Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cellphone Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board begins policy planning after state restricts student personal devices under HB 1481
Summary
Trustees reviewed House Bill 1481, which requires districts to prohibit student use of personal communication devices during the school day or designate storage methods. The board discussed exceptions for IEP/504 and health needs, enforcement challenges, and possible implementation tools such as Yondr pouches or lockers.
Wichita Falls ISD trustees held an extended discussion about implementing House Bill 1481, which amends the Texas Education Code to require districts to adopt a written policy prohibiting student use of personal communication devices during the school day or to designate a method for secure storage.
A staff presenter outlined the two statutory compliance paths available to districts: a ban on devices on campus or a storage‑based approach that keeps devices secured while students are on school property. The presenter noted three statutory exceptions: use required by an IEP, 504 plan or similar documented instructional need, use required to comply with a health or safety requirement, or a qualified practitioner's directive.
Trustees and staff discussed practical enforcement problems, including how to define the "school day" (e.g., bus arrival vs. first bell), the cost and logistics of secure storage (examples included Yondr pouches and additional safes or lockers), impacts on band programs and dual‑credit students that currently use phone apps for instruction, and whether a districtwide approach or campus‑specific implementation is preferable. Administration recommended working with principals and returning to the board with draft local policy language after TASB and TEA provide model language.
Next steps: Administration said TASB/TEA guidance and sample language are expected, and recommended convening administrators and teachers to develop enforceable, campus‑appropriate procedures before school starts.
