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Taylor ISD adopts state-mandated ban on personal communication devices during instructional day
Summary
Following passage of Texas House Bill 1481, the board approved a district plan to ban personal communication devices during instruction, require lockers/lockboxes on campus, and set progressive consequences; staff will refine exceptions and details for extracurricular activities.
The Taylor ISD Board on Aug. 14 approved a revision to district policy FNCC to implement House Bill 1481, which requires schools to prohibit personal communication devices (cell phones, smartwatches, tablets) during the instructional day.
Under the district plan presented to trustees, devices will be prohibited during instructional time and campuses will provide either a locker or a lockbox where students can store devices. Students with documented medical needs may retain devices under a medical accommodation (with a doctor nd administrative review), and the district will maintain a standard progression of consequences (for example: first confiscation, device returned at end of day; subsequent incidents require parent pickup).
Why it matters: Staff said the change aligns Taylor ISD with state law; trustees emphasized the need for clear, consistent day-one enforcement across campuses and expressed concern about extracurricular communication (coaches and parents) and substitution plans during the school day.
Implementation and operational notes: - Extracurricular activities: The law allows flexibility for extracurricular time; the district is working with coaches and activity sponsors on a consistent approach for off-site events, transportation and parent communications. Staff said high-school students have district iPads and coaches can use approved team communication apps for schedule changes. - Emergencies and parent contact: Students who need to contact parents during the day may use the nurse or front office; the district will use ParentSquare, calls and social media for districtwide alerts. - Enforcement: Staff said the district cannot impose monetary fines for confiscated phones (that practice is no longer permitted under the law); the first-level response will be confiscation and parent notification. - Substitutes and campus logistics: Staff will update substitute plans and provide campus-level guidance (elementary lockboxes, keys in sub plans) to ensure consistent handling of devices.
Board action: The board voted to adopt the FNCC revision implementing HB1481 as presented. The motion passed by voice vote with a recorded tally of 6-0 and 1 absence.
Ending: Staff said communications to parents are already under way, and campus and athletic leaders will meet to finalize procedures for extracurricular events and transportation.
