Parents and residents press Everett Public Schools board over Lifewise program, board says it will review

Five residents and several board members used the Everett Public Schools board meeting on July 1 to raise concerns about Lifewise, a program operating at Emerson Elementary that critics say blends religious teaching with student activities.

During public comment, resident Terry Ambergi said Lifewise "will gradually teach them that they do not follow their Lifewise interpretation of the biblical teachings and that those people will go to hell forever," adding that the program’s "acceptance is conditional" and that the district could face legal action for endorsing a religious program. Resident Tim Feuerteg said the absence of a districtwide policy for third‑party programs had "allowed a specific program to occur at Emerson Elementary" and urged the board to show evidence of collaboration with concerned families and community groups. Jennifer Phillips McClellan and Kate Mallahan described…