Dear Azle ISD families,
I’m writing to provide an update on a recent lawsuit related to Texas Senate Bill 10, the law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
Families from 15 Texas school districts, including Azle ISD, filed a federal lawsuit challenging classroom displays of the Ten Commandments required by Senate Bill 10. Passed in the recent 89th legislative session, SB 10 requires each public school classroom to display a 16-by-20-inch poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments and allows districts to accept donated posters that meet specific content requirements.
Because this is active litigation, we are very limited in what we can share. Still, I know this has raised questions in our community, and I want to explain what it means for Azle ISD right now.
Azle ISD is complying with the law. Donated Ten Commandments posters have been placed in classrooms across the district in line with SB 10. These posters will stay up unless a court tells us otherwise. If a court order changes our responsibilities to comply with SB 10, we will abide and communicate accordingly with parents and staff.
We will continue to work with legal counsel and follow all court directions. According to SB 10, the Office of the Attorney General represents school districts in lawsuits related to this law, and the state covers those legal costs. We have notified the Attorney General’s Office of the lawsuit.
Azle ISD serves students and families of many faiths and backgrounds. We remain committed to our mission of making a difference to every child, every chance, every day. This includes a welcoming learning environment for every student and clear communication with our community.
I am grateful for every student we serve, and for the support our community shows to our school district.
We are Azle-
Todd Smith
Superintendent