Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Discipline topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Crowley ISD board adopts policy to bar student use of personal communication devices during the school day
Summary
Trustees adopted FNCE (local) to comply with state law (transcript reference "House Bill 14 81"); the policy bans visible use of personal communication devices during the school day with explicit exceptions for IEP/Section 504, physician documentation, and safety circumstances, and leaves implementation details to the superintendent and administrators.
Ms. Batiste presented a proposed local policy (FNCE local) to implement the recent state legislative change requiring school boards to prohibit students from using personal communication devices on school property during the school day (transcript reference: "House Bill 14 81" and a Texas Education Code citation in the presentation).
"House Bill 14 81 requires school boards to adopt a written policy prohibiting students from using personal communication devices, including cell phones and smartwatches on school property during the school day," Ms. Batiste told the board, and she reviewed the proposed district language and the list of exceptions. The proposed policy allows the superintendent and administrators discretion to develop specific rules and implementation measures.
Trustees asked clarifying questions about scope (public and charter applicability), whether Apple Watches and similar devices are covered (the district said "personal communication devices" covers smartwatches), and how to handle medical or other hardship exceptions. Dr. McFarland said the district's interpretation requires physician documentation to state the medical need before an exception is granted, and staff described a hardship process in which parents could contact front offices to arrange contact with a student when necessary.
Trustees raised concerns about potential stigma for students who require exceptions under IEPs or 504 plans; staff said implementation meetings with principals are scheduled to address those operational concerns. The board moved to adopt the policy that evening: Trustee Davis made the motion; Doctor Robinson seconded; the chair called for a voice vote and the motion passed.
Next steps: staff will draft implementing regulations, post guidance and communications on the district website and social media, send emails and callouts to parents, display posters on campuses, and hold the pre-opening Zoom sessions that will include reminders about enforcement.
