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Burleson ISD trustees decline model prayer resolution, approve TASB policy update
Summary
Burleson ISD’s board voted to decline adopting a model resolution required by Texas Education Code §25.0823 after members raised logistical concerns about separating students by parental consent; the board also approved TASB Update 1-26 and a resolution to pay staff during a weather-related district closure.
The Burleson Independent School District Board of Trustees voted Feb. 9 to decline adoption of the model resolution tied to Texas Education Code §25.0823 after trustees raised logistical and parental-rights concerns during discussion.
Tom Dyer, introducing the topic, said the new law would require districts to adopt a model resolution and companion policy establishing a designated period for prayer or reading of religious texts. "This is about creating a period of prayer or reading of religious texts," Dyer said, adding that the board already permits student prayer under the First Amendment so long as it is not disruptive to instruction.
Dyer and other speakers emphasized the practical difficulties of implementing the model policy, particularly the requirement to separate students based on whether parents have consented to their participation. "You have a classroom, you have one teacher for 21, 22 kids, and some whose parents have not consented," Dyer said, arguing the logistics would be burdensome. He framed the issue as one of parental rights and operational feasibility.
After discussion, the board considered a motion to decline adoption of the model resolution. The chair called for a motion, a second was recorded, and the board approved the motion; the chair announced the motion had passed with no opposition recorded.
On the same agenda, the board approved TASB Update 1-26, an omnibus set of policy changes presented by district staff. Tom Dyer summarized key elements of the update, which include changes to competitive purchasing thresholds, new restrictions on outside compensation for administrators, revisions to grievance and complaint processes, a broader reporting requirement to law enforcement in certain circumstances, and language expanding the definition of academic dishonesty to address uses of artificial intelligence in some situations. The board voted to approve Update 1-26 as presented.
The board also approved a resolution authorizing payment to employees for a recent district closure related to inclement weather; staff said the funds were already budgeted to cover employees who were not allowed to work during the closure and that the superintendent was authorized to make the payments.
The board’s actions on the model prayer resolution and TASB Update 1-26 conclude the discussion for now; the board adjourned at 7:18 p.m.
