HISD board unanimously approves controversial bible-infused Bluebonnet curriculum

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two proposed measures that stirred controversy among community members were unanimously approved by Houston ISD board members.

The use of Bluebonnet Learning, a Bible-infused curriculum developed by the Texas Education Agency, and a plan to have non-profits operate top-performing schools, were approved by all seven board members who rule over the state's largest school district. The measures were approved on Thursday evening.

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The Bluebonnet curriculum was opposed by advocates of the separation of church and state, though the TEA previously said that the religious references in the lessons make up only a fraction of the overall product, which includes reading and math.

The Texas Tribune previously reported that multiple analyses have found that the reading curriculum skews heavily in favor of Christianity compared to other religions. Parents and historians have also expressed concerns about the materials downplaying America's history of racism and slavery.

Before the vote, officials said they were adopting Bluebonnet Learning partly because it gives the district an additional $3.3 million a year.

Another controversial measure that was approved on Thursday evening was the plan to have non-profits run the district's top-performing schools.

PREVIOUS REPORT: HISD approves plan that will turn over control of top-performing schools to non-profit organizations

The plan was previously approved by the board in March 2026, but the TEA found that key details were missing, including analyses of how the campuses would benefit and the operator's independence in employment decisions.

According to the Texas Education Agency, there are currently 95 schools in the state that operate under this type of partnership. According to HISD, approved schools generally receive an additional $700-$1,500 in state funding per student each year.

As previously reported by Eyewitness News, the nonprofits involved are already connected to the schools.