CSISD staff outline plan to implement new state law banning student use of personal communication devices during school day

College Station Independent School District administrators reviewed House Bill 1481 and described next steps to bring a compliant local policy to the board for adoption ahead of the start of school.

The bill “requires the school board and public school districts in Texas … to approve a written policy prohibiting a student from using a personal communication device while on school property during the school day,” a district staff presenter told trustees, reading the statute's requirement into the record.

District staff recommended that students be allowed to bring devices to campus but must keep them off and stowed “bell to bell” (from first bell to last bell). Staff said district‑issued instructional devices such as laptops and tablets are excluded from the ban and noted that the statute requires accommodations for students with physician‑documented medical needs and for students with Individualized Education Programs or 504 plans.

The district plans to develop grade‑appropriate disciplinary measures with campus administrators and to provide guidance for parents and staff. The presenter said the Texas Education Agency will issue model policy language, expected in August, and staff may call a special meeting if TEA’s model is available in time. “This is bell to bell,” the presenter said, stressing that the requirement begins and ends with the school day.

Board members raised implementation questions: how staff and coaches will communicate with students during the day, how anonymous reporting QR codes used on secondary campuses will remain accessible, and the district’s capacity to provide secure storage. The presenter said anonymous reporting systems can remain available on district devices and that families should use school offices for urgent messages during the day.

Trustees also discussed enforcement and the practical effect of the mandate. “The law is very clear. It’s black and white,” the presenter said when asked whether teachers could grant limited in‑class exceptions. Board members and staff acknowledged a phase‑in period and urged strong parent communication before school starts.

Staff said the district will draft policy language, produce FAQs for families and employees, and bring a formal policy recommendation to the board for action in early August if the TEA model is received in time. If not, staff intend to adopt a local policy in August and update the student code of conduct before the school year begins on August 13.

Ending: Trustees directed staff to continue developing the policy and communications for families and campuses; no formal policy vote occurred during the meeting.