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WESLACO ISD to adopt policy aligning with HB 1481 that would require students to put phones away during school day
Summary
District staff briefed trustees on HB 1481 guidance and said a TASB-drafted local policy will be brought for board review Aug. 11; TEA guidance and local discretion will determine exceptions such as medical needs and advanced-course activities.
At a July 28 workshop, WESLACO ISD trustees discussed implementation of HB 1481, the state law restricting student use of personal communication devices during instructional time.
A district presenter summarized guidance received from the Texas Education Agency and said the district aims for a simple policy: students may carry devices but must put them away during the school day; limited exceptions for medical or academic needs would be accommodated. The presenter said TASB policy recommendations will be brought to the board on Aug. 11 ahead of the Aug. 18 school start date. Trustees pressed for clarity on specific windows such as lunch or passing periods; administration said some areas may remain locally discretionary but recommended a consistent approach across elementary, middle and high schools.
Trustees also raised operational questions: how coaches and teachers would contact students and whether teacher devices remain usable for school apps. The presenter said principals and high-school leadership are discussing age-appropriate accommodations and that communication channels (PA systems, office staff, coaches) would remain available. The board did not vote on policy at the workshop; staff will present recommended local policy language and further TEA guidance.
