BRENHAM SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES CHAPLAIN VOLUNTEERS
The Brenham School Board unanimously approved a measure Monday night to accept chaplains to serve as volunteers in schools.
the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, gives
a presentation to the Brenham School
Board on Monday about the
organization's planned partnership with
Brenham ISD to allow chaplain volunteers
in schools.
The vote comes after the passage of Senate Bill 763 in the 88th Texas Legislature, which allows school districts to employ chaplains or allow them as volunteers to perform support, services and programs for students. All school boards are required to take a vote by March 1st on whether to adopt a policy on the matter.
Prior to the vote, the board received a presentation from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) on its program proposal for Brenham ISD. FCA area representative Jacob Deramus is looking to bring in local pastors and community members and designate two volunteer chaplains for each school campus, providing students and coaches at those schools with an extra person to help guide them.
While the chaplains are not required to be certified by the State Board for Educator Certification, Deramus said prospective FCA leaders go through FCA’s legal policy and the E3 process – Engaging, Equipping, Empowering. They must get their ministry leader application on file with the FCA and be approved by FCA staff.
Deramus explained that the FCA program already serves students in the region through activities like summer camps, but this particular partnership would be unique.
Board President Natalie Lange noted that the district is already teaming up with other faith-based organizations and programs like Brenham NEXT and Faith Mission’s SMART Kids program, and that this is just another avenue for that. Trustee Kyle Hafner said this is a “no-brainer.”
Audience members applauded the board following its approval.
The next question is, what faiths are allowed to be represented?
Will there be Mormon, Jehoviah Witnesses, Scientoloigist, Jewish, Buddhist, or Hindu be allowed if there is students of those faiths? Or is it up to the school to decide who will be after an applicant comes forward? Will the minority faiths be represented if wanted or needed?
A more interesting question might be, are the chaplains required to be real representatives of a real religion or just another political appointee to enforce failed educational philosophies? Schools struggle to educate our students and now they want to enter the rabbit hole realm of counseling from a religious standpoint. Math, science and geography is specific; however, religion is personal. It is best taught by the home or church of one’s choice. This is just another deflection to distract from the fact that our political leaders, both state and local, do not have the knowledge nor testicular fortitude to address and amend what is causing failures in public education. No need to worry because the BISD Board escaped responsibility by allowing the FCA to pilot this endeavor. BTW, what is the name of the god that we all agree is GOD? I am sure that Christians, Jehovah Witness, Mormon, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu religions will all agree!