College Station ISD adopts new student device rules, updates code of conduct

The College Station ISD Board of Trustees on Aug. 7 approved a policy implementing the state ban on student use of personal communication devices during the school day and adopted an updated student code of conduct that incorporates changes from recent state legislation.

Board members said the district must comply with state law that requires students to keep communication devices put away while on campus, and the board voted 7-0 to adopt both the device policy and the updated code of conduct after amending the code to explicitly include personal laptops and computing devices among prohibited personal communication items.

Why it matters: The new rules affect how campuses handle cell phones, smart watches, earbuds and other personal devices; they set exceptions for students with documented educational or medical needs and change discipline and reporting procedures created by recent legislation.

What the board approved and how it will be enforced: The adopted policy allows students to bring personal communication devices to campus but requires them to be stored (for example, in a backpack) from arrival until dismissal. District staff will be authorized to confiscate devices when policy violations occur, and the board removed a prior practice of imposing fines for confiscated devices. The code of conduct outlines a progressive discipline matrix to be applied by campus administrators; detailed rules and consequences are set in the accompanying code-of-conduct document the board also adopted.

Exceptions: The policy and code specify that device use may still be allowed when required by a student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan, or when a qualified physician documents a medical need and no reasonable alternative exists. District staff told the board they will handle such requests individually and work with parents and counselors to identify alternatives (for example, district-issued devices) where possible.

Amendment: During deliberations trustees proposed and approved an amendment adding “personal computers and personal laptops” to the list of prohibited non-district-issued devices; the board then voted to adopt the amended code of conduct.

Implementation timeline and practical concerns: Administrators acknowledged the first weeks of school will likely produce gray-area cases—examples include devices that look like offline games but have messaging capability, or how to handle students who refuse to surrender devices. Staff said principals are coordinating expectations across campuses and that the district is expanding on-campus access to district-issued devices and anonymous reporting tools so students can complete coursework without personal phones.

Board action: The board approved the amendment to add personal computing devices and then approved the student code of conduct and device policy as amended. Trustees indicated they will monitor implementation and receive periodic reports on compliance.

Ending: Staff told the board they would present the detailed discipline matrix and supporting communications materials to campuses and families before the start of school to reduce confusion during the initial rollout.