Public school classrooms across Bandera Independent School District will feature posters of the Ten Commandments starting August 4, as the district works to comply with a new state law mandating their display.
The mandate, outlined in Senate Bill 10 and signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, requires all Texas public schools to display the biblical text on posters at least 16 by 20 inches in size, using the exact language specified in the legislation.
The law takes effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year.
Superintendent Gary Bitzkie said the district’s central office is conducting a cost analysis to determine whether it will purchase the required posters or print them in-house.
If purchasing proves cost-effective, the posters will be ordered and delivered no later than July 28. Otherwise, Bandera ISD will create them using campus printing equipment.
Bitzkie said the district’s technology department has been tasked with preparing all poster- making machines for the effort.
Campuses will be responsible for producing durable, legible versions of the Ten Commandments using approved materials.
Posters are scheduled to be distributed to teachers between July 28 and Aug. 1, with the goal of having them displayed in every classroom by the first day of school.
“The only possible delay in posting … will be issues with materials, shipping, or a legal change/hold of Senate Bill 10,” Bitzkie said.
The law requires that no other similar displays accompany theTenCommandments and allows no alterations to the specified wording.
Legal experts have warned the policy could spark lawsuits and conflict with existing constitutional protections regarding the separation of church and state.
Senate Bill 10 passed despite objections from civil liberties groups and some lawmakers who argued it could alienate students of different faiths or nonreligious backgrounds.
Texas is one of 16 states where similar bills have been introduced, even as federal courts continue to strike down comparable laws in other states.
The Bulletin also reached out to Medina ISD regarding its plans to implement the law but did not receive a response by press time.
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