Public schools in Texas now have the option to use a new, state-written curriculum infused with Bible stories after the state’s school board voted in favor of the material on Friday. A slim majority of the board’s 15 members – eight to seven – voted to keep the Bluebonnet Learning material on a list of K-5 reading and English language arts materials for potential use in the 2025-26 school year.

The Texas Board of Education voted to approve a Bible-based curriculum in elementary schools. The program is optional, but schools that follow it will receive additional funding.

The curriculum adopted by the state education board, which is controlled by elected Republicans, is optional for schools, but they will receive additional funding if they implement it.