Parent raises concerns over BISD staff using students in personal social media posts

The Brazosport Independent School District (BISD) Board Meeting on July 14, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding social media policies for staff and the potential closure of Steenpahls School.

One parent raised concerns about a teacher posting videos of students on personal social media accounts, specifically TikTok and Facebook. The parent emphasized the need for clarity in the consent forms signed during enrollment, arguing that they should specify whether staff can share student images on personal platforms. The parent expressed discomfort that their child was included in videos without explicit consent for such use, highlighting the need for a clear policy to protect student privacy in the digital age.

In another key discussion, community member West Tidwell addressed the board about the possible closure of Steenpahls School, which he described as the heart of the community. Tidwell argued that the school is vital for local families and urged the board to explore creative solutions to keep it open, despite financial challenges. He pointed out that closing schools could discourage families from moving to the area and could lead to increased homeschooling, which he believes would not benefit the district.

The meeting underscored the importance of establishing clear guidelines for staff interactions with students on social media and the community's strong attachment to local schools. The board is expected to consider these issues further in upcoming discussions.