\t\t\t\tFrom a ban on personal electronic devices in North East ISD to a closer look at an authentic British cafe and restaurant in North San Antonio, check out the top stories from Community Impact in the San Antonio metro the week of Sept. 22-26.<\/p>\n
North East ISD bans electronic devices during class time<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n To be in line with House Bill 1481\u2019s prohibition of personal electronic devices during the school day, North East ISD now requires all students to turn off and store their cellphones and other electronic devices, such as smartwatches and tablets, in class time beginning in the 2025-26 school year.<\/p>\n The overview<\/strong><\/p>\n According to district documents, the Texas Education Agency sent additional instructions informing districts that they could define what a \u201cschool day\u201d means. Using these guidelines, NEISD defined the \u201cschool day\u201d as instructional class time and only requires students to turn off and store their personal devices in class. Students will be allowed to use phones during time outside the classroom, such as passing periods and lunch as well as before and after school.<\/p>\n Read more. <\/a><\/p>\n Boerne ISD highlights staff acquisition, retention<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Over the last year, Boerne ISD has improved staff retention and reduced the number of open positions from more than 60 in September 2024 to less than 10 as of Sept. 3.<\/p>\n Chief Human Resources Officer Jill Rhodes Pruin discussed staff positions during the Sept. 15 board of trustees meeting, including custodians, bus drivers, food service employees, teaching assistants, teachers, and speech and language therapists.<\/p>\n \u201cThese are some areas where we know we have had some challenges with staffing in the past,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The details<\/strong><\/p>\n Rhodes Pruin said district staff is focused on improving retention and ensuring staff stay with the district each school year.<\/p>\n Read the full story. <\/a><\/p>\n New Braunfels Christian Academy makes headway on $15M academic building<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Construction on New Braunfels Christian Academy\u2019s 50,000-square-foot, two-story academic building at 220 FM 1863 is about to begin, Head of Schools Nick Reeves told Community Impact.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need more space for Christian leaders,\u201d Reeves said.<\/p>\n What we know<\/strong><\/p>\n The academic building will serve sixth- to 12th-grade students, have 37 classrooms, a career and technology space, offices, and a gathering space for meetings.<\/p>\n Learn more. <\/a><\/p>\n Ollie’s Bargain Outlet opening soon in New Braunfels<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n More big-box retailers continue to expand into New Braunfels as a new discount chain store is expected to open soon.<\/p>\n Latest update<\/strong><\/p>\n Ollie\u2019s Bargain Outlet is set to open on Oct. 9, officials announced on the website.<\/p>\n Read more. <\/a><\/p>\n