Administration recommends Jasper ISD decline daily prayer period required under SB 11; keep student-led programs

The district’s agenda background on Senate Bill 11 (effective Sept. 1, 2025) explains that the law requires boards to vote by March 1 on whether to adopt a dedicated, voluntary daily period for prayer and reading of religious texts with explicit parent/employee consent and segregation of nonparticipants. The administration recommends Jasper ISD continue with current student-led programming instead of establishing the new daily period.

The packet states: "Administration recommends Jasper ISD continue with its current student led programming and decline to establish the daily prayer time and reading of religious texts as provided for in SB 11." It notes existing student organizations that hold voluntary meetings, including Bulldogs for Christ and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and cites established events such as See You at the Pole and Fields of Faith.

If the board follows the administration’s recommendation, Jasper ISD would decline to adopt the SB 11 daily period but would maintain its existing student-led religious activities. The agenda notes the statutory requirement that any board vote on a daily prayer period occur by March 1, 2026; the packet does not record a board vote in the provided materials.