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Nonprofit outlines off‑campus Release Time Bible program for 7th graders; district to remain hands‑off
Summary
A local nonprofit, the Appalachian Christian Leadership Council, proposed an off‑campus Release Time Bible Education elective for 7th graders that organizers say will be entirely volunteer‑run, parent‑permissioned, and funded outside Clay County Schools. The board heard safety, transport and enrollment details but took no vote.
A representative of the Appalachian Christian Leadership Council introduced a Release Time Bible Education program proposed for Clay County middle‑school seventh graders, describing it as an off‑campus, volunteer‑run elective that would not use district funds or staff.
The presenter told the board the program will run only with written parental permission, take place at Truit Memorial Baptist Church, be funded and administered by the nonprofit, and require background checks for volunteers using the same vendor the district uses. "We are not going to be using school transportation. We're not going to be using staff or school system supervision," the presenter said, stressing the program will assume all legal and insurance responsibilities.
Organizers introduced the teacher they plan to hire, Don Daly, who summarized her experience teaching Release Time programs and Christian education. "I do have a Bible teaching and Bible degree with a masters," Daly said, and said the course can be credit‑bearing and will be taught five days a week during a regular class block. Organizers said initial enrollment would be 14 students with the capacity to grow to as many as 25 if additional volunteer transportation is secured.
Board members asked procedural and safety questions. Presenters described a two‑adult visibility rule, routine background checks for volunteers, use of volunteer or church buses, and a written operations manual. The presenter said the nonprofit has a three‑year financial plan and pledged zero cost to the school system: "Zero cost, zero operational burden on the school system. Zero," the presenter said.
No vote was taken; board members asked for follow‑up materials and a written list of the substances the K9 detects and additional operational details. The superintendent and staff said they will receive periodic updates from the organizers as requested by the board.
The board did not adopt or reject the program at the meeting; the presenters said they would return with any requested clarifications.
