DEFINITION
A “paging device” or “electronic device” is a telecommunications device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor.
PAGING DEVICES AND CELLULAR TELEPHONES
The Superintendent shall adopt procedures specifying the circumstances under which students may be prohibited or permitted to possess paging devices and cellular telephones while on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities on or off school property. Factors the Superintendent shall consider in permitting students to possess paging devices on campus include:
- student age;
- parent preference for students under 18 years of age;
- purpose for which the electronic device would be used; and
- student’s ability to use an electronic device responsibly and without disruption to other school activities.
INSTRUCTIONAL USE
A student shall obtain prior approval before using personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for on-campus instructional purposes. The student shall also acknowledge receipt and understanding of applicable regulations and shall sign the appropriate user agreements. [See CQ]
Unless a student has obtained prior approval to use a personal telecommunications or other personal electronic device for on-campus instructional purposes, the student shall ensure the device is turned off and kept out of sight; that is, in the student’s backpack or purse, during TSBVI instructional time.
ON DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION
The driver of a TSBVI-owned vehicle, including a school bus, shall be authorized to determine the appropriate use of telecommunications and other electronic devices by students, provided the rules have been clearly communicated to students.
AT SCHOOL-SPONSORED OR SCHOOL-RELATED ACTIVITIES
The appropriate activity sponsor or instructor shall be authorized to determine whether telecommunications and other electronic devices may be used by students attending school-sponsored or school-related activities on or off school property, provided the rules have been clearly communicated to students.
DURING TESTING
Unless specifically approved by an appropriate administrator or instructor, a student shall be prohibited from possession of a personal telecommunications or other electronic device during testing. This prohibition shall be strictly enforced.
PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITY
TSBVI shall not be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal telecommunications or electronic devices brought onto School property or buses.
A parent or guardian who allows his or her child to bring a personal telecommunications or electronic device to TSBVI property or a bus shall be responsible for all information sufficient to identify the device, including the serial number of the device.
DISPOSAL
When a student violates the prohibition against possessing electronic devices while on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities on or off school property, the Superintendent may authorize:
- Disposal of a confiscated electronic device in any reasonable manner, provided the student’s parent and the company whose name and address appear on the device are given 30 days’ notice of the intent to dispose of the device. Such notice may be made by telephone, or in writing, and must include the serial number of the device.
- Charging the owner of the device or the student’s parent an administrative fee of not more than $15 before it releases the device.
Education Code 37.082
Note: For searches of personal telecommunications devices or other personal electronic devices, see FNF.
Adopted: 1/28/00
Amended: 9/27/19
Reviewed: