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Cell Phone Guidelines » Exceptions

Exceptions

Each principal will maintain a list of students for whom an exception applies and any limitations/ situations to which the exception applies. Principals must ensure that all appropriate staff are made aware of each student’s authorized exception to use personal communication devices.

 

The following exceptions apply to this policy: 

  • A student who has a documented need to use a personal communication device in an individualized education program (IEP), Section 504 accommodation plan, individualized health plan, or other similar program or plan. 
  • A student has a documented need to use a personal communication device based on a directive from a qualified physician; a directive must be submitted to the campus principal. A qualified physician for purposes of this policy shall mean a physician licensed to practice in Texas. The directive must state the conditions under which the student would need to access and use their personal communication device during the school day on school property. The parent may be asked to sign consent for school staff to contact the physician should the school need more information in order to comply with the directive. Use authorized under this provision should be conducted in a manner that minimizes disruption to instruction and the school environment, and may be subject to reasonable limitation on time, place and manner as determined by principal or designee. Authorization under this provision can be revoked if the device is being used in a way that is found to disrupt the learning environment. 
  • If the superintendent determines that a legally required health or safety requirement would authorize or require the use of a personal communication device, the superintendent shall notify all appropriate staff of the circumstances by which this would be authorized or required. The school board must vote to approve any use under this exception. 
  • Campus principals are authorized to use discretion in permitting student use of personal communication devices in emergency circumstances. Any use permitted under this exception must be reported to the board during the next regularly scheduled school board meeting. 
 

Any student who is provided an exception in accordance with the above remains subject to disciplinary measures if the student uses a personal communication device outside the scope of the documented authorized use.