CFB ISD to adopt TASB model code and pursue TEA phone‑free schools grant to pilot secure pouches

At the June 4 meeting Carrollton‑Farmers Branch ISD administrators recommended adoption of an updated student code of conduct based on the TASB model and presented details of a TEA 'phone‑free schools' grant to finance secure phone storage and student pouches.

Leon Schulack (presenter) told trustees the district used the TASB model (citing Texas Education Code chapter 37 as background for conduct and discipline authority) and proposed adjustments for the coming school year. Administrative changes include allowing DAEP appeal hearings and related filings to be submitted virtually or by email rather than requiring an in‑person filing within one business day.

On the phone‑free grant, administrators said TEA set aside $20,000,000 for schools implementing House Bill guidance on classroom device restrictions and that the district was allocated an amount that would cover the purchase of lockable cabinets and roughly 8,000 individual Yonder pouches for pilot campuses. Schulack said the district logged about 2,500 documented phone‑related infractions this year and that a full district rollout (one pouch per student) would cost more than $300,000 — the grant will fund approximately one third of a full rollout as a pilot. The district plans to translate the code of conduct and handbook into Spanish and to post the updated documents online for families.

Trustees asked how families who had already registered would receive updates; administrators said families would get notifications via ParentSquare, social media and updated online materials before the school year. Staff said campuses that choose to participate will determine local logistics for collection and return of pouches (first period, homeroom or front‑entrance models) and noted a limited number of unlocking magnets will require strategic handling.

Trustees signaled support for the recommendation and asked staff to ensure clear communication and translation for families. The code and grant purchases were presented for approval; the consent agenda containing these items moved forward and the consent motions passed as amended.