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Public speakers press Oldham County board to adopt SB 19 release time for LifeWise; some ask to defer until AG guidance
Summary
During public comment the board heard multiple residents urging adoption of Kentucky's SB 19 to allow off-campus faith-based instruction (LifeWise Academy) and others urging the board to await Attorney General guidance; comments cited studies, constitutional arguments, and parental-choice concerns.
The Oldham County Board of Education’s public comment period on Sept. 22 drew several residents urging the board to implement Kentucky Senate Bill 19 to permit voluntary, parent-directed off-campus faith-based instruction (LifeWise Academy), while at least one speaker asked trustees to defer debate until Attorney General guidance is issued.
Resident John Sutton, who said community groups would continue to follow the process, asked that the board not let the LifeWise discussion distract from the student recognitions on the agenda and that the board await the attorney general’s opinion before taking action. Denise Watts, a retired public-school teacher and ordained pastor who works as a substitute teacher, urged the board to adopt SB 19 and “move forward with implementing this law,” saying it keeps instruction voluntary, off campus, and parent directed and includes safeguards such as background checks, insurance, and parental consent.
Proponents gave personal testimony and cited research they said supports LifeWise. Pamela Day summarized a Thomas P. Miller & Associates study she said shows improved attendance and behavior for students who attend LifeWise and encouraged trustees to view program videos at lifewise.org and to permit a trial day for families. Opponents’ perspectives were represented in a request to defer the issue, and some speakers framed the matter as one of parental choice and accommodation; one speaker compared release-time permission to the district’s practice of releasing students for off-site orthodontic appointments.
