At their Monday night meeting, the Quitman Independent School District Board of Trustees chose to take no action on Texas Senate Bill 11 and not implement its prayer policy. SB 11 is a law passed by the 89th Texas Legislature that would allow school districts to provide a daily period for voluntary prayer and reading of religious texts. SB 11 requires districts to decide whether to participate or not by March 1, 2026, and includes provisions that students’ and employees’ participation must be voluntary, based on signed consent only, and not interfere with instructional time. Quitman ISD trustees said the bill’s wording was more restrictive than the district’s existing voluntary practices and expressed concerns about supervision, consent tracking, and implementation challenges.

Trustees also approved cancellation of the May 2026 school board election due to unopposed candidates, and voted to compensate hourly employees for recent weather-related closures. The board adopted a plan to ensure that all core classes are taught by certified teachers by the 2029–2030 school year.

The board also approved the district’s annual financial audit after hearing from Rutherford, Taylor & Company, which issued an unmodified opinion — the highest possible rating — indicating no weaknesses in financial controls. The report reflected a healthy fund balance and stable expenditures, highlighting responsible budgeting and oversight. Superintendent Chris Mason noted that attendance is being closely monitored due to recent illness outbreaks, and that campuses have completed deep cleaning efforts to help reduce the spread of illness.

Additional approvals included a proposal from Braun Intertech to provide special inspections and testing services for the Quitman ISD bond projects. Trustees also approved the purchase of two sets of 8-row bleachers with a moving kit, and authorized a Memorandum of Understanding with Kelly Blaylock of Winona. After executive session, the board reconvened to approve teaching and administrative contracts for the 2026–2027 school year.

In addition to board actions, the meeting highlighted student achievement and academic progress across the district.

Two Quitman High School freshmen, Isabel Colson and Samuel Lazar, were recognized for their responsibility and commitment to academics as they led the pledges to open the meeting.

Wood County Special Education SSA was on hand to receive the “Top Dog” award presented by Superintendent Mason. Representing Wood County Special Education were assistant director Donya Mooney, director Tammy Willis, and employees Lisa and JR Castro. Mason publicly thanked the staff, who serve approximately 90 students in the multi-district building near the high school campus by providing testing, speech therapy, counseling, and psychological support.

Student accomplishments were also prominently featured. Junior high leaders proudly noted that Quitman Junior High earned first place in district UIL academic competition. The board received an update on the growing Model United Nations program, which now includes more than 20 students. Participants earned multiple first-place committee awards and secured a third-place delegation finish at a regional competition.

The board reviewed Texas Academic Performance Report data showing Quitman ISD performing above regional and state averages in multiple subjects and grade levels. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increasing the number of students reaching higher performance levels and supporting economically disadvantaged students through targeted intervention strategies.