Board narrows religious release-time language; superintendent to manage frequency

The Worthington City Board of Education spent substantial time on March 10 discussing policy language for release time for religious instruction (RTRI), a provision that state law now requires districts to address.

At a second reading of several Neola policy updates, board members focused on the RTRI section (policy number 5223) and the mechanics of how often outside religious instruction may take students from classroom time. Board Treasurer Amber Eppling Skinner and other members pressed for clarity on background checks, liability insurance certificates and enforcement steps if an outside entity violates policy.

The board discussed frequency at length. Some members said a predictable weekly cadence reduces tracking burdens on teachers; others said weekly release had…