug. 7.

- ISS/OSS and removals: The update changes how in‑school and out‑of‑school suspensions are handled. Staff said in‑school suspension (ISS) may be used without the previous three‑day limit, but after 10 days the principal must review the placement and ensure appropriate behavior supports. For certain nicotine product possession (nicotine vapes), first‑time placements are now discretionary assignments to disciplinary alternative programs (DAP) rather than mandatory. The presentation also described expanded circumstances under which a teacher may request removal of a student from class and greater teacher input into return‑to‑class plans.

- Parent involvement and behavior agreements: Senate Bill 12 requires districts to provide a model behavior agreement and to document parent‑campus collaboration; staff said the commissioner will publish a model and the district will align local procedures once that guidance is available.

Staff cautioned trustees that many details remain subject to forthcoming TEA rules and that the district will likely need to make local adjustments after the agency's formal guidance. "We will bring a detailed side‑by‑side and the recommended local language to you as soon as we have it," a staff presenter said.

Trustees and staff traded questions about logistics: how devices will be handled when students log into district tablets, how districts will implement return‑to‑class plans, and what exclusions apply for serious incidents that still require OSS. District technology staff said school‑issued devices are already configured to block access to personal email accounts and similar services.

Administrators told trustees they expect multiple rounds of policy updates and training, and that some elements may need local refinement once TEA issues final models. The board set the student code of conduct for action at the August 7 budget workshop to meet the statutory requirement that parents receive notice before the first day of school.

The district emphasized the rollout will include principal training and campus supports so teachers and families know what to expect.