WESTERVILLE, Ohio-The Westerville City School Board is contemplating a change to its policy on religious release time, which currently allows students to attend LifeWise Academy, a nonprofit offering religious classes during school hours. This policy, in place since 2009, might be removed due to concerns about distractions and resource strains from students leaving school for instruction. While LifeWise Academy had around 300 participants last year, only 120 have signed up this year. Supporters argue that the program benefits students by promoting respect and engagement, while opponents, like the Parents Against RTRI group, prefer that religious education take place at home. The board plans to discuss the policy further and will vote at their next meeting.
