On March 18, 2025, during a Texas House Public Education Committee hearing, Killeen Independent School District (KISD) Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey provided testimony in support of House Bill 6, which expands school districts' authority to discipline students for classroom disruptions. The bill aims to improve teacher retention and classroom management by allowing out-of-school suspensions for students who engage in repeated, significant disruptions or pose safety threats. Dr. Fey emphasized that strengthening disciplinary measures is essential to ensuring a safe and effective learning environment for both educators and students.
Additionally, Dr. Janelle Muhammad, principal of Rancier Middle School, testified in favor of House Bill 1481, which would ban K-12 public school students from using cellphones during school hours. Dr. Muhammad shared her school’s experience with implementing a cellphone-free policy this academic year to address cyberbullying and student conflicts, noting that the ban has led to a decrease in behavioral incidents and increased student engagement in learning.
Both testimonies reflect KISD’s commitment to fostering structured, focused, and safe learning environments for students and staff through proactive policy measures.
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