KISD leaders speak to legislature on strong discipline, cell phone ban
Austin, Tx (FOX 44) – In the wake of the recent stabbing death of one student by another, KISD Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey urged Texas legislators to expand authority of school districts to discipline students.
Speaking during a Texas House Public Education Committee hearing, Dr. Fey voice support of House Bill 6, which would expand that authority. The bill aims to improve teacher retention and classroom management by allowing out-of-school suspensions for students who engage in repeated, significant disruptions or pose safety threats. Dr. Fey emphasized that strengthening disciplinary measures is essential to ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for both educators and students.
On another subject and another bill, Rancier Middle School Principal Dr. Janelle Muhammad testified in favor of House Bill 1481, which would ban K-12 public school students from using cellphones during school hours.
Dr Muhammad shared her school's experience with putting a cellphone free policy in place this year to address cyberbullying and student conflicts. She noted that the ban led to a decrease in behavioral incidents and increased student engagement in learning when the distraction was removed.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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