Office of the Superintendent of Schools
Office of the Chief of Schools
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Approval Of Revisions To And Ratification Of The 2025-2026 Student Code Of Conduct
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This agenda item seeks board approval of revisions to the 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct (SCOC), which was previously approved on June 12, 2025, and ratification that the SCOC is effective for the 2025-2026 school year. The revisions are in response to changes in state law.
According to the Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 37, each school district is required to adopt a student code of conduct prior to the first day of school. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) SCOC establishes districtwide standards for student behavior and outlines the procedures, protocols, supports, and interventions for student misconduct. This serves as a foundational document to guide school-based discipline systems and ensure consistency across campuses.
Students and families have access to the SCOC through the HISD website. Additionally, printed copies are available upon request. This document is published annually in both English and Spanish, informing families of their student's rights, responsibilities, behavioral expectations, and available appeal processes.
The SCOC is developed in alignment with:
• TEC Chapter 37
• Guidance from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
• Federal and state laws
• Educational best practices in student discipline
• Feedback from HISD staff, students, families, and legal counsel
Key Revisions for 2025-2026
1. Personal Communication Devices
In accordance with House Bill (HB) 1481, the policy on student use of personal electronic devices has been revised to promote an academically focused and distraction-free learning environment.
Revised Language:
Possession of Telecommunications or other Electronic Devices
To ensure a safe, respectful, and academically focused school environment, the use of cell phones and similar electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, or any other electronic device capable of digital communication) is strictly prohibited during the school day on all HISD campuses.
Students may not:
• Use cell phones for any reason (calls, texts, photos, social media, internet access, etc.)
• Display or visibly carry phones
• Use smartwatches or other wearable communication devices
• Have phones visible or audible at any time from arrival to dismissal, including during lunch and passing periods
Our expectations are that:
• Students must leave their phones at home or store them, powered off, in their backpacks upon arrival.
• Phones must remain out of sight and unused throughout the school day, including transitions and lunch.
• Phones may not be carried in clothing or displayed visibly at any time.
If a phone is seen, heard, or used during the school day:
1. The device will be confiscated by staff.
2. The student’s name will be clearly labeled on the device.
3. The phone will be delivered to and stored in the main office.
Consequences:
• 1st Offense: Parents/guardians may retrieve the personal communication device from the main office after school hours and will review Texas state law and HISD’s personal communication device policy with campus administration or designee.
• 2nd Offense: Parents/guardians may retrieve the device from the office after one full school day and will review Texas state law and HISD’s personal communication device policy with campus administration or designee.
• 3rd Offense: Parents/guardians may retrieve the device from the main office after two full school days and will review Texas state law and HISD’s personal communication device policy with campus administration or designee.
Further offenses shall result in elevated formal disciplinary action following HISD’s SCOC. This prohibition does not apply to the use of the devices:
1) that is necessary to implement an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a plan created under Section 504, or a similar program or plan.
2) that is necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or as part of the district’s or school’s safety protocols.
Revised Language:
Level III Offenses: Failure to comply with the personal communication device designated storage method/Using a communication device on school property during the school day.
2. Safety Transgressions - Door Security
A new provision has been added to address the safety risks associated with propped doors on campuses. Students who knowingly prop or tamper with secured exterior doors may be subject to disciplinary action under safety violation provisions.
Revised Language:
Safety Transgressions
Students shall not: Prop open any secure school door(s) or bypass weapon detection systems, including but not limited to exterior doors, emergency exits, and temporary building doors.
Revised Language:
Level IV Serious Offenses: Breaching or bypassing school security measures (opening or propping secured doors)
A copy of the 2025-2026 SCOC is attached.
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COST/FUNDING SOURCE(S): |
None |
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STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: |
None |
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THIS ITEM DOES NOT ESTABLISH, MODIFY, OR DELETE BOARD POLICY.
recommendation
RECOMMENDED: That the School Board approves and ratifies the revisions to the SCOC for the school year 2025-2026, effective August 1, 2025.