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Pastor asks Waterloo board to consider LifeWise release-time program as state law looms
Summary
A pastor asked the board to adopt a release-time religious instruction program, saying local churches have committed personnel and funding; board members warned pending state legislation could force district policy changes.
Lee Hackner, who identified himself as pastor at Life Point Church, asked the Waterloo Local Board of Education to consider permitting LifeWise Academy, a release-time religious instruction program, to operate with transportation from school to participating churches.
"We're in the process ... we're on actually step six right now which is the approval of the board and um we've got all the more than enough signatures that we need," Lee Hackner said, describing local church involvement and program readiness.
In response a board official said Ohio is currently a "May" state for release-time programs but that pending legislation could change the classification to a "shall" state, which would require districts to adopt policy. The official said the district would prepare a policy if the law changes, and that board members and staff would "work together to make sure the program works." (Board member / Superintendent)
Why it matters: Release-time programs intersect with state law and district policy; a statutory change could limit local discretion and require the board to adopt specific procedures.
What's next: Board members said they will await the final legislative language and consult legal counsel before adopting any formal policy or agreement for release-time instruction.
