Lifewise Admits It Didn't Follow School Policy
Lifewise Academy submitted evidence that they did not sign the memorandum of understanding with the Southwest Licking Schools, thereby ignoring school policy requirements.
In an Ohio Court of Claims filing (Case 2026-00158PQ), Lifewise Academy has stated that it ignored the Southwest Licking School Board Policy and failed to comply with all required regulations by not signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU). This was covered a couple of days ago, but this filing is new. Concerned parents in the district have asked for the MOU from the district, but have been told one does not exist. Video from a Board of Education meeting indicates that the MOU exists. There is definitely an issue with Lifewise not following the policy, and it’s clear there have been some untruths.
Southwest Licking Board of Education Meeting Transcript December 19, 2024
Debra Moore:
Did we get copies of the background checks.Unknown:
I did not get copies of background checks.Debra Moore:
Can we get those copies?Unknown:
I’m absolutely sure we could, yes.Debra Moore:
And the MOU? Do we have a copy of that?Unknown:
Mm-hmm.Debra Moore:
I think maybe in May when we do have this talk, I think I’d like to add on top of the background checks, maybe rap-back. Is it in the MOU that if they do have new volunteers, those volunteers are background checked?Unknown:
I believe so, but I need to double check. I don’t want to misspeak. I believe so, yes.
Full video on YouTube - timestamps for clips are 11:00 and 13:15
The district stated there was an MOU at a board meeting, but it has not been able to provide it. When asked, the treasurer indicated that Lifewise never signed an MOU.
The school district policy requires a signed MOU with Lifewise. The board meeting on December 19, 2024, indicates that an MOU is in place. The local Lifewise Director, Sonya Dulaney, was present at the meeting. Lifewise Academy was aware of these requirements. During the Lifewise discussion, the board asked Sonya a question. The blatant disregard for the school district’s policies is clear.
Lifewise Academy has a single set of laws, regulations, and policies to follow. They claim to be “keenly aware” of the law. They are not. They do not train their thousands of staff and volunteers on the legal parameters they must follow, just to increase enrollment and funding.
