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CFBISD board votes to deny daily prayer period under SB11
Summary
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD board approved a resolution declining to hold a daily prayer period under Section 25.0823 of the Texas Education Code; the motion passed 6-1 on Feb. 5, 2026, with Trustee Carolyn Benavides opposing.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Tamy Smalskas presented a resolution related to Senate Bill 11 and the district’s obligations under Section 25.0823 of the Texas Education Code. Trustee Paul Gilmore moved to approve a resolution denying a required period of prayer during the school day; the motion was seconded by Trustee Ileana Garza Rojas and carried by a 6-1 vote, with Trustee Carolyn Benavides recorded as voting no.
The board’s recorded votes were: Cassandra Hatfield — yes; Marjorie Barnes — yes; Carolyn Benavides — no; Ileana Garza-Rojas — yes; Paul Gilmore — yes; Kim Brady — yes; Randy Schackmann — yes. The item clarifies the district’s formal stance on implementing a daily prayer period pending statutory requirements and local policy decisions.
The resolution will be entered into the district record; staff and counsel will reference applicable state law in any subsequent communications about classroom practices related to prayer periods.
