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WISD previews new student cell-phone policy; staff recommends banning use, not possession
Summary
Waxahachie ISD staff presented a draft local cell-phone policy that would prohibit student use of personal communication devices during school hours while permitting possession and allowing accommodations for IEPs and medical orders.
District staff presented an informational report on a draft student personal-communication-device policy that the board will consider for approval at an upcoming meeting.
Under the recent state law the district must adopt a local policy addressing cell phones and similar devices during school hours. Staff said the draft policy focuses on prohibiting use rather than possession; as the presenter summarized, "Our policy is not asking to prohibit possession. It is prohibiting use." The draft would require devices to be put away or placed in a secure location during school hours. Staff noted a range of secure-location options used by other districts, including backpack storage or lockable lockers, and said the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is expected to issue further guidance.
The presentation noted the policy includes processes for confiscation and return of devices and a required notification process before the district may dispose of an unclaimed device. The draft also includes accommodations: students with IEPs, 504 plans or physician-directed medical needs would be allowed to use devices when those plans permit it. Staff emphasized that administrative staff (principals and assistant principals) — not classroom teachers — would be the primary enforcers to avoid classroom disruptions.
Staff said formal board action will be requested at the next regular meeting; the presenter noted the policy is required to be in place before Sept. 18.
Ending: The board received the informational presentation and asked staff to prepare the policy for action at the next meeting, pending TEA guidance and further local refinement.
