BLOUNTVILLE — Beginning this upcoming school year, third, fourth, and fifth-grade students from three Sullivan County elementary schools will have the opportunity to participate in Bible-based released time classes. The initiative, proposed by David Johnson, director of Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go in Watauga, Tennessee, and overseer of the “Bible Released Time” program through the Children’s Bible Ministry of East Tennessee, received approval during a recent Sullivan County Board of Education work session.
The program, slated to run monthly from September through March of the 2024-25 school year, adheres to Tennessee Code Annotated 49-2-130 by conducting classes off school premises. “What makes it legal is it’s not on school property,” Johnson explained during the session, accompanied by Paul LaRue, program director.
Participating students from Bluff City, Mary Hughes, and Emmett elementary schools will attend sessions at local churches: River of Life Baptist Church for Mary Hughes, River Bend Baptist Church for Emmett, and First Baptist Church of Bluff City for Bluff City.
Parents or guardians must authorize their child’s participation by signing permission forms, which include provisions for transportation to and from the churches, unless the facilities are within walking distance. Johnson presented a mock-up of the permission form, adaptable by the Sullivan school system.
Under Tennessee law, the one-hour classes will be scheduled to avoid conflicting with core subjects such as math, English, science, and social studies, ensuring minimal disruption to the regular curriculum. Director of Schools Chuck Carter confirmed legal review of the program by school board attorney Chris McCarty, assuring compliance and minimal interference with academic scheduling.
Looking ahead, Johnson expressed optimism about expanding the program to encompass all elementary schools in Sullivan County, and potentially extending its reach to middle and high school levels. He noted that stringent background checks are in place for all staff involved.
Regarding legal responsibilities during released time, Carter clarified that although students are checked out of school, they remain under the care of the program operators, with any delays potentially affecting tardiness upon return.
Members of the board raised questions about scheduling flexibility, curriculum specifics, and potential policy implementation. Johnson assured transparency and flexibility in accommodating school activities and unforeseen changes in scheduling.
Established in 1990, the released time program has seen successful integration in several Northeast Tennessee school systems, including Johnson, Carter, Elizabethton, Bristol, and Greene counties, serving approximately 2,000 students in the last academic year.
While state law allows high school students to earn credits for such courses, Johnson emphasized that the current program focuses on elementary grades without offering academic credits.
As the program prepares for implementation, board members continue to discuss further logistical details and potential policy considerations, aiming to ensure smooth integration and educational enrichment for participating students.