Lifewise seeks to launch release‑time Bible classes; board hears safety, funding and scheduling details

Lindy Johnson, program director for Lifewise Academy, presented a plan to the Franklin County school board to launch a release‑time, Bible‑based character education program beginning this fall at select elementary sites.

Johnson said Lifewise intends to operate the classes off school property and that participation would be by parent enrollment rather than opt‑out. "Parents enroll their children. It's not something they have to opt out of," she said, adding that the curriculum is the Gospel Project and that the four‑year K–5 sequence focuses on a different character trait in each lesson.

The presenter described multiple safety and oversight measures: all chaperones and volunteers must clear state and federal background checks, have pastor references, and the organization requires at least two adults present for students at all times. "No child can be left alone with an adult at any time," Johnson said. She also said Lifewise requires classroom video cameras that are monitored and that the national Lifewise organization provides liability insurance and curriculum support for a fee of $20 per enrolled student per year.

Johnson identified several potential host sites and local partnerships, saying Lifewise has secured or is negotiating arrangements with faith organizations including Hope Baptist, Winchester Methodist and Bethl Fellowship Church. She explained that Lifewise will prioritize schools where students can safely walk to a nearby host site to avoid extra transportation expense but will provide bussing where necessary.

On funding, Johnson said the program would be church‑ and community‑funded and would not accept taxpayer dollars. She estimated operating costs at "about $30,000 per school per year" and said Lifewise is pursuing local sponsorships and volunteer recruitment to cover those expenses.

Board members asked about special‑needs accommodations, scheduling and legal authority for release time under the district's new policy. Johnson said Lifewise will work with principals to set tentative schedules and make accommodations as practicable. She cited examples from other counties where Lifewise operates and described a three‑year expansion plan contingent on local funding and school cooperation.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation. Staff and the board requested follow‑up details on scheduling, signed host‑site leases and any required reporting before the program would be integrated into release‑time procedures.