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Proposal to add daily period of prayer fails; board president says new policy unnecessary
Summary
A motion to adopt a local policy establishing a designated daily period of prayer and reading of religious texts under Texas Education Code 25.0823 failed on Feb. 16. Board President Gary McMurtry said existing law and district policy already protect individual religious expression.
A proposed resolution to establish a designated daily period of prayer and reading of religious texts under Texas Education Code 25.0823 failed at the Troy ISD board meeting on Feb. 16. Trustee Carrie Trees moved the resolution and Trustee Kirk Bailey seconded; the board recorded zero ayes and six nays, and the motion failed.
After the vote, President Gary McMurtry summarized his view of the district’s legal position: "After careful review of Senate Bill 11 from the 2025 Texas Legislative Session, I determine that adopting a new local policy establishing a designated daily period of prayer and reading of religious texts is not necessary at this time. It is important to note that Troy ISD students and staff already possess well-established rights to prayer and religious expression in our schools." McMurtry noted students and staff may individually and voluntarily pray or meditate provided such activity does not disrupt instruction, and he said staff retain rights to religious expression within their professional roles.
