SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Independent School District board members unanimously passed a new cellphone ban policy in a meeting on Monday.
SAISD’s new policy states all communication devices are prohibited to use during the entire school day, including during lunch and while in the hallways.
The district says devices must be out of sight and in silent mode from when the first bell rings until the last bell.
A student may use a cellphone on campus if they have an accommodation as a student with a disability that requires the use of that personal communication device, for a medical reason or to report a safety concern, according to SAISD.
“We will comply with the law, but we will also make sure that we continue to engage in restorative practice,” Superintendent Jaime Aquino said.
During the 2024-2025 school year, SAISD’s online anonymous reporting system, P3, received over 880 tips. Those tips came directly from students and community members that led to 28 arrests and citations.
“We want to be sure that students continue to have access to that, both through their personal communication devices and on district devices as well,” a spokesperson said at the board meeting.
>> How San Antonio-area school districts plan to enforce Texas’ new cellphone ban in classrooms
The new Texas law was designed to offer flexibility for each district to establish a policy that meets the district’s needs.
Another large district in the San Antonio area, North East ISD, approved its cellphone ban policy before the first day of school.
NEISD’s policy allows students to use their devices during non-classroom time, such as lunch periods and passing periods.
Northside ISD students are allowed to bring a communication device or cellphone to school, but it must be powered off and in a backpack from the first bell ring until the school day is over.
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