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Everett school board hears strong public opposition to LifeWise Christian Academy pullouts
Summary
During the Dec. 9 board meeting, dozens of residents, a student and faith leaders urged the board to limit in‑school pullouts for LifeWise Christian Academy, citing classroom disruption, separation‑of‑church‑and‑state concerns and community safety; a board member called LifeWise part of a national movement and warned of potential legal conflict.
At its Dec. 9 meeting, the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors heard sustained public comment opposing LifeWise Christian Academy's practice of pulling students from class during the school day.
Director Charles Atkins (speaking in a personal capacity) said the district received a letter from LifeWise and its attorneys and described the organization as part of "a movement" he characterized as aligned with Christian nationalist actors. "This is not a local organization — this is an out‑of‑state multimillion dollar organization," Atkins said, accusing LifeWise of promoting an "anti‑gay agenda" and insisting the board "stand up" and maintain a strong separation between church and state.
Multiple community members and parents addressed the board during the public‑comment period. A resident introduced at the lectern (as Jeff) reminded the board that case law gives districts discretion to allow religious programs and urged the board to assert that authority, saying the district writes the rules and LifeWise must follow them. An Emerson Elementary student identified as Alma described the effect on her classroom when peers leave weekly for LifeWise: "Once we had to stay in for recess because the class was talking too loud, and they got to leave before everybody else," she said, and reported that on LifeWise days some students returned to class more disruptive than usual.
Rabbi Rachel Court, speaking online for a local congregation, urged the board to consider community safety and the recent rise in faith‑based hate crimes nationwide. "We need the school board to be our allies," she said, adding that LifeWise is "well resourced and well organized" and warning that the dispute may lead to a legal fight.
Board chair President Mitchell repeated that public comment is for the board to listen and that members do not respond during the comment period. The board reiterated the district's posted policies on instructional releases and said it follows federal and state law and district procedures concerning release of students during the school day.
No formal action on LifeWise was taken during the meeting. The board later recessed into an executive session to discuss potential litigation, which the board described as approximately 45 minutes and not expected to produce an immediate vote.
The board's staff materials and public statements at the meeting referenced district policy and state case law regarding release of students for off‑campus religious instruction; the board did not adopt new rules at the Dec. 9 meeting and directed that written comments and evidence be submitted for staff review and response.
Next steps: the board indicated the issue may require legal review and further board consideration; no vote or policy change was adopted at the meeting.
