More Lifewise Talk at New Phila School Meeting

The effort to create a released-time biblical education program for fourth graders at New Philadelphia’s west elementary is on hold.

Brian Proctor is heading up the committee partnering with Lifewise to offer voluntary, off-site religious classes during school hours.

He shared the news during Monday’s board of education meeting, saying the focus needs to be on the bond issue the district is trying to pass in November.

“Bringing character lessons and bible training to kids is never a wrong thing but sometimes timing is critical. I think we’re going to put pause on this and take some pressure off the community and make it so that this is not the thing we’re talking about.”

Jane Bachman has a son in fourth grade at west. She strongly encouraged the board to vow never to implement the program, which she called ‘an evangelical pyramid scheme’ designed to ‘make money off our community and indoctrinate our children.’

“The only reason Lifewise has successfully infiltrated some school districts in Ohio is because those school administrators neglected to read the fine print. Lifewise ideologies encourage discrimination and create division. They ostracize non-traditional families and those with differing religious beliefs.”

Lifewise attorneys assured proctor that staff, board members, and volunteers undergo a comprehensive, third-party background check. They say program partners can also request more rigorous screenings and that the organization – not the district – is liable for any issues.

Jennifer Shrock and others on the school board appreciated the clarification but still had concerns.

“If a kid doesn’t come back to school and the organization that, even though we are not connected with, we’re not affiliated with, you know, didn’t call the parent, do their due diligence but when they’re kids don’t get off the bus whose the parent calling. They’re not calling Lifewise or whatever other organization. They’re calling us.”

During a special session after Monday’s meeting, members voted 3-to-2 to rescind and rewrite the district policy from 2011 allowing kids to be released from school for religious instruction. The discussion will continue during the board’s next policy committee meeting on September 20^th.