HomeMy WebLinkAboutWA Res 25-22 Policy 7.03 Personal Communications Devices
WA Res. 25-22
Page 1
WESTLAKE ACADEMY
RESOLUTION NO. 25-22
A RESOLUTION OF THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
APPROVING THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
DEVICES POLICY AND AMENDING THE WESTLAKE ACADEMY BOARD OF
TRUSTEES POLICY MANUAL TO INCLUDE THE POLICY AS “SECTION 7
STUDENT BEHAVIOR: POLICY 7.03 PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES
POLICY”
WHEREAS, Westlake Academy is obligated to create board policies in alignment with
State and Federal mandates; and,
WHEREAS, Texas House Bill 1481 (effective June 20, 2025) requires all public-school
districts and open-enrollment charter schools to adopt a written policy no later than September 18,
2025, prohibiting student use of personal communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets,
laptops, and smartwatches) during the instructional day on school property; and,
WHEREAS, Westlake Academy supports a distraction-free learning environment, and
reinforces the IB Learner Profile values of being principled, respectful, and balanced; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees finds that the passage of this Resolution is in the best
interest of the citizens of Westlake as well as the students, their parents, and faculty of Westlake
Academy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF
WESTLAKE ACADEMY:
SECTION 1: That, all matters stated in the recitals hereinabove are found to be true and
correct and are incorporated herein by reference as if copied in their entirety.
SECTION 2: That, the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees hereby approves the
Westlake Academy Personal Communications Devices Policy attached to this resolution as
“Exhibit A” and the addition of the policy to the Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Policy
Manual as “SECTION 7 STUDENT BEHAVIOR: POLICY 7.03 PERSONAL
COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES POLICY” in compliance with the requirements of House
Bill 1481.
SECTION 3: That if any portion of this resolution shall, for any reason, be declared
invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining
provisions hereof and the Council hereby determines that it would have adopted this Resolution
without the invalid provision.
Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Policy Manual
Policy No. 7.03:
Date Board Adopted:
Date Board Amended: August 19, 2025
Effective Date: August 19, 2025
Policy Category: Student Conduct
Policy Name: Westlake Academy Personal Communications Devices Policy
Policy Goal: Communication/Transparency of student and parent requirements for
the use of Personal Communications Devices on the campus of
Westlake1Academy; a distraction-free learning environment, and reinforcement of
IB Learner Profile values of being principled, respectful and balanced.
Policy Description:
A student shall not use a personal communication device, (including, but not
limited to, cell phones, earbuds, smart watches, personal tablets, and personal
laptops), on school property during the instructional day. While on school
property, the student shall store any personal communication device in
accordance with campus administrative regulations.
A student who violates this policy or any related regulations shall be subject to
discipline in alignment with the Board-adopted Student Code of Conduct and the
principles of the IB Learner Profile, particularly being principled, respectful, and
balanced.
An authorized Academy employee may confiscate a student’s personal
communication device that is used in violation of this policy or any applicable
regulations.
The Academy shall not dispose of a confiscated device. The Academy shall
provide appropriate notice to parents/guardians, and devices not retrieved within
the designated time frame shall be stored according to administrative regulations.
Exceptions:
A student shall be authorized to use a personal communication device on school
property during the instructional day only under the following circumstances:
1. The student’s use is necessary for implementation of the student’s
Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, or a similar program or
plan;
2. The student’s use is required due to a documented medical need
supported by a directive from a licensed physician; or
Westlake Academy Board of Trustees Policy Manual
Policy No. 7.03 Continued
3. The student’s use is necessary to comply with a health or safety
requirement imposed by law or as part of the Academy or campus safety
protocols.
Implementation
The Superintendent shall develop administrative regulations to implement this
policy. Regulations shall include clear guidelines for device storage, retrieval
procedures, and communication with families.
Compliance
Annually, the Superintendent shall report to the Board on the implementation and
compliance of this policy, including any recommendations for adjustment based on
student conduct data, parent feedback, and alignment with Westlake Academy’s
mission and values.
Dates Amended: WA Resolution No.:
08/19/2025 WA RES 25-22