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Plano ISD trustees adopt resolution in response to SB11, decline to create designated daily period of prayer
Summary
After a presentation by administration, the Plano ISD board unanimously adopted a resolution responding to Senate Bill 11 (Texas Education Code 25.0823) that reaffirms voluntary student religious expression during non‑instructional time and states the board will not adopt a policy creating a mandated daily period of prayer or religious text reading.
The Plano Independent School District board of trustees on Feb. 17 unanimously approved a resolution responding to Senate Bill 11 (Texas Education Code 25.0823) that reaffirms existing district practices for voluntary religious expression and declines to implement a designated daily period of prayer during instructional time.
Administration presented the recommended resolution before the vote. Deputy Superintendent Celinda Freeman told the board the district’s current policies already “allow the students voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint and establish the right to engage in religious expression on the school grounds before, during and after school.” The resolution as read by Board Secretary Tara Lance states, in part, “the board shall not adopt a policy providing a specific designated period of prayer and reading of a religious text during the school day in accordance with 25.0823 of the Texas Education Code.”
The resolution also affirms the district’s commitment to the First Amendment free exercise rights of students and employees, reiterates that the board respects parents’ authority over their children’s religious education, and directs district administration to continue working with families to accommodate voluntary religious expression during non‑instructional times. The board clerk recorded the motion and a roll call; the motion passed unanimously with seven hands raised.
Board President Lauren Tyra said the resolution takes effect immediately upon passage. The action follows state statutory changes but, per the resolution, Plano ISD will continue using its existing policies (cited in the resolution) to allow individual, voluntary prayer or reflection that does not disrupt instruction.
Trustees did not discuss adoption of a campus‑wide, designated daily prayer period; instead the resolution emphasizes voluntary and parent‑guided religious expression and compliance with statutory requirements. The board did not set additional administrative directives in open session following the vote.
The board moved on to other agenda items after the resolution passed.
