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Paradise ISD board declines to mandate a daily prayer period
Summary
Following research presented by the superintendent, trustees voted 6–0–1 to maintain current practice and not specify a daily period for prayer or Bible reading in schools.
After reviewing research and operational implications, the Paradise ISD Board voted to decline implementing a designated daily prayer time in district schools.
Superintendent Robyn Gibson presented options and noted that creating a designated prayer period would require accommodations for diverse beliefs, an opt-out arrangement outside instructional time, and extensive staff training to avoid coercion. Landon Smith moved (seconded by Trent Murphy) to approve a motion that "Paradise ISD will not specify a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts in the school as presented." The motion carried 6–0–1.
The decision preserves the district's current practice of permitting student‑initiated, student‑led religious activities on their own time without establishing a district‑sponsored prayer period.
