Superintendent Barnes gives presentation about Lifewise program to NHC BOE

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Board of Education is continuing to consider whether to allow a religious education program that would permit students to leave campus during the school day for Bible instruction.

During a board meeting on Tuesday, June 2nd, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes presented information about LifeWise Academy. This program provides off-campus religious education to students during school hours, utilizing a released-time model.

Barnes told board members he consulted with superintendents from school districts across North Carolina that have either adopted or declined to participate in the program. He also reviewed legal and operational requirements associated with LifeWise Academy, including that the program cannot operate on school property or receive public school funding.

As part of his review, Barnes said he met with school principals to gather feedback on how the program could affect school operations.

“Their concerns mainly circle around the potential for loss of instructional time and the requirement to complete all facets of their other required state curriculum,” Barnes said. “And then, of course, there are other concerns regarding the amount of work that staff would have to put in to the release and return of students. While this isn’t a monetary expense, it does translate into time taken away from other duties.”

School administrators’ concerns focused largely on potential disruptions to classroom instruction and the additional logistical responsibilities that would fall on school staff if students regularly leave and return during the school day.

No decision was made by the board on Tuesday.

School leaders said an expanded public hearing on the proposal is planned for August, providing community members another opportunity to offer input before the board considers any action on the program.