Tecumseh board asks Lifewise to present as members weigh permitting students to leave campus for religious instruction

Paula Crew, a district administrator, told the Tecumseh Local Board of Education on Sept. 17 that Lifewise — an outside group operating in nearby districts — had inquired about providing religious instruction to elementary students during non‑instructional periods by transporting them off campus with parental consent. "The idea of this program is to come in and give information to our parents, and our parents sign permission slips if they're so inclined to allow these students to leave the building during non instructional time," Crew said.

Board members immediately flagged legal and operational questions and asked for a fuller proposal. Board President Sue Anne Martin said the district must preserve classroom time and guard against opening a precedent: "In doing so, this also opens us up to every other religion doing the same… it looks like a slippery slope," she said.

Administrators noted the district’s existing policy (5223, Release Time for Religious Instruction) allows but does not require release time and requires written parental consent and sponsor‑maintained attendance and liability documentation. Jay Burkholder, who participated in the discussion, said Lifewise had not explained why sessions could not be held before or after school; the group described a plan that would use lunch and recess for a 40–45 minute session at a nearby church or facility.

Several board members asked legal and operational questions about background checks, how many students would be transported, whether the program would affect chronic absenteeism rates, and how the district would ensure meals and mental‑health services are not disrupted. "If we are sending kids out during lunch and recess, that's when we have our mental health small groups," said teacher and parent Kerry Cassell during public comment.

The board did not approve Lifewise at the meeting. Trustees asked staff to invite a Lifewise representative to present details and to have the district attorney draft proposed clarifying language restricting release time to non‑instructional periods and outlining liability, background‑check and meal provisions. Superintendent‑level staff said a presentation could be scheduled later (discussion suggested December or January) and that any policy amendment would be brought back for a formal vote.

What’s next: The board requested a formal Lifewise presentation and asked legal counsel to draft tighter policy language before considering approval. If Lifewise presents, the board said it will seek clear answers on scheduling, supervision, background checks, transportation, meal provision and whether the program would interfere with services such as counseling or small‑group instruction.

Sources: Board discussion led by Paula Crew and Jay Burkholder; comments by Board President Sue Anne Martin and public comment from Kerry Cassell.