Students across Texas are facing significant changes as they return to school this fall, most notably, a statewide restriction on cell phone use during school hours. School superintendents and boards are working quickly to develop policies in response to several new legislative mandates, including regulations on personal devices, homeschool student participation in extracurricular activities and the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
House Bill 1481 requires school districts to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal communication devices, including cell phones, tablets and smartwatches, during the school day on school property. Each district’s policy must outline disciplinary measures for violations and may include procedures for confiscation. The law allows districts to either ban devices altogether or require specific storage procedures while students are on campus.
In George West ISD, Superintendent Dr. Roland Quesada said the district is developing a plan that includes secure storage of student phones during the school day, with devices returned at the end of the day. “The law will help our students stay focused on instruction during the school day, so the support from the state level is appreciated,” Quesada said.
Three Rivers is also informing students about the new policy, which will be effective with the first day of classes in August. Superintendent Les Dragon said additional information will be shared after the July board meeting to ensure a smooth transition and full understanding of the new rules.
Senate Bill 401 allows districts to opt out of permitting homeschool students to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities, such as sports and fine arts. Previously, districts were required to allow participation under certain conditions, but the new law gives local boards the authority to decide.
In Three Rivers ISD, the board has opted out in the past, but the matter will be revisited at the next board meeting. George West ISD currently has a policy allowing homeschool students to participate, though no students have done so since the rule was adopted last school year.
Another new mandate requires that every public school classroom display a poster of the Ten Commandments, at least 16 by 20 inches in size. Local districts plan to comply with the requirement. So far, no opposition has been voiced regarding the displays. Although the state will not fund the posters, local organizations may choose to provide support.
McMullen County Superintendent Jason Jones was unavailable for comment on the new mandates. His perspective will be included in a future article.
