El Paso’s largest school district has reversed its initial statement saying it would adopt Bible-based teachings for elementary school students.
RELATED: Initially, the El Paso School District was the only district in the region to announce plans to adopt the new curriculum by 2026.
El Paso ISD has adopted Amplify, Eureka, and Carnegie materials for the next two years and will transition to the Bluebonnet Curriculum in the 2026-27 school year.
El Paso ISD would like to clarify that the district will not be transitioning to or adopting any new curriculum at this time or in the near future.
– EPISD retraction statement The decision has sparked mixed reactions among El Paso residents.
The largest school district in El Paso has changed its mind about its original announcement that it would implement Bible-based instruction for elementary school pupils.
This modification follows a narrow approval by the Texas State Board of Education for schools to adopt the Bluebonnet Curriculum, which incorporates biblical lessons like the “Golden Rule” and stories from the Book of Genesis.
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When the El Paso School District first announced its intention to implement the new curriculum by 2026, it was the only district in the area to do so.
For the upcoming two years, El Paso ISD will use the Carnegie, Eureka, and Amplify resources. In the 2026–2027 academic year, the Bluebonnet Curriculum will be used. We constantly strive to make sure that all of the curriculum materials meet the highest standards of education, are suitable for our students, and comply with any requirements set forth by state policy. When there are major curriculum changes, parents are always informed. – The initial declaration from EPISD.
The district has since taken that statement back, apologizing for any confusion and stating that they have no plans to make any changes.
To be clear, El Paso ISD will not be adopting or switching to any new curriculum at this time or in the near future. With the help of top-notch teaching resources (Amplify, Eureka, and Carnegie), the district will keep using its proprietary curriculum. We regret if the previous statement caused any misunderstanding. The EPISD withdraws its statement.
Residents of El Paso have had differing opinions about the decision.
“It is definitely a good idea,” Daniel Enriquez said, and “That’s awesome,” said another resident who wished to remain anonymous. God must return to our schools. “,”.
Similar views were expressed by Elvira Martinez, who said, “Yes, God should be taught in schools. “.
A supporter of the curriculum, Jonathan did not give his last name either. He stated, “I think yes because even though I don’t really study it religiously or I’ve never really identified with it, I do think the country has a large Christian backbone that needs to be studied,” said Jonathan. “.”.
A number of local school districts, including Ysleta Independent School District, San Elizario ISD, and Socorro ISD, have declared they will not be implementing the new curriculum in spite of the state board’s approval.
Ysleta ISD is not currently thinking about altering its current instructional framework, according to a YISD spokesperson.
“On this matter, the San Elizario Independent School District will not take a stance. “A curriculum is currently in place,” stated Jeannie Meza-Chavez, the superintendent of San Elizario ISD.
According to a Socorro ISD spokesperson, “the district does not currently have plans to revise its curriculum.”.
Other districts have not yet made a decision, including Clint and Canutillo.
The administration will have to debate the curriculum choice before the Board of Trustees approves it after the administration makes a recommendation. Our administration hasn’t yet addressed this subject, so it would be premature to say whether Canutillo ISD would make use of it. ISD Canutillo.
We are currently present at all information sessions about this. Teachers and parents are involved in this decision-making process, and we will continue to adhere to the textbook adoption protocols. Our top goal is to keep giving educators the tools they need to help students get ready for the future. ISD Clint.
Opinions differ on the internet. One commenter says, “Absolutely not, keep the church out of school.” Another critics the inclusion of religious instruction in public schools. “,”.
Others argue that all religions should be represented if religious teachings are to be included. One commenter said, “Homeschool your child or enroll them in a religious private school if you want them to learn through the lenses of a religion.”. “..”.
The discussion is still going on as local governments and school districts consider the ramifications of the state board’s ruling.
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