Navarro Independent School District

GERONIMO, TX – July 22, 2025 – Navarro Independent School District today announced the Board of Trustees approval for full implementation of House Bill 1481, a new state law prohibiting students from using personal electronic devices during school hours while on school property. This legislation further strengthens the district's commitment to providing an optimal and focused learning environment for all students.

Under HB 1481, students who bring personal electronic devices to campus must ensure they are secured in their backpacks or bags, out of sight, set to a silenced focus mode, or powered off at all times during school hours. This includes passing periods, lunches, and class time. Navarro ISD's existing policy and diligent enforcement already align closely with much of this new legislation. Prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers with messaging capabilities, Bluetooth earbuds/headphones, tablets, personal laptops, gaming devices, pagers, radio devices, and AI/smart glasses.

Exceptions are made for:

• Devices necessary to implement an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a plan created under Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Section 794), or a similar program or plan.
• Devices used by a student with a documented medical need based on a directive from a qualified physician such as glucose monitors.
• Devices necessary to comply with a health or safety requirement imposed by law or as part of the district's or school's safety protocols such as the ability to report anonymous alerts through the STOPit App, various support hotlines, and during active emergency situations.
• Electronic devices provided to a student by the school for instructional purposes such as Chromebooks.

The core purpose of HB 1481 is rooted in educational excellence and student well-being. Research consistently links excessive personal device use to decreased academic performance, shortened attention spans, and negative impacts on mental health and social development. By limiting device use, Navarro ISD aims to enhance classroom focus, promote in-person connections, reduce digital distractions, and address mental health and cyberbullying concerns, fostering a healthier and more engaging educational experience.

Disciplinary consequences for violation of FNCE (Local), as reflected in the 2025-2026 Student Handbook. Upon each offense:

• The device is held in the front office
• Parent/guardian is notified
• Only a parent/guardian may pick up the device on the next school day

Additionally:

1st Offense: Behavior is logged in the student’s record

2nd Offense: One Day ISS assigned

3rd Offense: Additional documentation of the incident in behavior records with Two Days ISS assigned

4th Offense: Additional documentation of the incident in behavior records with Three Days ISS assigned

Offenses beyond the fourth will be seen as a serious violation and will result in:

• A behavior contract will be developed with the student
• Up to Ten Days ISS assigned

Device Pickup Hours by Campus:

• Elementary and Intermediate: 7:30 AM – 3:05 PM
• Junior High School and High School: 8:30 AM – 4:10 PM

Only a parent or guardian may retrieve a confiscated device. Students are not permitted to pick up their own device.

Navarro ISD emphasizes the crucial partnership with parents in ensuring the success of this new law. Parents are asked to discuss these changes with their children, reinforcing the importance of adhering to school rules and refraining from contacting their child on personal devices during school hours to maintain an uninterrupted learning environment. For emergencies, parents can always contact their child by calling the school's front office, where staff will ensure prompt message delivery. Parents are also encouraged to keep contact information updated in the Ascender Parent Portal and help children memorize their phone numbers for office phone use.

"Navarro ISD’s current policy and diligent enforcement already aligns with much of this new legislation. We are confident that implementing HB 1481 will significantly contribute to an even more focused, engaging, and supportive learning environment for all our students," said Dr. Mandy D. Epley, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools. "We appreciate the understanding and continued support of our entire school community and educators as we work together to foster academic, social, and emotional growth."

For any questions or concerns, please contact your child's campus principal.