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Pasadena ISD adopts 2024–25 student handbook; early-graduation declaration and facial-hair rules updated
Summary
Trustees adopted the district’s 2024–25 student handbook, adding a provision that students must declare early graduation in the fall semester and revising facial-hair language to require beards, mustaches and sideburns be “neat and trimmed.” Trustees authorized staff to make future changes required by law.
The Pasadena Independent School District Board of Trustees adopted the 2024–25 student handbook at its July 10 special session, approving policy updates on early-graduation declarations, acceptable‑use changes and a revised facial‑hair standard.
Staff told trustees that students who plan to graduate early must declare that status in the fall semester to prevent disruptions to class-rank calculations, Top‑10 recognition and award programs. Trustees directed staff to assemble a committee to review procedures and return recommendations so the process is clearer in future years.
The board also adopted updates to the district’s acceptable‑use policy for technology and provided an IT addendum prepared by the technology department.
On the dress code, principals asked the District Education Committee to remove a flat prohibition on mustaches and beards. The DEC and principals recommended changing the handbook language to require that mustaches, beards and sideburns be “neat and trimmed,” citing instructional time lost when students are removed for grooming and offering medical‑note exceptions. Trustees discussed safety mitigations including redesigned staff badges that would distinguish staff from students and noted disciplinary options for recurring issues would follow existing progressive discipline procedures.
Trustees approved the handbook by voice vote and authorized staff to make future non‑substantive changes required by legislative updates. Staff said the updated handbook would be posted to the district website.
