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,...
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