Franklin ISD School Board Adopts Cell Phone Policy

The Franklin ISD Board of Trustees approved an updated policy banning student cell phone use during the school day during its regular August board meeting. The change aligns with House Bill 1481, a new state law passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, requiring all Texas public schools to adopt policies prohibiting cell phone use during the school day while on school property.

The approved policy, FNCE (Local), prohibits students from using, turning on, or removing personal communication devices from storage—including cell phones, smartwatches, non-school-issued tablets, and similar devices—on school property during the school day. All such devices must be turned off and stored out of sight from the time students enter the building until the end of the school day.

Under the new policy at Roland Reynolds Elementary and Franklin High School:

• Students are responsible for storing their devices securely (e.g., in backpacks, bags, or purses). Students are not permitted to store devices on their persons.

• Devices seen or used in violation of the policy will be confiscated and returned in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

• Exceptions are allowed for medical needs or students with formal accommodations.

Under the new policy at Franklin MIddle School:

• Students are responsible for storing their devices securely (e.g., in backpacks, bags, or purses) until they are instructed to turn them in to their 7th period teacher.  Students are not permitted to store devices on their person.

• Devices seen or used in violation of the policy will be confiscated and returned in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

• Exceptions are allowed for medical needs or students with formal accommodations.

The policy goes into effect for all campuses beginning with the 2025–26 school year and is intended to reduce distractions, support instructional time, and comply with Section 37.082 of the Texas Education Code. Implementation procedures and campus-specific details will be included in the 2025–26 Student Handbook.

Parents and families will receive information through ParentSquare, campus newsletters, and social media over the coming months.