Dear PSD Families,

In response to parent concerns about religious activities during school hours in our schools, and to follow up on the August 19 board meeting public comments, we would like to provide additional details and share board policies that strictly prohibit promoting religious instruction during the school day on our campuses.

Religious instruction cannot legally be provided during school hours in our schools. Off-site, private religious instruction programs that are not Peninsula School District or PSD school board-initiated, and not affiliated with or endorsed by our district in any way, are allowed by law. Any religious instruction program must be held off of school property, only with parental permission, and without the use of public funds. It is untrue that PSD has met with or engaged with any groups to offer off-site religious instructional programs.

We recognize individuals’ rights to exercise their constitutional freedom of religion outside of our schools. As such, families may choose to sign their children out of school to attend such programs at their discretion and with approved identification, just as they would for any other off-site appointment. As a district, we encourage and recommend that students attend school every day to maximize their learning opportunities. Below are some PSD board policies and procedures for reference.

• Board Policy 2340, Religious-Related Activities and Practices, states that “A student, upon the request of a parent, may be excused to participate in religious instruction for a portion of a school day provided the activity is not conducted on school property. (Credit shall not be granted for such instruction.)” The district continues to encourage regular attendance.
• Board Procedure 3124P: Removal-Release of Student During School Hours states that “Prior written authorization from the residential parent or guardian is required before releasing a student into someone else's custody unless an emergency situation justifies a waiver.”  
• In addition, Board Procedure 4060P: Distribution of Materials, states that “The district or the school will not distribute materials that…7. Proselytize or disparage religious beliefs.”
• Board Policy 2340 also states, “Material and/or announcements promoting religion may not be distributed by non-students or on behalf of groups or individuals who are not students.”

View Superintendent Krestin Bahr’s comments addressing recent concerns in the August 19 board meeting.

Sincerely,

PSD Leadership