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.
