Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran is recommending the Board of Trustees approve designating time during the school day for voluntary prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts.
The Board will discuss this at their workshop meeting tomorrow night, Monday February 9, 2026 at 5:45 p.m. at the SAISD Administration Building 1621 University San Angelo, Texas.
A vote on this issue will take place at the Board’s next regular meeting on February 16, 2026
A vote on requiring a time for prayer and Bible reading is required by Senate Bill 11 which was passed by the Texas Legislature.
The new law went into effect September 1, 2025. All School Districts in the state are required to vote on whether to require such a designated time at all campuses by March 1, 2026.
If approved every campus in the San Angelo Independent School District will be required to to provide students and employees with daily periods of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts.
What is a Religious Text?
Use of the time is not limited to praying in the Christian tradition or reading the Christian Bible. It could include any religious texts. Some other texts could include The Koran, The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, the Book of Mormon, or any other philosophical or pseudo scientific or religious works.
In fact the definition of what is a religion under the First Amendment is not limited traditional religions that hold faith in a divine being, it includes any sincere, non-theistic, and deeply held moral or ethical belief. It is so broad it could include reading The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Atlas Shrugged, or The God Delusion.
Consent Forms Required
Signed consent forms will be required from parents or employees for participation. The forms must include a waiver of liability for the school district and its employees and a waiver of individuals’ right to sue. That includes waiving claims related to a violation of the First Amendment.
The prayer time cannot be conducted over a public address system or within earshot of someone who has not signed a consent/waiver.
The law states that the designated time may not replace instructional time. But it does not provide any guidance how that is to be implemented in school days that are already full.
The law allows teachers and administrators to encourage attendance at these prayer times, but prohibits them from requiring or coercing attendance.
The law also directs the Attorney General to defend the districts against lawsuits as a result of this law.
You may read the full agenda for Monday’s meeting here.
Public Comment at SAISD Board Meetings
If you wish to make public comment you must sign up for comment before the meeting. So, be sure to get their early.
Also, the board does not take public comment during the meeting when an item is being discussed. All public comments must be made at the beginning of the meeting before any agenda items have been called for discussion.
You can also watch the Board meeting live on Optum Cable Channel 4 or on the District’s Youtube Channel.
