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Faith-based groups describe off‑campus ‘release time’ Bible education; presenters stress no public funding
Summary
During public comment Coastal School Ministries and allied advocates described an off‑campus 'release time' Bible education program serving roughly 500 students in 11 schools, emphasized the program does not accept public funding and is run independently from the district, and invited board cooperation on scheduling and communications.
Two presenters representing Coastal School Ministries told the board their "release time" program provides off-campus Bible instruction for students who have parental permission and asserted the program is a separate organization that accepts no public funding.
"Release time programs are not operated by the school district," Shannon Jordan said, adding Coastal School Ministries provides teachers, curriculum, facilities and transportation for the classes. Christina Fama Render, a retired district educator who supports the ministry, asked employees and community members to help "bring the Bible back in school" through off-campus release-time electives, while the board noted district policies prohibit promotion or financial support from the school system. The presenters requested continued cooperation on logistics and scheduling to make the option available to families who choose it.
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