Residents present LifeWise Academyrelease-time Bible program to Rockwall ISD board

At a regular Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees meeting, three community members urged the district to permit a volunteer-led "release time" Bible-education program called LifeWise Academy to operate alongside district schools.

Walt Sosnowski, introduced by the board as the first public commenter, told trustees LifeWise "teaches Bible lessons to public school students during school hours" and described it as "a nonprofit" that meets three criteria he said are required under the U.S. Supreme Courts release-time precedent: classes off school property, privately funded, and parent permitted. "It is completely voluntary," Sosnowski said.

Christine Matthew, who identified herself as "program director for LifeWise Academy representing Rockwall ISD," said the program focuses on character development, mental-health supports and academic skills and that organizers have begun coordinating with local churches and district principals. "As we implement Bible education classes, I will be the point person reaching out to your school principals to coordinate schedules and enroll students," she said.

Kevin Monk, a community volunteer, said LifeWise would cost the district nothing and described it as "an opportunity for just one hour a week to pour into our students," asking community members to serve as ambassadors for the program.

Speakers referenced the Supreme Court case Zorach v. Clauson to explain the legal framework for release-time instruction; presenters stated they intend the classes to be off school property, privately funded and parent-permitted. The board took no formal action during public comment. The chair said the administration would review the feedback and, if appropriate, provide a response or follow-up at a later date.