North East ISD has made a unanimous decision on Monday, Jan. 26, to maintain the current cell phone policy following the Texas Education Agency’s warning.
In June, Texas enacted a new law that prohibits students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time. However, NEISD has allowed students to use their phones before and after school, as well as during lunch periods and passing periods.
In September, a TEA investigation resulted in NEISD being given until Jan. 30 to take steps toward compliance with the new law or risk intervention.
NEISD has chosen to stick with their policy with a 7-0 decision to keep the policy unchanged, stating that the state law does not define what a school day is, but TEA rebuts by saying that NEISD can’t legally define what a school day is.
A request for comment was sent to the NEISD Board of Trustees; however, no response was received by press time.
UPDATE: David Beyer, Board of Trustees President, has reached out and responded on question on why they didn’t change their policy.
“There is a sense that our policy complies with the law as written and follows the guidance provided by the Texas Education Agency,” David Beyer said. “In addition, we have spent time as a district listening to our students, families, and educators to craft a policy that is reasonable and responds to the varying needs of our individual communities and campuses.”
Beyer also commented on the repercussions they will be facing.
“We have been informed by the Texas Education Agency that it is possible that they may impose sanctions against the district based on our decision to keep the existing policy.” He said
As to what sanctions might be placed are still currently unknown to NEISD.
