posted October 8, 2008
) Bible in the Schools recently presented its 86th annual gift, $889,797.33, to the Hamilton County Department of Education, money raised from hundreds of individuals, businesses and churches in the community. From left are BITS President Doug Stromberg, BITS Treasurer Frank Brock, Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Scales and BITS Chairman L.B. "Pete" Austin III. |
"It's the longest sustained private contribution to the school system that we've ever had from a continuous basis," said Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Scales. Presenting the gift to Dr. Scales on Sept. 29 were Mr. L.B. "Pete" Austin III, Mr. Frank Brock and Mr. Doug Stromberg, chairman, treasurer and president of Bible in the Schools, respectively.
"The Bible is the most influential book in Western civilization, and no education is complete without knowledge of the Bible, its history and its contents," Mr. Austin said. "It is our privilege each year to support our local schools with this sizeable gift raised from hundreds of individuals, businesses and churches in our community."
"Private funding means more teachers, more academic electives and more choices for our students and parents—without raising taxes," Mr. Stromberg said.
Since 1922 with little fanfare or publicity, Bible in the Schools has made the study of the Bible available to public school students in the Chattanooga area.
The program is entirely funded through private contributions and with no tax money. The Hamilton County schools offer five elective courses in Bible history, all strictly following federal court rulings and guidelines.
In the 2007-08 academic year, 19 middle and high schools offered the elective courses to more than 4,400 students, who were taught by 16 qualified and state-certified teachers.
"Feedback from parents has all been very positive. This has worked because it has been a community program," Dr. Scales said.
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