Texas Education Headlines

Biblical stories like Jonah and the whale would be required reading for Texas public schools students under proposals that are putting the state at the center of another contentious wrangling over the role of religion in classrooms. Religious leaders, teachers, parents and students spent hours Tuesday before the state education board arguing about the reading list for the state's 5.4 million kindergartners to 12th-graders. The debate is part of widening efforts in the U.S. to incorporate religion in schools, mostly in Republican-led states, driving legislation and legal action.

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Michael Spurlin
ATPE
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I do love a good Bible story, but thinking this will lead to so many First Amendment (and 14th Amendment) concerns. Home and church seem like better places for these—except in a literature class perhaps in upper grades .

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Jayne Serna
Leander ISD
Leander, TX
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Jayne,

I agree with you about hearing a good Bible story, but at what expense?  Does that mean my grandchildren will also hear Wiccan stories or some other culture's beliefs that I do not support?  If one belief is offered, doesn't everyone else who requests get the option?

Separation of church and state might protect our children to learn what we approve of and teach at home.

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Mary Jane Waits [Designation]
Central Texas Membership Specialist
ATPE
305 E Huntland #300
Austin TX 78752
mjwaits@atpe.org
254 368 8520
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2026 11:46 AM
From: Jayne Serna
Subject: Bible stories would be part of a new Texas public schools reading list drawing attention

I do love a good Bible story, but thinking this will lead to so many First Amendment (and 14th Amendment) concerns. Home and church seem like better places for these-except in a literature class perhaps in upper grades .

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Jayne Serna
Leander ISD
Leander, TX
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You know I agree with you!! Bible stories truly are best at church--or home. And if we have Bible stories, why not all major and minor religions. I do think it needs to be all or none, and none makes the most sense...and likely best fits the intent of those who wrote the First Amendment.

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Jayne Serna
Leander ISD
Leander, TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-17-2026 10:39 AM
From: Mary Jane Waits
Subject: Bible stories would be part of a new Texas public schools reading list drawing attention

Jayne,

I agree with you about hearing a good Bible story, but at what expense?  Does that mean my grandchildren will also hear Wiccan stories or some other culture's beliefs that I do not support?  If one belief is offered, doesn't everyone else who requests get the option?

Separation of church and state might protect our children to learn what we approve of and teach at home.

------------------------------
Mary Jane Waits [Designation]
Central Texas Membership Specialist
ATPE
305 E Huntland #300
Austin TX 78752
mjwaits@atpe.org
254 368 8520
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 04-15-2026 11:46 AM
From: Jayne Serna
Subject: Bible stories would be part of a new Texas public schools reading list drawing attention

I do love a good Bible story, but thinking this will lead to so many First Amendment (and 14th Amendment) concerns. Home and church seem like better places for these-except in a literature class perhaps in upper grades .

---------------------------------
Jayne Serna
Leander ISD
Leander, TX