Public outcry over SB 11, library challenges and transparency; board declines SB 11 resolution and keeps two challenged books

Dozens of community members addressed the Conroe ISD board on Feb. 17 during the citizen‑participation period, raising two interlocking themes: opposition to a proposed SB 11 school prayer policy and concerns about library review and transparency.

Public commenters argued both sides. Several parents said SB 11 — which creates a framework for a dedicated period for prayer and reading of religious texts at school if the district chooses to adopt it — is either unnecessary or legally fraught. Danelle (public commenter) told the board SB 11 was “a political performance” that would divert attention and dollars from academics. Other commenters said if the board implements SB 11 it should carefully protect non‑participating students and avoid administrative burdens.

Trustees discussed the statute during the meeting. Trustee May read language from SB 11 on the record and noted the statute explicitly leaves existing student prayer rights intact: "regardless of whether the board adopts the policy under subsection a, this section does not prohibit a student or employee of the district or school from participating in prayer..." She argued the law therefore does not require a new district resolution. After discussion the board voted 7–0 not to adopt a separate SB 11 dedicated‑prayer resolution.

On libraries, the board considered two written challenges to graphic‑novel titles (Angry Spirit and Anne of West Philly). Staff and community speakers described the titles and where they sit in the district’s collections. Librarians and several trustees acknowledged procedural gaps in how some titles are categorized and shelved for grade levels; staff committed to refine collection placement procedures and parent notification systems.

The board then voted 5–2 to deny the written challenges — meaning the titles remain available in school collections — and directed staff to review cataloging placements and to provide clearer grade‑level placement controls. Trustees asked staff to return with options (catalog flags, grade‑band shelves, parent notification) so materials are placed consistently with campus grade ranges.

What’s next: staff will work with library services on categorization and access controls, provide a report on procedural changes, and return any related policy adjustments to the board for consideration.