KILLEEN, Texas — The Killeen Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a plan to create phone-free schools in the 2024-2025 school year.
The plan would require students at all middle schools and high schools to keep their cell phones in a school issued pouch. It would have a locking device similar to clothing security tags, according to the district. The pouches would remain locked until the end of the school day.
Under the plan, students will keep their phone, and if they need to use it, they must get permission and enter a designated phone zone where they can tap their pouch on an unlocking base.
Killeen ISD Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services Dr. Susan Buckley cited success at other school districts with similar policies like La Vega ISD.
“Phone-free schools will allow our students to better concentrate on schoolwork,” Buckley said. “It will encourage face-to-face interactions and the development of interpersonal skills that directly impacts student success, which is the our ultimate goal.”
In order to implement the plan, the district will submit a request for proposals from vendors to supply pouches to all secondary students.
The cost was expected to be about $500,000 to outfit students at the district’s 12 middle schools, six high schools and four specialty campuses.