Lifewise presents to AC
Released Time Religious Instruction (RTRI) may be coming soon to Adams Central Community Schools. The AC School Board listened to a presentation from Lifewise Academy members Brian Tonner, Darin Laukhuf, Blare Gerber, Kaite Fisher, Bridgette Ripley, and Dave Myers who informed the school of the organization’s steps they are taking forward, beginning with the establishment of a mission statement that says, “to help the students at AC build a stronger moral foundation.”
The Academy explained that if the school chose to allow and work with their services, parental permission would be required for participation. All classes that occur will be held off school property and will not utilize any school funding. When looking at the legality of RTRI, as long as the previously mentioned characteristics are followed, then the instruction is permitted. Lifewise Academy will have liability insurance and has confirmed that the school would not be liable for anything if the instruction is utilized.
Two things that the organization is still working on is finding a location and finding transportation. In previous attempts to start religious education, transportation proved to be the biggest problem. The current plan is for students to walk straight from the Adams Central doors onto a Lifewise Academy bus that will drive the students to the Lifewise location, which will optimally be near downtown Monroe. They are currently working with Dan Lehman to try to find a location.
The group stated that their goal is to begin the instruction with elementary school students. This is due to the struggles that working around curriculum, such as CTE and advanced classes at the older levels. They plan to hold instruction continuously during the school day, rotating through the various elementary school classes individually.
It was noted by Superintendent Joel
Mahaffey that Lifewise academy intends to have an operating budget of $200,000 and that it will be funded through local businesses, churches, and groups. Board members inquired about the expected participation rate, as well as an idea of what the program looks like in other school districts. The Lifewise Academy representatives noted that other school districts that use the program include South Adams, Bluffton-Harrison, Northern Wells, Southern Wells, and Van Wert City Schools. Using Van Wert as an example, they noted that initially about 70% of their students participated, but after a few years, that number has exceeded 90%.
No decisions were made pertaining to the cooperation with Lifewise Academy. The next Adams Central School Board meeting will be Tuesday, April 11th at 7:00 p.m.