August 1, 2025 – Superintendent Dr. Deidre Parish hosted Governor Greg Abbott, House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Representative Caroline Fairly at Amarillo ISD’s AmTech Career Academy, referred to as the “crown jewel” of career and technical education centers. Governor Abbott ceremonially signed legislation passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session to create phone-free learning environments in classrooms and protect the safety and online privacy of Texas children.

For several years, Amarillo ISD has had a policy restricting cell phone use during the school day. The policy, which was in effect prior to any state legislation, stipulates that as the school day begins, students will power off and place their cell phones in their backpacks or purses, where they will remain throughout the school day as long as they are on campus. HB 1481 is not expected to change the District’s existing policy because it is in line with the intent of the new law.