LGISD Gets a Lot of New Directives From the State

More from last week’s La Grange School Board meeting: Senate Bill 12

Senate Bill 12 (SB 12) from the 89th legislative session relates to parental rights in public education, including requirements and prohibitions regarding instruction; diversity, equity and inclusion duties; assistance with District student social transitioning; and student clubs. This bill becomes effective on September 1, 2025. Local policies relating to matters in SB 12 will be adopted as soon as practicable, but after the effective date.

This resolution directs all staff and contractors to comply with its requirements and directives as summarized below.

1. Policy & Compliance -All district policies must be followed, and violations will result in discipline up to termination.

2. Parental Rights - Parents retain the right to direct their child’s moral, religious, educational, and medical decisions, with full access to records unless restricted by law to protect the child.

3. Transparency &

Communication

• District website must post instructional plans, course syllabi, parent rights, and an online comment portal.

• Parents receive timely notice of suspected criminal offenses against their child.

• Parents have at least two in-person teacher conferences each year.

• Public comments occur at the start of Board meetings, which will be held outside typical work hours.

4. Restrictions on Employees -

• No diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEi) duties may be assigned or performed.

• Employees may not aid in social transitioning or withhold student health/well-being information from parents.

• No discouraging parental involvement in health or critical decisions.

• Employees may not provide health services, medications, or procedures without parental consent or legal authorization.

• No unauthorized disclosure of medical or biometric information.

5. Instructional Restrictions

• Written parental consent is required for human sexuality instruction or participation in student clubs.

• No instruction or programming on sexual orientation or gender identity is permitted in grades PK-12.

• No student clubs may be based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

6. Implementation The Superintendent will distribute this resolution to all employees and contractors (electronically and physically.) Staffing Updates Two teachers have transferred positions: Robert Barber transferred from AEP (high school) to social studies (high school); Randall Goode transferred from social studies (high school) to AEP (high school.)

The following people were hired as paraprofessional staff: Nita Behrens-high school educational aide; Gavin Cookafter school care couselor; Amber Cunningham-middle school educational aide; Vince Harold-middle school educational aide; Brittany Herdlerelementary educational aide; Sierra “Nicole” Hernandezelementary educational aide; Mayra Jandres-high school/ middle school food service worker; Arlene Johnsonelementary educational aide; Eva Llanas-K-6 food service worker; Martha Lopez Palacios- elementary educational aide; Scott Shaffer-middle school educational aide; Jenifer Sotelo-elementary educational aide; Jeremy Tostonhigh school educational aide/ coach; Aurora Trevino-bus operator; Jennifer Villanuevatransfer from high school/ middle school manager in training to cafeteria manager.

Resignations were received from Denise Fuenteselementary educational aide; Adolfo Maya-elementary educational aide; Carolyn McMasters-high school/middle school cafeteria manager; Stephanie Underwood-child nutrition site supervisor.

Library Material Approval Process The new policy requires board approval for all library material purchases.

Future library book lists will be approved at board meetings rather than just posted.

Cybersecurity Agreement

The district entered interlocal agreement with The University of Texas Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC) for free state-funded cybersecurity monitoring, adding a second layer of protection.

This agreement does not replace current provider but offers additional oversight. There is no cost involved.

Other Board Actions

• Approved annual attendance credit agreement and delegation of contractual authority to superintendent.

• Recertified micro-purchase threshold for administrative purchases under $50,000.

• Approved 2025–2026 threat assessment team membership.

• Appointed Mr. Greg Dieters to Fayette County Appraisal District for 2026– 2027.

• Approved new library materials list for 2025–2026.