Katy ISD families have 30 days starting Wednesday, Aug. 12, to buy $20 accidental damage insurance for their student's district-issued Chromebook. Miss that window and there's no coverage for the entire school year.
The district welcomes more than 97,000 students back to more than 100 campuses Wednesday. Here's what families need to handle as the 2026-27 year begins.
Chromebook insurance: $20, 30-day deadline
The optional insurance covers two repairs or one full device replacement per year. Families pay through the district's Pay 'N' Go system, and coverage does not start until payment posts. Lost chargers, broken cases and intentional damage are excluded.
The district warned that families who do not opt in within 30 days of their student's first day of attendance will not be eligible for coverage at any point during the year, according to Katy Magazine. That puts the deadline at roughly Friday, Sept. 11.
Phone ban returns for year two
Under House Bill 1481, all personal communication devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, headphones and earbuds, must stay out of sight from first bell to dismissal. The only device students may use during the school day is the district-issued Chromebook.
The law was authored by state Rep. Caroline Fairly and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on Aug. 1, 2025, according to the Texas Tribune. It is now in its second year statewide. Students with documented health or learning needs can contact their campus for accommodations.
SMART Tag bus app
Every Katy ISD bus is equipped with a tablet that reads student ID cards when riders board and exit. The district's SMART Tag app sends push notifications about delays, route changes or emergencies to registered devices.
New for 2026-27: Legacy High School and open enrollment
Katy ISD launched Legacy Virtual High School this year, giving families a fully online option. The district also opened a new Open Enrollment program that allows students from outside the district to fill vacant seats at campuses with available space at no tuition cost. As we reported Aug. 11, 1,000 high school seats are available to out-of-district students this fall.
Health services under Senate Bill 12
A range of health-related services are available to all students with assumed parental consent unless a parent opts out, according to Texas Education Agency guidance. These include emergency care, vision and hearing screenings at mandated grade levels, school counseling, crisis response and referrals to community providers.
Services that require active parental consent include psychological services, small-group counseling and referrals to district mental health partners such as TCHATT, which is available at all campuses. Parents who want to decline any health-related service can contact their campus nurse.
School-zone safety
Fort Bend County Constable Chad Norvell reminded drivers and cyclists to stay alert near campuses. "Bikers need to stop and only cross when it is safe to do so. We see too many that just shoot across," Norvell said. "Drivers are reminded cell phone use is prohibited in school zones."
The district is also cracking down on motorized vehicles near campuses this year.
Other reminders
- Immunizations: Families must verify their student's records are current. Exemption documentation is available on the district website.
- Digital platforms: Home Access Center (grades and schedules), CANVAS (assignments) and My Katy Cloud (student email) are active for the new year.
- Campus visitors: Anyone volunteering or visiting must register through the Raptor security system online.
The next Katy ISD Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17, according to district records.
