Phone-Free Campuses Update

KISD Families,

The first day of school is drawing near, and I wanted to provide you an update on our move to be cell phone-free in Killeen ISD's secondary schools.

As a reminder, our Board of Trustees approved a plan in June to make all our secondary campuses cell phone-free. This decision came after thorough research highlighting the many benefits of a phone-free school environment, including improved student engagement, better concentration, and enhanced mental health.

This summer we have developed district-wide procedures and are working with principals and campus staff now to customize implementation at each school.

To clarify, we are not banning cell phones, smart watches, AirPods/earbuds at our secondary schools. Instead, students will keep their devices with them in special pouches that are locked at the start of the school day. Pouches will remain locked until the end of the school day, ensuring that students can keep their devices with them but without the distraction during class time.

Schools will begin issuing pouches, training students on expectations and implementing procedures on the first day of school, August 14. Consequences for not meeting expectations will begin on September 3.

You can learn more about this initiative, including the procedure and answers to FAQs, at www.killeenisd.org/phonefree.

As a district, we remain focused on student success and the well-being of our students. By creating phone-free schools we believe we will significantly improve academic achievement, increase safety, and create a more conducive learning environment.

I hope you and your student enjoy these last days of summer. We are looking forward to welcoming students back on August 14!

Warm regards,

Dr. Jo Ann Fey
Superintendent of Schools