Fort Worth, Texas – Tthe Fort Worth Independent School District (ISD) board, during its meeting on December 12, unanimously resolved not to permit chaplains to serve as volunteers or employees in student counseling roles across its campuses.
Trustee Anne Darr expressed her respect for clergy and their community role but emphasized the distinction between their capabilities and those of trained school counselors. She stated, “Some of my dearest friends are clergy. I have a great respect for what they do and their role in this community. But they are not school counselors. In fact, I think it’s quite insulting to think that someone who isn’t trained to be a school counselor can simply come in and be a school counselor.” This statement underscored the board’s commitment to maintaining professional standards in student counseling services.
The decision comes in the wake of Senate Bill 763, passed during the 88th regular session of the Texas Legislature. This bill amended the Texas Education Code, providing school districts the choice to hire or accept chaplains as volunteers to perform duties akin to those of a school counselor. All school boards are required to record a vote on this matter before March 1, 2024.
While clarifying the board’s decision, Darr also welcomed clergy and other community members to be involved in school life, saying, “I do still want to welcome our clergy members into our schools just like any other person — an engineer, a lawyer, a community activist or whoever it is. They are welcome to be part of the life of our campuses.”
Board member Tobi Jackson concisely added, “Everyone knows where Fort Worth ISD stands on this.”
The Fort Worth ISD’s decision mirrors actions taken by several other districts in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and across Texas. Districts like Dallas and Kerrville ISD, alongside McKinney, Grapevine-Colleyville, Mansfield, and Carroll ISDs, have all voted against allowing chaplains to provide counseling services. On the other hand, districts like Northwest, Round Rock, Mineola, and Georgetown ISDs have voted in favor of permitting chaplains to offer their services to students.
The decision-making process has not been without controversy. In Keller ISD, Trustee Ruthie Keyes resigned during the board’s meeting on December 11 amid heated discussions and disruptions. Keyes announced her decision to step down, stating, “This resolution has locked in my decision to step down from this board,” and subsequently left the meeting. Her resignation came after 11 years of service, with the board ultimately voting in favor of allowing chaplains to volunteer.
The actions of Fort Worth ISD and other districts in Texas highlight the ongoing debate and varied stances regarding the role of chaplains in public schools, reflecting broader discussions about the intersection of community, religion, and education.
