Waxahachie ISD trustees decline to adopt mandatory religious‑text reading resolution required under SB 11
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Summary
Following staff recommendation, the board voted 6–1 not to adopt a policy requiring every campus to provide a period for prayer or reading of religious texts under Texas Education Code §25.0823; the board conducted individual roll-call voting.
The Waxahachie ISD Board of Trustees voted 6–1 on Tuesday not to adopt a resolution that would make a period for prayer or reading a religious text mandatory across district campuses under Senate Bill 11 and Texas Education Code §25.0823.
General counsel Mister Cagle reviewed the statute’s requirements and explained that if the board chose not to approve such a resolution that decision would not prevent students or staff from voluntarily using time for private religious reading. Administration recommended that the board not approve the resolution after reviewing other districts’ approaches.
Trustee McCutcheon moved that Waxahachie ISD "does not adopt a policy requiring every campus at Waxahachie ISD to provide a period of prayer and reading of the [Bible] or other religious text as provided by Texas Education Code 25.0823." The motion was seconded and the board proceeded to individual roll‑call votes. One trustee recorded opposition; the motion carried 6–1.
Board members emphasized that the decision does not restrict individuals from private religious expression but declined to adopt a districtwide mandatory period as described in the statute.
