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Waller ISD Board Rejects Senate Bill 11 Requirement, Reaffirms Moment of Silence and Pledges
Summary
The board voted 7-0 to approve a resolution rejecting the requirements of Senate Bill 11 (89th Legislature), reaffirming the district's existing practices that allow prayer and a moment of silence in schools.
The Waller ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to reject the requirements of Senate Bill 11 and adopted a resolution reaffirming current district practices on student religious expression.
Ellen Spalding, the district’s attorney, explained that the 89th Legislative Session includes provisions requiring a daily period of prayer. President William Warren reviewed proposed resolution language; after discussion, Trustee Brittany Neel moved to reject SB11 and approve the board's resolution, which the motion describes as reaffirming the district’s commitment to daily pledges and a moment of silence. "Trustee Neel made a motion to reject Senate Bill 11 and approve the resolution as presented, reaffirming the Board’s commitment to support daily pledges and a moment of silence to support each student and staff member's right to engage in religious activity and prayer," the minutes record. Trustee Bryan Lowe seconded the motion and it passed 7-0.
Board members debated the logistical requirements of the bill and how existing local practice aligns with constitutionally permissible student religious activity. No further action, such as policy changes or litigation, was recorded in the open minutes; the board’s action was a local resolution expressing its position on the statutory change.
