ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

Schleicher County ISD Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy

Compliance with Texas House Bill 1481 (Effective August 14, 2025)

Texas House Bill 1481, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 22, 2025, represents a significant shift in educational policy by mandating that all public and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas prohibit students from using personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, during the school day on school property. Effective from September 1, 2025, the bill aims to enhance classroom focus, reduce distractions, and address concerns like cyberbullying and mental health challenges linked to device use.

● The School Day is defined as 8:00 a.m. - 3:50 p.m..

● Personal communication devices, including cell phones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, gaming devices, earbuds, and headphones, must be powered off, out of sight, and secured in backpacks or other designated storage areas during the instructional day.

● Use of devices is strictly prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, and any other space where privacy is expected.

● The District is not liable for loss, theft, or damage to personal devices.

1st Offense

➢ The device is confiscated, and the parent is contacted by a Campus Administrator.

➢ The student may retrieve the device from the office at the end of the instructional day.

➢ (Discipline determined by administrator according to the student code of conduct)

2nd Offense

➢ The device is confiscated, and the parent is contacted by a Campus Administrator.

➢ The student may retrieve the device from the office at the end of the instructional day and once the administrative fee has been collected.

➢ (Discipline determined by administrator according to the student code of conduct)

3rd Offense

➢ The device is confiscated, and a parent/administrator conference is scheduled.

➢ The device will be returned to the parent/student at the conclusion of the parent/administrator conference.

➢ (Discipline determined by administrator according to the student code of conduct)

4th Offense and Beyond

➢ The device is confiscated, and the parent is contacted by a Campus Administrator.

➢ Further disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

➢ (Discipline determined by administrator according to the student code of conduct)

** Students who are enrolled in dual credit courses and require their phones for multi-factor authentication (such as receiving a code via text, call, or using the Microsoft Authenticator app) should notify their teacher or campus administrator. Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure students can access required instructional platforms while still following district guidelines.**

**Students requiring medical use of their phone and that have a physicians prescription will be accommodated**

Schleicher County ISD Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy