News Summary
The Fort Worth Independent School District is introducing a new cell phone policy to minimize classroom distractions and is also offering free public transportation for students. Starting August 12, students must turn off and store personal devices during school hours, or face potential confiscation. This policy aligns with Texas law and aims to create a focused learning environment. Additionally, a collaboration with Trinity Metro aims to improve student access to extracurricular activities and resources until mid-2026, despite recent accountability concerns from the Texas Education Association.
Fort Worth, TX – The Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) will implement a strict new cell phone policy and introduce free public transportation for students starting this fall. The policy, aimed at reducing distractions in the classroom, will take effect on the first day of school, August 12, 2025. The FWISD Board of Trustees approved the “Put it Away, Learn Today” policy on July 22, 2025, in alignment with Texas state law House Bill 1481, which prohibits the use of personal electronic devices during school hours.
The new policy stipulates that students must turn off and put away cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, and other personal devices while on district campuses. Devices that are seen during school hours will be confiscated, and students may face disciplinary consequences for violating this rule. Exceptions will only be made for medical reasons, documented use required by a 504 education plan, or during emergencies when the district’s mass messaging system will be employed.
In addition to the cellphone restrictions, FWISD also launched a pilot program in collaboration with Trinity Metro, which aims to provide free public transportation for all students through July 31, 2026. This initiative is designed to enhance students’ access to extracurricular activities, tutoring sessions, community resources, and job opportunities. Trinity Metro operates 23 public bus routes throughout Tarrant County and offers a TEXRail system that connects to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. This partnership marks a significant first between the public transportation system and a local school district.
FWISD has emphasized that the transportation program is intended to supplement, not replace, existing yellow school bus services. The district aims to encourage broader student participation in various enrichment activities beyond the regular school day.
These initiatives come at a time when the Texas Education Association (TEA) has released accountability ratings for schools, revealing notable declines in performance among major North Texas school districts. The FWISD received the lowest grade among the largest districts, raising concerns about student achievement and district management. These ratings were initially delayed due to legal disputes involving over 120 Texas school districts, which challenged changes in performance benchmarks without proper notification.
Despite the Low TEA rating, local leadership, including Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, has expressed confidence in the district’s future direction. The mayor views the ratings as a potential starting point for community improvement in education quality. The TEA aims to deliver transparent insights about school performance following a turbulent period marked by legal actions. The next accountability ratings are expected to be issued in August 2025, offering another chance for districts to showcase progress and improvement.
The changes in policy and the introduced public transportation initiative reflect Fort Worth ISD’s commitment to enhancing educational outcomes amidst challenges facing local schools. As the new school year approaches, these programs will seek to empower students while addressing the need for a focused learning environment free from digital distractions.
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Additional Resources
- NBC DFW: Fort Worth ISD Bans Cellphones
- Star-Telegram: FWISD New Policy on Cellphones
- Fox 4 News: TEA Ratings Released
- Axios: Dallas-Fort Worth School Ratings
- Dallas News: FWISD and Extreme Weather
- Wikipedia: Fort Worth Independent School District
- Google Search: Fort Worth ISD Cellphone Policy
- Google Scholar: Fort Worth ISD Public Transportation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Education Association
- Google News: Fort Worth ISD Initiatives
