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- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Everett Public Schools and LifeWise Reach Settlement, Ending Lawsuit
On Tuesday, Everett Public Schools' board members voted to approve a settlement with LifeWise Academy, an Ohio-based religious education nonprofit, bringing to a close a federal lawsuit over First Amendment rights and student participation in Bible education during school hours. The agreement resolves allegations that the school district’s policies limited access to optional religious instruction and violated constitutional protections.
Background: The LifeWise Lawsuit and Program in Everett
LifeWise Academy operates optional Bible education classes for children in Everett, held off campus during lunch and recess periods in accordance with a 1952 U.S. Supreme Court ruling permitting off-site religious instruction during the school day if public funds are not used. The program began in Everett in January 2025, primarily serving students near Emerson Elementary and has generated mixed reactions from parents in the district.
In December 2025, LifeWise filed a federal lawsuit against Everett Public Schools, accusing the district of infringing on its rights to free speech and religious expression. The lawsuit cited several issues, including denial of participation in a district community fair, burdensome permission slip policies, and requirements for students to keep LifeWise instructional materials sealed in backpacks.
District’s Response and Court Developments
Everett Public Schools denied the allegations, maintaining in court filings that “many of LifeWise’s contentions are simply untrue, and where they are true, the District’s actions were reasonable, viewpoint-neutral, and did not violate the nonprofit’s constitutional rights.”
The case progressed in federal court, and in April, U.S. District Court Judge Lauren King issued a preliminary injunction in favor of LifeWise. The injunction temporarily required the district to adjust its permission slip policy, permit LifeWise to participate in community resource fairs, and allow students to read LifeWise materials during periods when other non-school-related reading was allowed. The injunction signaled a likely eventual success for LifeWise if the case proceeded to trial, which had been set for April 2027.
Settlement Agreement Details
Under the settlement’s terms, Everett Public Schools will pay $275,000 from its general fund to the plaintiffs: LifeWise Academy and Sarah Sweeny, who helped launch LifeWise in Everett. The sum will go toward attorney’s fees, according to a press release from the First Liberty Institute, the legal nonprofit that represented LifeWise. The agreement contains several non-economic terms: the district will issue a public apology and provide religious liberty training to its school board members. The full settlement document was not immediately available, but the district did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the resolution.
Statements from LifeWise and Everett Public Schools
Joel Penton, CEO of LifeWise, described the settlement as “a welcome victory for Everett families who simply want the freedom to choose Bible education for their children during school hours.” Penton added, “We are pleased that LifeWise will receive the same access and respect given to other optional programs.” He emphasized the organization’s goal of providing Bible-based character education to students.
Everett Public Schools released a statement expressing respect for the court’s preliminary injunction and apologizing for challenges caused by its policies. “The District recognizes that the implementation of its policies created difficulties for LifeWise students and their families, particularly with respect to the procedures for releasing students for religious instruction and the handling of materials students received through LifeWise,” the statement read. The district reiterated its commitment to neutrality and compliance with applicable law governing student religious activities.
The district highlighted that the agreement allows it to avoid prolonged litigation and further expenditure of resources, while maintaining its constitutional obligations to students and families.
Community Response and Ongoing Debate
The off campus Bible program has elicited a range of reactions from families in Everett. Some support LifeWise for providing access to religious teaching, while others argue that the program distracts from public education or challenges the separation of church and state. Concerns have also been raised about LifeWise’s ties to national conservative groups and its positions on LGBTQ+ issues.
This settlement marks the conclusion of a high-profile school district lawsuit, but the conversation about religious education and First Amendment rights in public schools continues in the community and beyond.
Source: heraldnet.com.
