During a recent meeting of the Anthony Wayne School Board, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the district's financial management and the potential introduction of religious education in public schools.

One resident, sharing her personal struggles with infertility, emphasized the need for transparency about the district's financial situation, urging the board to communicate effectively with the community about the necessity of past and upcoming levies. She highlighted the exhaustion among staff from campaigning and called for unity within the community to support the schools.

Dr. Roy Colaso, a parent in the district, expressed gratitude towards the school administration for their efforts but raised alarms about a proposed bathroom policy that had been rejected due to political pressure. He criticized ongoing legislative efforts that could allow unregulated religious organizations to teach during school hours, specifically referencing Lifewise Academy's targeting of local schools. Colaso argued that religious instruction should remain a family matter, not a school responsibility, and posed several questions regarding the implications of introducing such programs, including representation of diverse faiths and the logistics of implementation.

Bill Tuholski, another speaker, echoed concerns about the safety and well-being of students in light of House Bill 445, which could facilitate religious release programs. He questioned the adequacy of safety measures and the potential for political agendas to influence religious instruction. Tuholski urged the board to consider the risks involved in allowing students to leave school for religious education, emphasizing the need for clear policies to protect students during these activities.

The meeting concluded with the board acknowledging the public comments and announcing an executive session to discuss personnel matters, indicating that further actions would follow. The discussions reflect a community grappling with the balance between educational integrity, financial transparency, and the role of religion in public schooling.