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Beaumont ISD to roll out Yonder phone pouches across all secondary schools
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Allen told the board the district will implement the Yonder pouch system for grades 6–12 to comply with House Bill 1481, asking parents to support the change; staff outlined training, a $30 replacement fee and a progressive discipline ladder for violations.
Beaumont ISD will start using Yonder phone pouches in all secondary schools when classes start this year, district leaders told trustees. The move is framed as the district’s response to House Bill 1481, which limits student personal‑device use on campus.
“Each student is going to receive a pouch,” Superintendent Dr. Allen said, explaining that the pouches and unlocking device will be distributed at secondary campuses and that the district has run focus groups with students and staff. He said the goal is to reduce distractions, increase focus and support student mental wellness.
District staff described training and family outreach planned before implementation. “We have engaged in a very robust education,” Mr. Maxwell, who led the rollout, said. He said principals and administrative staff have been trained, substitutes received orientation, and campuses will label pouches so the district can track assignments.
Officials said pouches remain with students during the school day and will be unlocked at dismissal. If a pouch is lost or damaged the replacement fee will be $30. The district outlined a progressive discipline approach for repeated violations, ranging from an intervention course to ISS, CRD or out‑of‑school suspension and, after multiple incidents, placement in DAEP.
Dr. Allen asked for parental cooperation to adjust routines such as preplanning student pick‑up and communications, emphasizing that nonemergency messages should go to the school rather than to a student’s phone. The district scheduled parent sessions so families can see and ask questions about the pouches before the system begins.
The board did not take formal action on the Yonder program during the meeting; staff said they will continue to share implementation details and disciplinary procedures with families.
