Community Effort Underway to Launch Bible Education Program for Hayesville Middle School Students

HAYESVILLE, N.C.

An exciting new opportunity is coming to Clay County this fall—bringing families, churches, businesses, and community leaders together around a shared vision for the next generation.

A community-supported and administered Released Time Bible Education (RTBE) program is preparing to launch for Hayesville Middle School students, beginning with seventh grade in the 2026–2027 school year and expanding to include grades six through eight the following year.

With written parental permission, students will be transported to and from an off-campus class during each school day, where they will focus on learning and applying what the Bible teaches in everyday life. Students receive school elective credit for the class. Released Time programs have been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court as constitutional when conducted in this manner.

Organizers say they have worked closely with local school leadership throughout the planning process to ensure all program requirements and procedures are properly addressed. This program is not affiliated with any church or denomination, but is designed to serve the entire community.

This has truly been a community effort from the beginning.  We see people from across Clay County come together—praying, planning, giving, and encouraging—and it’s been exciting to watch it all come into place.  said Program Director Dr. Bob Louder

The Hayesville program builds on growing regional momentum. A similar high school RTBE program is already making a meaningful impact in Towns County, Georgia, and School Board approval has also been granted for a high school program in Union County, Georgia.

Highly experienced Bible educator Dawn Daily will teach classes.

At its core, the Hayesville program focuses on the critical middle school years, when students are forming identity, values, and direction. “These are some of the most important years in a young person’s life,” Daily said. “During this time, habits are formed and positive influence matters greatly—giving students the opportunity to learn truth, think it through, and apply it to real life helps shape not just what they know, but who they are becoming.”

The program continues to raise first-year financial support from Clay County individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations, ensuring it is offered at no cost to families or the school system.

Our vision is simple.  This belongs to the community—something we are building together for our students and our future.  Louder said.

For more information, contact Bob Louder or 678-386-2640.