Magnolia ISD approves daily prayer period under new Texas law

District becomes one of the first in Houston area to adopt school-sponsored prayer

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Magnolia Independent School District's board has passed a resolution to establish a daily period of prayer, becoming one of the first school districts in the Houston area to do so under a new Texas law. The district is just west of The Woodlands in Montgomery County and enrolls nearly 15,000 students.

Why it matters

The new state law tasks school boards with voting on whether to establish a district-wide period of prayer and 'reading of the Bible or other religious text on each school day' for students and employees. This move by Magnolia ISD highlights the ongoing debate around the separation of church and state in public schools.

The details

Under the new law, school districts must get parental consent for students to participate in daily prayer sessions, and every campus in the district must provide space daily for those praying, with the prayer time occurring outside of instruction. Magnolia ISD plans to request parental consent form templates from the Attorney General's office for students to participate.

  • In February 2026, the Magnolia ISD board unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the daily prayer period.
  • Last year, state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 11, which led to the new policy.

The players

Magnolia ISD

A school district located just west of The Woodlands in Montgomery County, Texas, with nearly 15,000 students.

Senate Bill 11

A new Texas law that tasks school boards with voting on whether to establish a district-wide period of prayer and 'reading of the Bible or other religious text on each school day' for students and employees.

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What’s next

Magnolia ISD will next figure out the prayer logistics and adopt another related policy.

The takeaway

Magnolia ISD's decision to approve a daily prayer period highlights the ongoing debate around the separation of church and state in public schools, as districts navigate the new state law allowing for such practices.