Education Related Legislative Changes

To begin, with such an engaging and supportive parental community in Argyle ISD, we have no doubt that our parents will partner with us in setting expectations regarding this new law with their children. A strong school–parent relationship is the #1 antidote to creating successful learning experiences, and we are grateful for that partnership.

The law requires that school boards formally adopt a policy requiring districts to designate secure, out-of-sight locations for device storage during the school day, such as locked pouches (used in some other districts) or student backpacks. Argyle ISD is working with guidance from the Texas Education Agency to bring recommended policy and regulations to the Board of Trustees prior to the start of the school year. With finalized policies and regulations, Argyle ISD will work closely with our campus leadership teams to finalize procedures that ensure compliance with this requirement at all grade levels across the district.

We recognize enforcement across 1,500+ students will require consistency and clear expectations. Once policy is adopted, our plan will include:

• Designated device storage requirements
• Clear communication to students and families before school starts
• A tiered discipline system with progressing levels of offenses, including confiscation of devices as described, allowing for opportunities for retrieval with specific parental involvement 
• Consequences that are backed by state law and will be outlined in our updated Student Code of Conduct
• Alignment with the final, signed Committee Substitute for HB 1481, which includes a robust enforcement framework—including the disposal of confiscated devices after 90 days when written notice is provided to the student’s parent

Please know that as school leaders, we are challenged every year with new rules and laws handed down from the State Legislature, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and sometimes local school boards. Our staff takes great pride in fulfilling their duties as educators while upholding the laws and expectations set forth by our elected officials. This is no exception.

The goal of HB 1481 is to reduce distractions and support a more focused learning environment for all students. We will release specific enforcement guidelines and an FAQ later this summer, once final guidance is received from TEA and our board adopts the required policy. We have full confidence in our campus administrative staff to fulfill their role in upholding laws and policies. 

We appreciate your partnership and understanding as we implement this important statewide mandate.

No. This bill requires the policy to allow use of a device as necessary to implement an IEP or Section 504 plan, by a student with a documented need based on a directive from a physician, or as necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or the district’s or school’s safety protocols. With a medical physician’s orders to wear the watch with detection capabilities, the device would be allowed for the student. Once the district has all necessary guidance from the Texas Education Agency on the law implementation, the rules and regulations will be placed into policy and brought before the Board of Trustees. This type of scenario will be addressed in the final policy and regulations. 

TWU is working on a solution on their end. They are switching from Canvas to Microsoft, which will use email as the MFA. However, getting into the email does require an MFA. They are considering using Argyle ISD student email addresses instead of TWU to solve this problem. Their IT department is working to find a solution.

Student Gmail accounts for grades 7–12, issued by the district, currently allow communication with outside email addresses. Beginning this year, 6th grade student accounts will also be included in this access.

Students enrolled in an athletics period who require access to the AHS Fieldhouse will be able to enter using their district-issued identification badge. Badges must be worn at all times during the school day. 

Yes. Students will be required to have wired earbuds or headphones with either a standard headphone jack (3.5mm) or USB-C connection. These requirements are included on the campus school supply lists.