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Board narrows religious release-time language; superintendent to manage frequency
Summary
The Worthington City Board of Education on March 10 agreed to delegate scheduling of religious release-time instruction to the superintendent while capping participation at no more than one school day per week.
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 been disruptive in the district when tried previously. Board discussion ranged across options suggested by Neola (weekly, every-other-week, monthly, or other cadences). Treasurer TJ Cusick and others noted the district must balance the law with classroom continuity and staff workload.
Superintendent Dr. Trent Bowers said he was willing to manage scheduling but asked for a clear expectation from the board. "Well, I mean, as I as I listen to the discussion, I'm more than happy to manage this. But I'm not sure I'm willing to manage this if the board is split on how I'm supposed to manage," he said, asking the board for an agreed direction so he could work with principals.
Board alignment and direction: The board agreed that released-instruction timing would be "at the discretion of the superintendent" while preserving a district maximum of "no more than one day per school week." The administration and principals will coordinate calendars to avoid state and district testing days; members said the superintendent should collaborate with individual schools to set the cadence that fits building needs. The board emphasized that the 45-minute travel-time limit and other safety and insurance requirements must remain in the policy as written.
Enforcement and compliance: Board members asked who would track documented warnings and suspensions for entities that fail to comply with background checks or insurance requirements. Dr. Bowers said administrators at the building level would manage documentation and enforcement. The policy draft includes a two-strike enforcement approach: a documented warning followed by a one-year suspension for a second violation.
Why it matters: The board had previously rescinded a similar release-time policy because schools found weekly religious release disruptive. State law now requires districts to establish parameters; the Worthington board chose a compromise approach that preserves a predictable upper limit while delegating day-to-day scheduling to the superintendent and principals.
Next steps: The board approved the package of Neola policy updates on the meeting agenda (first reading items advanced to the vote later in the meeting). Members said the superintendent should finalize calendars and guidance for the coming school year and work with principals on building-level implementation.
