Fulton County schools faith summit asks religious leaders to help students

[rug]

Updated: 10:14 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014 | Posted: 10:09 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014

By Rose French
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Leaders of churches and other houses of worship are meeting Thursday with Fulton County Superintendent Robert Avossa, school board members and other education leaders for the district’s third annual faith summit.

The aim of the meeting is to create partnerships between schools and the faith community to find ways religious leaders can help students. The faith summit is being held at Stonecreek Church, 13540 Highway 9 North in Milton.

A growing number of religious groups are partnering with at-risk and other schools throughout metro Atlanta, giving them money and other resources to help boost student achievement.

While supporters of the practice say schools need the extra help, some have questioned whether public schools and religious groups can work together without infringing on the spiritual beliefs of students or staff or violating the First Amendment, which prohibits the government establishment of religion.

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-education/fulton-county-schools-faith-summit-asks-religious-/nfmnN/

[Manifestor_of_Light]

1. As they say on FARK:This should end well. What could possibly go wrong?

School should be about facts and evidence, not belief or faith.

[cbayer]

2. It seems like a slippery slope and I wish it were more inclusive, involved secular organizations

and had a different title.

I am completely in favor of community/school partnerships, but one that focuses solely on "faith" organizations makes me uncomfortable.

[atreides1]

3. I don't have a problem with the idea

As long as it doesn't go beyond providing the money and the resources...as long as the religious groups don't try to preach or convert, this coming together can work.