Mr. McHargue said it has not been difficult to tow the constitutional line. His students seem to understand. He just gives the facts. At least one other area district, Mesquite ISD, also offers a Bible studies class. The district allows local churches to offer their own Bible studies classes, taught on church grounds by church pastors using a church-generated curriculum.
Students receive academic credit for taking the course.
This year, only one group, Life Community Church, is offering such a class. Youth Pastor Alan Baker runs the class of six students, all members of the church, who meet one night a week. Mr. Baker said he started the class last year when a student needed one credit to graduate early. He said he wasn't sure if it was appropriate for Mesquite ISD to be offering academic credit for the class. If they decided to end it, I would understand.