Carthage ISD Board of Trustees discusses policy updates in response to sweeping new State laws

Published 6:00 pm Friday, July 25, 2025

Carthage ISD trustees and administrators reviewed major updates to the district’s policies during the July 21 board meeting, adjusting to a flood of new state legislation set to take effect this school year.

Superintendent Jarrod Bitter noted that more than 100 education-related bills passed in the recent Texas legislative session, significantly impacting how schools across the state approach student discipline, electronic devices, parental rights, instructional materials, and staff procedures.

Among the most immediate changes adopted into the district’s student handbook is House Bill 1481, which bans student use of cell phones and electronic devices during the school day. While Carthage ISD is working on campus-specific implementation procedures, administrators acknowledged the need to balance classroom focus with real-world communication needs across its campuses.

“We want to comply with the policy and reduce classroom distractions,” Bitter said, “but we also recognize that expecting students to go without their phones all day, especially those riding buses before dawn or staying after school for extracurriculars, just isn’t feasible in our district.”

Two additional bills, Senate Bills 12 and 13, introduce significant changes to parental rights, including increased transparency in grievance procedures and more local control over school library content and instructional materials. Carthage ISD updated its handbook and internal review processes to remain compliant with these changes.

“These five bills alone make up 95 to 98 percent of the changes in our updated student code of conduct and handbook,” Bitter told the board, adding that most policies take effect Sept. 1, though implementation and campus guidance are ongoing.

For parents, these updates are intended to set clearer expectations, from phone use and behavior policies to how families can engage with instructional content or raise concerns.

Carthage ISD’s employee handbook also saw significant updates. The new version includes a shortened reporting timeline for suspected child abuse — now down to 24 hours — and stricter timelines for reporting employee misconduct to the Texas Education Agency.

Other adjustments clarify restrictions on administrators receiving outside compensation for curriculum or vendor-related services. Additionally, employees now have new flexibility with paid leave, allowing them to retain paid time off while on FMLA leave rather than using it concurrently, a shift designed to support staff during life’s more difficult seasons.

Staff-student communication protocols were also addressed. While extracurricular sponsors may still text students for school-related matters, the messages must be sent through an offical chatroom during specified hours.

“We want everything above board,” Bitter said. “We’ve had situations where we’ve had to go back and search message histories — having a secure, documented platform protects everyone involved.”

To remain in line with new state laws, the board also approved second readings of several local policy revisions.

The Board also voted to clarify that eligible students will not be limited in school absences due to extracurriculars — ensuring those involved in multiple activities like FFA, fine arts, and athletics are not penalized. “We’d be punishing the students who go above and beyond,” said Assistant Superintendent John Granger. “This revision supports the kids who are doing the most.”

District officials said they expect further legislative guidance this fall and may revisit policy updates as needed to ensure Carthage ISD continues to meet all state requirements.

For families, the start of the school year will come with a few new expectations, but also, the hope of clearer communication, stronger safeguards, and more consistent support systems throughout Carthage ISD.