Everett Public Schools board members authorized a financial settlement on Tuesday, resolving a federal lawsuit filed by a religious education organization. The nonprofit, which operates optional Bible study sessions for local elementary students, had previously alleged that the district infringed upon First Amendment protections.
LifeWise Academy conducts its classes by removing students from their regular school schedule during lunch and recess. This practice is protected under a 1952 U.S. Supreme Court decision, which allows for off-campus religious instruction during school hours as long as public funds are not directly utilized to support the program.
The legal dispute began in December 2025 when the organization filed suit in federal court. The complaint claimed the school district violated rights to free speech and religious expression. Specific grievances included the district’s refusal to allow participation in a community fair, a policy requiring detailed permission slips, and a rule mandating that students keep their instructional materials inside backpacks rather than carrying them openly.
In its initial court filings, the school district contested these allegations. A document filed by the district stated that numerous claims were factually incorrect and that, where the facts held up, the administrative actions taken were reasonable, neutral in perspective, and consistent with constitutional requirements.
Under the agreed-upon terms, the school district will disburse a total of $275,000 from its general fund. The payment is directed to the nonprofit entity and Sarah Sweeny, the local educator who helped establish the Everett branch of the program. A district memo noted that the settlement fully resolves the matter, releasing the school system from further claims related to the lawsuit, without the district admitting to any legal fault.
Joel Penton, the chief executive of the nonprofit, described the outcome in a Tuesday statement as a positive development for local families seeking religious education options during the school day. He expressed satisfaction that the program would receive equal standing and consideration alongside other elective offerings, adding that the organization intends to continue providing Bible-based character education to the community.
The school district released a detailed statement on its website the following day. The text acknowledged a preliminary injunction issued by the federal court in April, which had largely favored the nonprofit. The district recognized that its policy implementation had created challenges for students and their families, particularly regarding release procedures for religious instruction and the management of educational materials. An apology was extended for the inconvenience caused, and the district reaffirmed its commitment to administering policies in a neutral and legally compliant manner for all religious activities.
The district concluded that the settlement enables it to adhere to its constitutional duties while avoiding the costs and time associated with extended litigation.
Settlement Resolves LifeWise Dispute with Everett School District
A comprehensive settlement has been finalized between the Everett School District and LifeWise Academy, including a $275,000 payment and multiple non-monetary commitments, according to an internal district memorandum.
The financial portion of the agreement is designated to cover legal expenses incurred by LifeWise throughout the conflict. Though the full settlement text remains unreleased to the public as of midweek, details have emerged through a press statement issued by the First Liberty Institute, the legal nonprofit that represented LifeWise in negotiations and litigation.
Under the terms, the district will issue a formal public apology, to be hosted on its official website for a six-month period. The statement acknowledges that remarks delivered by school board members, including elected directors, during meetings involving LifeWise were perceived as offensive and emotionally taxing for participating families.
Earlier reporting noted that LifeWise’s legal team contended certain board comments signaled deliberate targeting of the organization. Specifically, board member Charles Adkins drew attention in a December 9 meeting when he described LifeWise as a group of “homophobic bullies” actively contributing to the establishment of an authoritarian theocracy. He pointed to LifeWise’s financial connections with The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank instrumental in developing Project 2025, a long-term governance plan that proposed rolling back existing safeguards against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and transgender status.
Adkins also emphasized the importance of maintaining “a very strong wall separating church and state” during his remarks. While the district maintained in court filings that Adkins’ statements reflected his personal views rather than official board positions, it acknowledged the board had not enacted any policy revisions related to permission slips or released-time religious instruction following LifeWise’s entry into Everett.
Adkins did not return requests for comment as of Wednesday.
LifeWise programming launched in Everett in January 2025, initially held at a local church within walking distance of Emerson Elementary. The Ohio-founded organization serves nearly 1,200 schools across the country.
Program operations have stirred debate among district families. Supporters praise the opportunity for faith-based instruction not otherwise offered in public settings, while critics cite concerns about instructional content, logistical disruptions, and perceived ideological alignment with conservative institutions.
In November 2025, LifeWise’s legal counsel issued a formal letter urging the district to revise several operational policies, warning of impending litigation if changes were not made. Among the requested adjustments were inclusion of LifeWise in the district’s annual community fair and a restructuring of the permission slip process, which previously required families to submit new forms for every instance of student release for LifeWise sessions.
The correspondence sparked significant debate among guardians within the district, who raised their objections regarding the initiative during the subsequent board gathering in December 2025. Later that same month, LifeWise initiated legal proceedings in the U.S. District Court in Seattle.
A preliminary injunction was granted in favor of LifeWise in April by United States District Court Judge Lauren King. The order directed the school district to revise its permission slip procedures, permit the nonprofit to join community resource fairs, and allow students to read LifeWise publications during school hours when they are permitted to read other non-school-related content.
This decision was issued on a temporary basis, with a trial scheduled to commence in April 2027. Such preliminary injunctions are generally issued when a party is deemed likely to prevail in the ultimate court proceedings.