Dallas, Texas — As the new academic year begins, students and parents in North Texas are adjusting to several significant changes, including the implementation of new laws affecting school policies. Amid the excitement of returning to class, educators are navigating various regulations that impact everything from personal device usage to classroom decor.
One of the new laws, House Bill 1481, mandates that school boards create policies limiting the use of personal electronic devices during class hours. While the law takes effect on September 1, many districts have proactively established guidelines for the current school year. In the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), elementary students’ phones will be stored in a secure location, while middle and high school students will have their devices locked away in pouches until the school day concludes.
Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde addressed parental concerns regarding children’s access to phones in emergencies, acknowledging the importance of communication. However, she expressed apprehension about potential risks associated with phones during critical situations, suggesting they could inadvertently assist those with harmful intentions during lockdowns.
Elizalde also urged parents to keep their electronic contact information updated to facilitate timely communication during emergencies. Another law, Senate Bill 10, has generated controversy by requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. While DISD plans to comply with state laws, Elizalde mentioned that the district is awaiting further information from the Texas Education Agency, as the bill is still under legal scrutiny. Currently, schools are not required to display these posters unless donated.
The superintendent indicated a need for more clarity on Senate Bill 12, which eliminates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. With a demographic consisting of over 70% Hispanic and nearly 20% African American students, ensuring parental permission for in-depth surveys and assessments has become a priority. Elizalde reinforced the importance of providing emotional support for students as they return, stating teachers will still be able to check in on students’ well-being as they enter classrooms.
Addressing concerns about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in schools, Elizalde assured parents that the district has protocols in place to prevent unauthorized access by agents. “ICE agents cannot come into a school building and simply just wander the halls,” she affirmed.
Amid these challenges, the district celebrates notable successes, reporting that staffing levels have reached an impressive 99.4%. This marks the highest fill rate for the district since 2014 and reflects efforts to ensure each school is fully staffed. Additionally, Elizalde highlighted academic improvements, noting that over 93% of DISD schools received A, B, or C ratings in the last evaluation cycle.
As students and teachers gear up for another year, the public can expect updates on school ratings as the district releases the latest A-F letter grades on Friday.
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