Alamo Heights ISD cancels visiting-author event amid SB 12 uncertainty; parents, teachers urge opt-out policy

Alamo Heights Independent School District canceled a scheduled author visit after the author declined to provide assurances the district interpreted as necessary under new state requirements, Superintendent said at the Jan. 21 board meeting.

The superintendent told the board the decision "was not based on complaints" or a board action but was "administrative responsibility rooted in legal compliance," and he cited changes tied to the recent legislative session and Texas Education Code requirements. Speakers at the public-comment portion disputed the cancellation and pressed the district to adopt a standardized opt-out process to preserve student access to authors and library materials.

Anna Knowles, a parent who addressed the board, said the cancellation of Chris Barton, "an opportunity to engage with a published author and inspire young readers," was inconsistent with the district's stated values and asked the board to "invite Mr. Barton back and allow students to benefit from his visit while offering opt-out provisions for any family that chooses not to participate." (Anna Knowles, public comment.)

Several parents and former teachers described the decision as a missed educational opportunity and warned of chilling effects on classroom instruction. "I feel deeply betrayed by this district," said Eric Anderson, who said he reviewed district emails obtained through a public-information request and questioned the scope of restrictions that would follow from a conservative reading of Senate Bill 12.

Supporters of the cancellation framed it as a legal-compliance and risk-management choice. The superintendent said the district sought assurances from the author that he would meet the "new expectations" tied to the law and that, after the author "declined to provide those assurances to us as a district," the district had "no other options than to cancel that visit." (Superintendent remarks.)

Multiple public commenters urged a different approach. Allison Hartree, who identified herself as an attorney and parent, said she drafted a policy that takes text from the statute and adds implementation language, and she asked the district's counsel to review it. Julianne Reeves, a parent, asked the board to "establish a clear districtwide opt-out process" that preserves opportunities while respecting parental choice.

Board members did not vote on reversing the cancellation at the meeting. Several commenters requested transparent communication about cancellations and faster notice to families when such decisions are made.

The district materials posted with the meeting note the legal constraints cited; the board's superintendent said he and administrators will continue to interpret and implement new state requirements while attempting to protect student opportunities. The meeting concluded with no formal policy change; several community members said they expect follow-up discussions with district attorneys and trustees.

What’s next: Community speakers asked the board to consider the draft opt-out policy and to bring the district counsel's guidance back to a future meeting. The board did not schedule a vote on that policy during the Jan. 21 meeting.