Rockport Fulton ISD declines to adopt policy mandating daily prayer period required by Senate Bill 11
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Summary
Superintendent recommended the board not adopt a resolution to implement Senate Bill 11’s mandatory daily prayer period; trustees accepted the recommendation unanimously, citing existing practices that protect voluntary religious expression.
The Rockport Fulton ISD board on Feb. 19 declined to adopt a district policy implementing Senate Bill 11 that would impose a mandatory daily prayer period on each campus.
Superintendent Dr. Austin told trustees she recommended against adopting the resolution because existing laws and district policies already protect students’ and staff members’ rights to voluntary religious expression. She noted the district already observes a daily moment of silence following the pledge and permits student‑organized religious clubs during noninstructional time under current policy.
Trustee motioned to accept the superintendent’s recommendation; the motion passed by unanimous vote (6–0). There was no public comment on the item.
The board’s decision records the district’s position while preserving existing practices that allow voluntary prayer and religious clubs, rather than mandating a district‑directed prayer period.