November 12, 2025 Update -
We share the following in an effort to maintain transparency with our families and community. Many of you have likely seen or heard recent news media or social media stories related to recently approved Senate Bill 10, which requires the posting of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms.
As shared in previous communications, in compliance with Texas law, donated posters were displayed in classrooms at all Azle ISD campuses by the September 1 deadline. The initial court ruling to stop the display of the Ten Commandments was specific to the school districts listed in the ruling. However, on September 22, Azle ISD was named, along with 24 other Texas school districts, in a separate civil lawsuit.
On Tuesday of this week, November 18, a federal judge ruled the posters in the listed districts must be removed by December 1. While our practice is generally to have no or limited comment on pending litigation, we feel it is important to communicate with you. As our expectation for students and staff, Azle ISD will comply with State law and court orders. The posters will be removed over the Thanksgiving break to comply with the court order.
It is disheartening that our students, staff, and families are caught in the middle of controversial political issues, but Azle ISD will continue our mission of making a difference to every child, every day, and remain focused on learning and instruction.
We are Azle,
Todd Smith
October 1, 2025
Dear Azle ISD families,
I am 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