I compare Released Time to the parable of Jesus concerning the seed and the sower.  Everyday our teachers sow the seed of God’s word and it does not return void.


J. E. Ellenburg, Retired denominational association minister

Ohio

Updated November 2017

SUMMARY for Ohio
General Information In Ohio, a school district may offer the option of released time for religious instruction with adoption of a school district policy.  The first step is to check whether a school district already has adopted a districtwide policy of released time for religious instruction.     
Keep in mind that school officials are not required to approve a program. However, with community support, a carefully researched approach and a proposal in keeping with the statute you should expect success in gaining approval for the program.
Department of Education Website Ohio Department of Education

Website: http://education.ohio.gov/
DETAILS for Ohio
Statutes
Ohio compulsory education laws requires student to attend private, public, or at   home education.  OHIO REV. CODE ANN. § 3321.03 (2013)

Ohio Revised Code § 3313.6108 Released Time for Religious Instruction sets forth requirements for Released Time and the conditions for conferring elective academic high school credit

  
Regulations Ohio recognizes Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306 in its school manual as the standard for establishing a proper policy regarding Released Time for religious instruction. 
Case Law Moore v. Board of Education 212 N.E. ad 833 (1965)

The Court of Common Pleas of Ohio held that a particular Released Time religious program maintained by the Board of Education resulted in the establishment of one particular religion (Catholic) and thus violated the U.S. Constitution. The Released Time program was conducted for one hour per day, 5 days a week, on public school grounds and was taught by public school teachers. The court determined that such a program had the effect of providing sectarian instructions to public school children at public expense (Moore at 841). One religious sect, to the exclusion of all others, is the recipient of instruction in its religious faith through this Released Time program (Moore at 844). In conclusion, the Court emphasized that these particular Released Time programs made the public schools nothing more than "instruments for securing attendance at denominational classes." (Moore, at 844).

The court relied heavily on McCollum v. Board of Education, 333 U.S. 203, and the Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306, using their tests for determining the proper Released Time program. As a result, although the specific Released Time program involved in Moore was ruled unconstitutional, the court implied that a Released Time program which conforms with Zorach may be operated in Ohio. A Released Time program is constitutional if it takes place off public school property, is not financed by public funds, and is voluntary with parental permission.