Band director resigns, refusing to post Commandments

CARTHAGE – Carthage ISD’s director of bands Johnnie Cotton has resigned from his position, according to our news partner KETK, after he said the district asked him to hang the Ten Commandments in his classroom on Monday.

“I would like to take this chance to explain why I resigned as Director of Bands at Carthage ISD. I believe very strongly that politics and religion have no place in the public schools,” Cotton said. “I spent my 42 years as a teacher and administrator making sure that my classroom/campus stayed neutral on both counts.”

Senate Bill 10 was passed by the Texas State Legislature in this year’s legislative session and then signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 20. The bill, which went into effect on Sept. 1, requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments from the Hebrew Bible.

“This summer, The State of Texas passed a law stating that you were required to post the 10 Commandments in your classroom if someone donated them,” Cotton explained. “I was informed Monday by Carthage ISD that I must do this and I refused. I was told it was required due to state law. Seeing this as a line I refuse to cross, I resigned.”

Cotton said that he doesn’t hold the district responsible because they were just following the new law.

“I do not hold Carthage ISD responsible in any way because they had no choice but to enforce e the law,” Cotton said. “I apologize to my staff because of the hardships this inflicts on them and to the students whom I truly love.”

He first joined the district in 2024, after the resignation of their former director of bands Nick Durham. Cotton came to the district from Timpson High School where he also served as a band director.

Carthage ISD released a statement to KETK News on Thursday which said that Cotton resigned for personal reasons. The district also announced the appointment of their new interim director of bands, Todd Dock.

“Mr. Cotton resigned from his position with Carthage ISD for personal reasons on Monday, Oct. 6. We appreciate his service to our students and community during his time with the district and wish him the best in his future endeavors. Effective immediately, Mr. Todd Dock will serve as Interim Director of Bands. Mr. Dock has served as our Assistant Band Director and the Carthage Junior High Band Director since August 2024. He knows this band program and our students well, and we expect the transition to be as seamless as possible. Mr. Dock brings more than a decade of experience in music education and program leadership, including previous roles as Director of Bands at Diboll ISD and Finley Junior High Band Director in Waxahachie ISD. He holds a master’s degree in music education from Lamar University and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. His background in growing band programs, mentoring students, and leading successful performances will continue to strengthen our fine arts department and support our students’ success.“
Carthage ISD

KETK News has reached out to Cotton for additional information on his resignation.