College Station, Texas, August 5, 2025
News Summary
College Station Independent School District is introducing new phone policies for the upcoming school year, aligned with House Bill 1481. Students are required to keep mobile devices powered off and stored away during school hours. The district also discussed zoning changes for the 2026-2027 academic year and a staff compensation plan. Community feedback remains vital as the district aims to enhance educational policies. The Brazos Valley Food Bank is also preparing for an annual fundraising event to support local food insecurity.
College Station, Texas – New Phone Policies and Preparation for the Upcoming School Year
College Station Independent School District (CSISD) is implementing new phone policies as part of its preparations for the upcoming school year. These policies align with House Bill 1481, which prohibits the use of personal communication devices by students during school hours. A workshop and regular meeting were held to discuss this and other key priorities, such as school zoning and staff compensation.
The newly drafted policy requires students to keep their mobile phones powered off and stored away during the school day. This ban applies to classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and all other areas of the school. Superintendent Tim Harkrider clarified that school staff will not be responsible for searching students’ belongings for devices. Discussions also included possible punishments for violations to ensure that rules are clear and consequences consistent.
Parents are encouraged to talk about the new phone policy with their children before the school year commences, aiming to facilitate a smoother transition into these new rules. Community feedback will be valuable in gauging the effectiveness of these policies.
School Zoning Adjustments and Community Involvement
During the meeting, trustees examined boundary adjustments for schools slated for the 2026-2027 academic year to address capacity issues. More than 1,000 public comments concerning proposed zoning changes highlights significant community engagement on the matter. Concerns have been raised about how zoning changes could impact neighborhood traffic and safety.
Among various elementary zoning options, Plan 5 garnered the most public support, while Plan 4 was slightly favored for intermediate and middle schools. Public comments regarding the zoning plans will remain open until the end of July, with a finalized plan expected in the fall.
Staff Compensation Plans
The board also approved a staff compensation plan for the 2025-2026 school year. This plan includes adjustments to stipends and health insurance, as well as an increase in teacher pay resulting from provisions during the 89th legislative session. This strategic move aims to retain and attract quality educators within the district.
Changes in Contract Handling
In a notable shift in policy, two teachers were terminated for abandoning their contracts during a separate meeting. This new approach underscores CSISD’s commitment to maintaining educational integrity and responsibility among its staff.
Additional Community Updates
In conjunction with these educational developments, the Brazos County Sheriff’s office is conducting an investigation into a shooting incident in Wixon Valley that resulted in one fatality and an injury. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been reported thus far.
Furthermore, the Brazos County commissioners have approved the soliciting of bids for parking lot repairs at the Brazos Center, indicating that county employees do not have the necessary equipment for repaving. Meanwhile, the Brazos Valley Food Bank is gearing up for its 32nd annual Feast of Caring fundraising event on August 6th, aiming to raise $55,000 to counterbalance lost government funding. The menu is modest, designed to remind attendees of community members facing food insecurity.
College Station ISD also recognized 64 seniors and their chosen educators during the annual Senior Hall of Fame banquet in April 2025, celebrating the achievements and contributions of these students to the school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new phone policy for College Station ISD?
The new policy requires students to keep their phones powered off and stored away during the school day, prohibiting phone use in all areas of the school.
Why is this policy being implemented?
This policy is in compliance with House Bill 1481, which restricts student use of personal communication devices during school hours.
What are the consequences for violating the phone policy?
While specific punishments were discussed, the emphasis is on having clear rules and consistent consequences for violations of the policy.
When will the new zoning adjustments take effect?
The new school zoning adjustments are set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year.
How can the community voice their opinions on the zoning changes?
Public comments on the zoning plans will remain open until the end of July, allowing community members to express their opinions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Law Prohibits Cell Phones in Schools
College Station Launches After-School Programs for Kids
College Station Implements New Law on Student Device Usage
Le’Veon Moss Has Disorderly Conduct Charge Dismissed
College Station Dismisses Charge Against Texas A&M Player
College Station School District Revises Phone Policies
College Station City Council Proposes $474.2 Million Budget
College Station ISD Addresses Cell Phone Policy and Zoning Changes
Texas Enacts School Cell Phone Ban Starting September 2025
Texas Schools Implement Cell Phone Ban During School Hours
Additional Resources
- KBTX News: College Station ISD Adopts 2025-26 Budget
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- WTAW News: CSISD School Board Fires Teachers
- Google Search: CSISD Phone Policy
- KCEN TV News: College Station ISD Recognizes Students
- Google Scholar: Texas Education Policies
- KBTX News: Discussions and Decisions in CSISD
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Education
- WTAW News: CSISD Budget Planning
- Google News: Texas School Funding
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
