21 Jun 2006
Disciplinary consequences to occur for serious disruptions
DALLAS—The Dallas Independent School District will strictly enforce its policy on student cell phone use during the upcoming 2006-2007 school year.
In an effort to curb the disruption of instruction time during school hours, the district will ban cell phone usage in accordance with state law and local policy.
"We must give students every opportunity to learn and become academically successful," said Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. "It is also imperative for students to understand their responsibility when they are in a learning environment, enforcement of this policy is in their best interest," he said.
In accordance with the state law (Texas Education Code) and district policy, the use of cell phones, pagers and beepers is prohibited at all Dallas ISD schools and on school property during the instructional day.
Elementary students are not allowed to carry cell phones in school or on school property. Middle and high school students may have cell phones in their possession while in school or on school property, but the phones cannot be visible and must be turned off during the instructional day.
Disruptive use of a pager or cell phone is a first-level offense under the student code of conduct. Disciplinary consequences for seriously disrupting the learning environment in this way are confiscation of the cell phone or pager and a fee of up to $15 to have the confiscated cell phone or pager returned.
Campus administrators have the discretion to determine the appropriate use of cell phones and pagers or beepers for students while they are participating in extra-curricular activities on school property or attending school-sponsored or school-related activities on-school or off-school property.
Notice shall be given by the district to the student's parent and the company whose name, address or telephone number appearing on the device 30 days prior of the district's intent to dispose of it. According to policy, notice shall be made by telephone, telegraph, or in writing.
In addition, the district shall not be liable for lost or stolen cell phones, pagers or beepers.
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