🎒 Austin Independent School District will kick off the 2025-26 school year on Tuesday, and a few things will likely look different, so we’ve put together some handy reminders to help you feel prepared!
📵 Brush Up on New Statewide Classroom Rules.
The Texas legislature recently passed new laws that prohibit cell phones during school hours, and require the Ten Commandments be hung in every classroom. In compliance with the cell phone law, AISD will require students to keep their personal devices — including cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, smart watches, Bluetooth earbuds, fitness trackers with messaging, personal laptops, two-way radios, and pagers — turned off and put away from bell to bell.
While classrooms are supposed to have posters of the Ten Commandments on the walls by Sept. 1, implementation may be delayed or paused by two lawsuits that allege the requirement is unconstitutional.
✏️ Know Which Schools Are On Turnaround Plans.
Three middle schools — Burnet, Dobie, and Webb — will be on district-managed turnaround plans to help improve student test scores. The plans led to significant staff changes with the schools bringing in new teachers with a history of student academic growth. Daily math and reading coursework is also a focus of the plans. If the schools can’t improve scores, the district eventually could face closures or a state-controlled school board.
🚘 Don’t Forget About School Speed Limits.
It happens every fall. You’re driving along and wham, you’re in a school speed zone. “Oh right, these are back,” you say to yourself with a sigh. Watch for 20 mph speed limits near campuses in the mornings and afternoons during drop-offs and pick-ups, and only use your phones hands-free. And remember, the limits are there to keep kids safe!
Have a great school year, y’all!
