Education Related Legislative Changes

• Create a focused and respectful learning environment.
• Limit distractions in classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces.
• Encourage face-to-face connection and stronger social skills.
• Promote the healthy use of technology by reducing social media overuse and helping prevent cyberbullying.

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.

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. 

All emergency communication from the campus and district is sent directly to the parent/guardian contact information listed in the Student Information System. Argyle ISD uses ParentSquare as its official mass communication tool for families.

During a security situation, student use of personal devices can unintentionally interfere with safety protocols, including network congestion that delays critical communication, alert sounds that may compromise safety, or the unintentional spread of inaccurate information. For these reasons, it is essential that all communication comes through official channels.

If deemed appropriate by campus administration and law enforcement, students may be permitted to access their phones once the initial incident is resolved.
 

To protect instructional time and minimize classroom disruptions, Argyle ISD requires that non-emergency messages be handled thoughtfully and in advance.

For Students in Grades PK–5: Parents may contact the campus front office directly. Office staff will use discretion to determine when a message needs to be delivered to a student during the school day.

For Students in Grades 6–12: To minimize interruptions, non-emergency messages should be emailed directly to your student’s AISD Gmail account. This includes:

• Notifications about items dropped off in the front office (lunches, instruments, athletic gear, etc.)
• End-of-day transportation changes (unless emergency-related)

Early Dismissals for Appointments (All Grades):

• If the appointment is pre-scheduled, send your child with a note that morning so a pass can be issued in advance.
• For last-minute or emergency appointments, please contact the front office — your student will be called out of class as needed.

Emergency Situations:

Every classroom is equipped with a phone capable of calling the front office and 911. In addition, all staff wear a Centegix badge, which can be used to alert emergency responders instantly.

In the event of an emergency, the district will send official updates via ParentSquare using the contact information on file. All communication should come through official district channels as it is made available.

Thank you for your partnership in maintaining a safe, focused, and disruption-free learning environment.

For students in grades 6-12, district gmail accounts can be utilized to contact a parent/guardian. For all grades, teacher discretion will be used to allow students to go to the front office to make any necessary phone call home to parent/guardian. 

Students with documented accommodation in a current IEP or 504 plan may be allowed to use assistive technology as specified in those plans for the documented reasons. 
 

As shared in the draft Administrative Regulations written in accordance with state law HB 1481, the procedures include:

1. Upon arrival to the campus premises and before entering the school facilities, students must power off all cell phones, smartwatches, wireless headphones/earbuds/AirPods, AI glasses, or any other electronic devices capable of communication.
2. Before entering the building and while awaiting the opening of school doors, students must place any cell phone, smartwatch, wireless headphones/earbuds/AirPods or any other electronic device capable of communication into their backpacks.
3. It is the student’s responsibility to arrive at class punctually with their cell phone, smartwatch, and wireless headphones/earbuds completely out of sight and powered off.

No. The new state law, House Bill 1481, is clear in its requirements: the School Board must adopt a policy where student use of personal communication devices is prohibited during the entire school day, from the first bell to the final dismissal bell and after exiting the school premises. This includes classrooms, hallways, passing periods, lunch, study halls, and all common areas.

Students remaining on school premises for after-school extracurricular or school-sponsored events may utilize their personal communications devices from their extracurricular activity or event location after the conclusion of the school day.

We understand that lunch may seem like an ideal time for flexibility; however, to remain in full compliance with state law and ensure fairness and consistency across all schools, no exceptions will be made during the school day.

All campuses will follow a consistent, district-wide approach to implementing and enforcing this policy. Additionally, under the Texas Educator Code of Ethics (Board Policy DH LOCAL, Standard 1.7(G)), educators are required to follow all state regulations and district policies.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to implement this state-mandated policy with fidelity.

Yes, devices must be powered OFF. Exceptions will be made for students whose device use is medically necessary. Documentation must be on file for this. 

Cell phones and any other personal communication devices must be stored securely in a backpack or purse and powered off.

Please reach out to your campus for support.

 If the device remains off and unseen, there is no issue. However, if it becomes visible, makes noise, or is accessed in any way, it will be treated as a violation. If the phone causes a disruption, even unintentionally, it will be treated as a violation. 

When a device is confiscated due to policy violation, it will be securely housed by school administrative staff until it is picked up by the parent/guardian. It is the student’s choice to bring the device to school, therefore the school is not responsible or liable for the device. 

 The new law applies to personal communication devices, including:

• Cell phones
• Smart watches
• AI glasses
• Bluetooth devices, including wireless headphones, earbuds, Airpods
• Tablets
• Gaming systems
• Radio or paging devices
• Other devices capable of telecommunication or digital communication

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.

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 6–12, 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. 

See Administrative Regulations for consequences.

Refusing to surrender a device is considered defiance and a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. An administrator will intervene, and additional disciplinary action may be taken, including suspension or placement in an alternative education program. 
 

• Talk About the Policy:
  • Explain why the new rule exists to help students focus and reduce distractions. 
  • Let them know it’s now state law (HB 1481), not just a school rule.
• Set Expectations at Home:
  • Discuss the importance of following school rules and how this supports their teachers and learning.
  • Discuss the consequences of not complying with school policies/state law.
  • Encourage responsibility and respect for school policies/state law.  
• Plan Communication: 
  • Let your child know you can contact the school office. All classrooms have dedicated phones.
  • Make sure Parent/Guardian and Emergency contact numbers are up to date with each campus. 

Each campus will have a lockable metal storage case or lockable safe on campus for secure storage. Each campus will also complete a form for confiscated devices that will require parent/guardian signature when the device is picked up from the campus. 

Students may only use personal devices:

• Before the school day begins. However, once students arrive on campus premises, students are required to power off devices, secure them out of sight, and enter the building.
• After the final bell and once departed from campus premises.

Personal device must remain off and out of sight during:

• Class time
• Lunch
• Hallways, Restrooms, and Passing Periods

No. Argyle ISD is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices, including those that are confiscated. Students and families are encouraged to leave valuables at home or use devices responsibly in accordance with district policy. To reiterate, devices that are confiscated are locked in a secure cabinet/safe in a secure location

Yes. All schools will follow a consistent, district-wide process to ensure the policy is communicated and enforced fairly for all students. The Texas Educator Code of Ethics in Board Policy DH (LOCAL) requires in Standard 1.7 (G), The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local school board policies, and other state and federal laws. 
 

Students who leave campus before the end of the school day with school staff (coaches, directors, etc.) for extracurricular activities will be allowed to take their personal devices with them.

Communication between school staff (coaches and directors) and their extracurricular participating students should occur through student Gmail accounts. If the SportsYou app is compatible with Chromebooks, students may also use it for communication.
 

Per state law HB 1481, any smartwatch capable of making or receiving text messages or calls is prohibited. That includes a watch with WiFi capability and must be powered down. The student would need to wear a watch to tell time that does not have any WiFi capability. 
 

In accordance with Board Policy DH (LOCAL), all employees shall be held to the same professional standards in their public use of electronic communication as for any other public conduct. If an employee's use of electronic communication violates state or federal law or District policy, or interferes with the employee's ability to effectively perform his or her job duties, the employee is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Additionally, the Argyle ISD Employee Handbook is aligned with DH (LOCAL) and states ‘The employee shall limit use of personal electronic communication devices to send or receive calls, text messages, pictures, and videos to breaks, mealtimes, and before and after scheduled work hours, unless there is an emergency or the use is authorized by a supervisor to conduct district business.

The school day encompasses the first bell to the last bell, including lunch and passing periods

Yes, the law only applies during the school day. Students may use personal devices before arriving at school and once they’ve left the school premises after the final bell, including on the bus.

No. Phones must remain turned off and stored throughout the entire school day, including during restroom breaks. This is part of ensuring compliance with the law and protecting student privacy in the restrooms. 

Students can access their cell phone and personal communication devices when they are no longer on the school premises. 

If the phone or device causes a disruption, even unintentionally, it will be confiscated and treated as a violation. Devices are expected to be powered down/off during the school day.
 

We understand that personal devices are valuable. If a student’s phone is confiscated, it will be securely stored in a designated and locked area in the front office. Only authorized staff have access, and the phone and/or devices will remain there until picked up by a parent or guardian. 
 

No. Students may not use their phones to contact parents during the school day, even for things like forgotten items or appointments. If a student needs to make a call, they can seek permission to use the front office phone or email the parent/guardian (for grades 6-12).

We request families to communicate any planned appointments or early checkouts before the school day begins. If an unexpected or emergency situation arises, such as an early appointment or a need to pick up your child early, the front office will contact the student directly by notifying the classroom.
 

We understand that some students use their phones as a coping mechanism, but under state law, personal device use is not permitted during the school day. If your child is experiencing anxiety that affects their ability to focus or stay regulated at school, please reach out to the campus counselor. We have support systems in place to help students manage these challenges without relying on personal devices.

Once a student is off campus, they may use their personal devices. Phones must remain stored until they leave school grounds.
 

Yes. In a genuine emergency, students should always use their best judgment to stay safe. If a student uses their phone to get help in a situation where staff aren’t immediately accessible, we will handle it with understanding and evaluate the circumstances appropriately.

We want families to know that our intent is not to punish students for trying to do the right thing. We recognize that unexpected situations can happen, and we will approach those moments with common sense and care. At the same time, we are working to follow the law as required and ask for your support in keeping personal device use limited to true emergencies only.
 

School security experts say phones can make children less safe in crisis situations for the

following reasons:

• Student use of cell phones during an unfolding emergency can distract their attention from safety and emergency response directions being given by school staff.

• Cell phone use by students can hamper rumor control and, in doing so, disrupt and delay effective public safety personnel response.
• Cell phone use by students can impede public safety response by accelerating parental and community arrival at the scene of an emergency during times when officials may be attempting to evacuate students to another site. 
• Victims and worried family members trying to get through can jam communications, interfering with first responders.

For more information: National School Safety and Security Ser

Per HB 1481, a school shall require documentation from a licensed medical professional to support an exemption such as diabetes or seizure monitoring. This exception is specific to the need only and still prohibits cell phone use for any other purposes.
 

 It is extremely rare for a cell phone to be required for an IEP/504 plan. But if the situation did arise, documentation is required and the exception is specific to the need only and still prohibits cell phone use for any other purposes.
 

 Social media tends to foster asynchronous interactions leading to greater levels of anxiety,
loneliness, and depression. In-person socializing forms far stronger connections and supports
the development of healthier social and emotional skills.
 

Even for students who use social media for connection, it is still a distraction during
school hours. The goal of HB 1481 is to limit use during the school day to minimize disruption, strengthen focus and learning, and mitigate the potential harms of social media dependency.
 

While some activity trackers may appear to be simple step counters, many Fitbit and similar devices are capable of receiving calls, texts, and other notifications. Because these features vary by model, it would place an unnecessary burden on teachers and staff to determine, on a case-by-case basis, which devices can send/receive communications and which cannot.

For that reason, implementation of HB 1481 applies to all personal electronic communication devices — regardless of brand or model — during the instructional day. This ensures consistency, eliminates confusion, and allows school staff and teachers to focus on what matters most: learning. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping our Eagles stay present and engaged in the classroom.
 

The Athletics and Fine Arts Handbooks will outline attendance expectations for classes, practices, and competitions, and each program will be responsible for maintaining accurate attendance records to enforce these standards. Homeschooled students will be held to the same expectations as all other participants. Attendance is always a factor in eligibility—whether for enrolled students or homeschooled students—and exceptions (such as illness, injury, or family emergencies) are handled consistently across the board.

For enrolled students, the 90% attendance rule applies for earning course credit. Similarly, homeschooled students' attendance can be monitored and used as a criterion for maintaining eligibility, especially if they wish to apply for continued participation in subsequent years. Falling below a 75% attendance threshold may be grounds for dismissal from the activity.

It will be the responsibility of the head coach or activity director to maintain detailed and accurate attendance records. These records will serve as the official documentation, in place of what is typically submitted to PEIMS for enrolled students.

This is correct. Homeschool students enrolling in band will be expected to meet the same requirements of enrolled students. This includes participation in both concert and marching bands. Should a homeschool student apply for marching band in fall and then quit, they would not be allowed to apply the following year for marching band. 

here is no reason to address a policy for accreditation as we are not awarding credit for anything because they are not enrolling in school to attend regular school. The law around this already addresses what eligibility requirements are and an entry test is required (see below).

Homeschool students are required to follow the same rules and procedures as any other student and will be required to complete a Previous Athletic Participation Form (PAPF) and will be subject to eligibility rules, including the 15-day rule, if applicable. If the student moved into the attendance zone within the previous 12 months or is participating at a school outside of the attendance zone of where the parents of the student reside, the DEC should review that form and, upon request of a DEC member, a full hearing of the DEC may be required for varsity participation. Requiring a review and allowing DEC members to request a DEC hearing in these situations allows the DEC to convene and determine if the student's move was motivated by UIL participation.

According to section 33.082 (f) and (g) of the Texas Education Code: (f) The parent or person standing in parental relation to a non-enrolled student is responsible for oversight of academic standards relating to the student's participation in a UIL league activity. As a condition of eligibility to participate in a league activity during the first six weeks of a school year, a non-enrolled student must demonstrate grade-level academic proficiency on any nationally recognized, norm-referenced assessment instrument, such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Test, California Achievement Test, or Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills. A non-enrolled student demonstrates the required academic proficiency by achieving a composite, core, or survey score that is within the average or higher than average range of scores, as established by the applicable testing service. For purposes of this subsection, a school district shall accept assessment results administered or reported by a third party. (g) A non-enrolled student's demonstration of academic proficiency under Subsection (f) is sufficient for purposes of that subsection for the school year in which the student achieves the required score and the subsequent school year.

HB 547, the 2023 version, outlines that. In order to maintain academic eligibility, the homeschooled family must periodically (in accordance with AISD’s grading calendar) provide written verification to AISD stating that the student is receiving a passing grade in each course or subject. Districts must accept what is provided in writing by the parent. 

Coaches/directors will monitor grades at grade check time just as they do for all other athletes/participants. 

Also, parents must provide required immunization records and speak with the school nurse to understand the exceptions provided under TEC 38.001.
 

That was not the recommendation of the team. They took the direction of non-cut sports and did not stipulate sub-varsity only. That would only impact athletics as the fine arts groups do not have JV and Varsity in regards to UIL participation. A couple of the students we lost last year were varsity golf and tennis players. Since these sports do not cut, we recommend homeschool athletes get the same opportunity as any athlete in the program. 
 

Participation in district programs as a homeschool student is considered a privilege, not a right, and would be structured as part of an annual application process. This is consistent with how other districts currently manage similar participation opportunities.

To address concerns, it will be essential to communicate clearly and early with families that participation is not guaranteed from year to year. The application process would outline this expectation, helping families understand that decisions may vary annually based on program capacity, staffing, or changes in whether an activity transitions from non-cut to cut status.

As for administrative regulations, yes—it is possible to review and adjust them annually as needed. This gives the district flexibility to respond to what is or isn’t working and make thoughtful decisions each year, balancing access and program integrity. 
 

Now that we have an executed plan for ID badges, each homeschool student would have an ID that would identify them. Coaches and Directors will communicate that students are to be picked and leave campus as soon as their practice time at school is finished.
 

This will be an expectation that the homeschool families follow on a good-faith effort. No way to monitor what they do during their homeschool time. It would be part of the application process that they sign off stating they will not do that and it would be grounds for removal if violated. We can also create a document where their private instructor turns in a log of their practice time, similar to External PE students. 
 

They would only be able to participate in their zoned school as enrolled students are allowed. Caveat could be during the opening of HS2 when we have only 9-10 graders at 377. There may be a year or two that we have to look at it case by case IF we are still allowing them to participate. 

The district team discussed this and elected not to include it. Based on districts that have been doing this for a year or more, the numbers have been minimal anyway. Since we will have to approve these students, we can monitor if a certain sport gets a large quantity compared to other sports. 

We have informally considered the potential financial impact of this policy, primarily by comparing the funding generated by an enrolled student with the allotment provided for homeschool participants. However, without a clear or estimated number of families who would opt to homeschool as a result, any financial projection remains speculative.

That said, we believe that families who are seriously considering homeschooling are likely to make that decision regardless of whether the district opts in or out. Homeschooling is a significant commitment, and most families understand the responsibilities and challenges it entails when they carefully weigh their options.

It’s also important that families understand the implications of the type of homeschool program they choose—particularly whether it is accredited or non-accredited—as that can affect the process of re-enrollment in public school later on.

We are aware that students seeking UIL eligibility through homeschooling must meet specific deadlines and cannot begin the school year enrolled and then transition to homeschool mid-year. This built-in requirement gives us some structure to anticipate potential shifts in enrollment.

As noted, the financial impact of losing a net of five students would require approximately 28 homeschool participants to break even. While we have not set a specific threshold that would make the policy unfeasible, we are evaluating the trade-offs and viewing this as a risk-versus-reward decision. Importantly, if implemented, the policy does not have to be permanent—it can be re-evaluated and adjusted if we determine that it is not financially or operationally sustainable.