EAST CENTRAL ISD reviews student code of conduct changes tied to House Bill 6 and TEA guidance

District staff briefed trustees on updates to the student code of conduct driven by state action and Texas Education Agency guidance, identifying House Bill 6 as a key statutory driver. "I think it's gonna go out tomorrow evening at 05:00 to all of our families," a staff presenter said of mandated communications from TEA about expected behavior and removal procedures.

Staff summarized substantive changes: a campus placement review committee will review disciplinary removals and teacher written consent may be required for a student's return to class; districts must follow procedures when removal occurs and account for special education placement needs. The presenter said the code now explicitly lists "headphones, earbuds, speakers, smartwatches, any device that can connect to the Internet" among prohibited items and explained that campuses have discretion on first-time offenses, except when devices are used to deliver or sell contraband, which triggers a mandated alternative-school placement.

Staff also noted that prior practices such as assessing a $15 charge (described in the briefing) "will no longer be allowed to assess the $15," and that campuses must ensure continuity of special education services for students placed in in-school suspension or alternative settings. The district described a virtual expulsion program as an option if other alternative programs are full, to preserve student access to instruction and devices while removed.

Staff framed these changes as compliance with state mandates and as adjustments intended to balance safety, legal requirements and continuity of services. No vote or policy adoption occurred at the meeting; staff presented the revisions for trustee information and upcoming implementation steps.