SAN ANTONIO — North East Independent School District revised its cell phone policy to prohibit student phone use from the first bell to the last bell. The Texas Education Agency will not appoint a conservator to oversee the district after determining the cell phone policy dispute has been resolved.
The conflict began when the Texas Education Agency notified North East ISD in September that its existing policy violated state law, which requires a complete ban on student cell phone use throughout the entire school day. Until recently, North East ISD had permitted phone use during lunch and passing periods, arguing those times were not part of the instructional school day.
Following the agency’s notification, North East ISD trustees initially stood by their policy. The Texas Education Agency launched a formal investigation in February and subsequently recommended appointing a conservator—an official with authority to override decisions by the district’s superintendent and elected board.
In April, the district’s trustees voted to revise the policy to align with state requirements. Interim Superintendent Anthony Jarrett said in a letter to district families: 'The TEA will not appoint a conservator for our District.' He added that the Texas Education Agency considers the cell phone ban matter resolved.
The revised policy will take effect at the start of the 2026-27 school year. North East ISD will continue communicating with families about expectations and next steps as it plans for implementation.