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Personal Communication Device Guidelines

HB1481 Graphic Web

 

Effective: 2025–2026 School Year
Aligned with House Bill 1481

Board Policy FNF

Duncanville ISD values a safe and academically focused learning environment. In accordance with HB 1481 and to support student engagement, all personal communication devices must remain powered off and stored during the instructional day. Each campus will determine an appropriate in-class storage system or may allow students to keep their devices powered off and stored securely in their backpacks. Personal communication devices include:

  • Cell phones & smartphones
  • Smartwatches
  • Wireless earbuds or headphones
  • Tablets
  • Gaming devices
  • Smart glasses
  • Any personal device capable of wireless communication not issued by the district
All students are issued a district-owned device and are expected to use it as the sole instructional device during the school day. To contact your child, call the school office. Staff will ensure messages are delivered promptly.

Expectations & Consequences

 Device Confiscation Guidelines

Any staff member may confiscate a personal communication device if a student is observed with one in their possession in violation of district policy. Staff members are not permitted to hold onto a confiscated device for more than one class period. Devices must be taken to the main office for secure storage as soon as feasibly possible. When a device is turned in, the staff member must document the student’s full name and ID number, along with their own name and title. Under no circumstances should a device remain in a classroom, office, or with a staff member beyond the end of the school day on which it was confiscated.

Parent/Guardian Pick-Up Guidelines

Only a parent, guardian, or Skyward-listed emergency contact may pick up a student’s personal communication device.

Pickup hours (when school is in session)

  • Elementary: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Middle School: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
  • High School: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Confiscated devices will be held in the main office for parent/guardian pickup. If a device is not claimed within 30 calendar days, the campus will attempt to notify the parent/guardian using the contact information on file. If the device remains unclaimed, it will be subject to disposal in accordance with district procedures at the end of the current semester. This may include donation, recycling, or other lawful disposal methods. The district is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to unclaimed devices.

Exceptions

Personal device use is permitted only:

  • If required by a student’s IEP or 504 Plan
  • For documented medical needs
  • In verified emergencies or safety situations
  • With explicit permission from the classroom teacher for instructional purposes, including but not limited to:
    • Completing multi-factor authentication (e.g., Duo login for district systems).
    • Participating in educational platforms or virtual learning tools (e.g., Kahoot and/or Quizlet);
    • Engaging in classroom polling, interactive lessons, or submission of digital assignments.

Privacy & Security

  • Devices may be searched in accordance with policy FNF.
  • Duncanville ISD is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices.
  • Confiscated phones will be securely stored for up to 90 days. Unclaimed devices may be disposed of after proper notice

Frequently Asked Questions