{
  "baseline": "2026-10-07",
  "scope": "Selective research register; policy adoption is separate from operation",
  "districts": [
    {
      "rank": 1,
      "name": "Westerville",
      "status": "Adopted",
      "key": "westPolicy",
      "score": 22,
      "scores": [
        3,
        2,
        3,
        3,
        3,
        3,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "reason": "One-period limit, all graded courses protected, dated readoption and revision; strong historical provider interest.",
      "next": "Current roster and local credit decisions needed.",
      "path": "/local/ohio/westerville-city-schools/released-time-religious-instruction.html",
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Yes; see dated/version-qualified source",
      "provider": "LifeWise — historical reporting",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "E/M 1 period; HS 1 credit-unit time equivalent",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "All graded courses (local policy)",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "2025-09-22 revision",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://go.neola.com/wcsd-oh/policy/policy-manual/po5223"
    },
    {
      "rank": 2,
      "name": "Upper Arlington",
      "status": "Adopted",
      "key": "uaPolicy",
      "score": 20,
      "scores": [
        3,
        1,
        3,
        3,
        2,
        2,
        3,
        3
      ],
      "reason": "Current policy combines once-weekly timing, credit and detailed screening; unusually useful parent questions.",
      "next": "No specific course-credit approval or official provider roster located.",
      "path": "/local/ohio/upper-arlington-city-schools/released-time-religious-instruction.html",
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Yes; see dated/version-qualified source",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Once weekly; minutes unspecified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "All graded courses (local policy)",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "Up to 2 units under local secular review; no course approval verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "2025-12-09 revision",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://go.neola.com/upar-oh/policy/policy-manual/po5223"
    },
    {
      "rank": 3,
      "name": "Hilliard",
      "status": "Adopted",
      "key": "hilNov",
      "score": 20,
      "scores": [
        3,
        3,
        3,
        1,
        3,
        3,
        2,
        2
      ],
      "reason": "Recent unanimous package vote, 2026 review and district-listed LifeWise outreach; repeated board records.",
      "next": "Final JEFB text missing; proposed one-period wording is not certified current.",
      "path": "/local/ohio/hilliard-city-schools/released-time-religious-instruction.html",
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Yes; see dated/version-qualified source",
      "provider": "LifeWise — outreach documented",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "2025-11-24 adoption package, 5–0",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.hilliardschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MI_WS_11-24-25.pdf"
    },
    {
      "rank": 4,
      "name": "Twinsburg",
      "status": "Adopted — version gap",
      "key": "twinsPolicy",
      "score": 18,
      "scores": [
        3,
        0,
        3,
        3,
        1,
        2,
        3,
        3
      ],
      "reason": "Two-period posted policy and screening clauses; later revision creates a substantive update question.",
      "next": "March 2026 final policy and current operation unverified.",
      "path": "/local/ohio/twinsburg-city-schools/released-time-religious-instruction.html",
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Yes; see dated/version-qualified source",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Posted 2025 text: E/M 2 periods; HS 2 credit-unit time equivalent; later version unresolved",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "2026-03-18 second-reading record; final text unavailable",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://go.neola.com/twinsoh-oh/policy/policy-manual/po5223"
    },
    {
      "rank": 5,
      "name": "Worthington",
      "status": "Review pending",
      "key": "worthBoard",
      "score": 17,
      "scores": [
        2,
        2,
        2,
        1,
        3,
        2,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "reason": "Reported restoration after rescission suggests recurring parent demand; official policy index located.",
      "next": "Obtain current final policy and official restoration record before a standalone page.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.worthington.k12.oh.us/our-district/board-of-education-members/board-of-education-policy-reference-information"
    },
    {
      "rank": 6,
      "name": "Columbus City",
      "status": "Review pending",
      "key": "colLead",
      "score": 16,
      "scores": [
        2,
        2,
        1,
        1,
        2,
        3,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "reason": "Large district and materials-rule history offer substantial audience potential.",
      "next": "Current 5223 text and post-amendment materials rules not verified.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.ccsoh.us/board-of-education/policies"
    },
    {
      "rank": 7,
      "name": "Dublin",
      "status": "Form located",
      "key": "dublinForm",
      "score": 15,
      "scores": [
        1,
        1,
        3,
        1,
        1,
        3,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "reason": "Official 5223 F1 supplies annual consent and transport questions; useful larger-district audience.",
      "next": "The 2023 form cannot substitute for the current adopted policy.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1722543560/dublinschoolsnet/scoxevj1b1wy1xjc6aaj/5223F1WaiverLiab-Accept-Terms-CondforPermission-ParticReleaseTime-ReligiousInstruc.pdf"
    },
    {
      "rank": 8,
      "name": "Marysville",
      "status": "Review pending",
      "key": "maryLead",
      "score": 15,
      "scores": [
        1,
        2,
        1,
        1,
        3,
        2,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "reason": "Reported LifeWise and other-provider interest could support a differentiated provider comparison.",
      "next": "Verify final policy and current provider activity directly; historical reporting insufficient.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.marysville.k12.oh.us/our-district/board-of-education"
    },
    {
      "rank": 9,
      "name": "Norton",
      "status": "Multiple policy records",
      "key": "nortonLead",
      "score": 14,
      "scores": [
        3,
        0,
        2,
        1,
        1,
        1,
        3,
        3
      ],
      "reason": "Repeated JEFB attachments and meeting records offer a manageable update trail.",
      "next": "Reconcile final adopted text and date; latest attachment was image-only.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.nortonschools.org/Agenda2025.aspx"
    },
    {
      "rank": 10,
      "name": "Van Wert",
      "status": "Board record located",
      "key": "vanLead",
      "score": 13,
      "scores": [
        3,
        1,
        2,
        1,
        1,
        1,
        2,
        2
      ],
      "reason": "November 2025 policy-action record offers a primary-source starting point.",
      "next": "Need final 5223 text, school procedures and independent current activity.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1768587433/vanwertcougarsnet/jmvoxvnhmfuzbrulm3fi/VWCSBOEMinutes111925.pdf"
    },
    {
      "rank": 11,
      "name": "Westlake",
      "status": "Board record located",
      "key": "lakeLead",
      "score": 13,
      "scores": [
        3,
        0,
        2,
        1,
        1,
        2,
        2,
        2
      ],
      "reason": "October 2025 revision record and suburban audience provide a useful lead.",
      "next": "Current consolidated 5223 text and provider arrangements not located.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1764099258/westlakek12ohus/xsmaajxqdixaqnygfgss/Minutes10-27-2025RegularMeeting_1.pdf"
    },
    {
      "rank": 12,
      "name": "Johnstown-Monroe",
      "status": "Board record located",
      "key": "johnLead",
      "score": 12,
      "scores": [
        3,
        0,
        2,
        1,
        1,
        1,
        2,
        2
      ],
      "reason": "Signed December 2025 minutes give a specific policy-package action.",
      "next": "Final policy wording and distinct implementation evidence needed.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.johnstown.k12.oh.us/Downloads/12-18-2025%20Regular%20Session%20Meeting%20Minutes%20-%20Signed0001.pdf"
    },
    {
      "rank": 13,
      "name": "Athens City",
      "status": "First reading located",
      "key": "athensLead",
      "score": 12,
      "scores": [
        3,
        0,
        2,
        0,
        1,
        2,
        2,
        2
      ],
      "reason": "March 2026 first reading creates a current follow-up opportunity.",
      "next": "Do not label proposed policy adopted without subsequent final action.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1777053860/athenscityk12ohus/jhyyaisehtmnbyxpkhzh/09-March192026-MeetingMinutes-Signed.pdf"
    },
    {
      "rank": 14,
      "name": "New Albany-Plain Local",
      "status": "Provider lead",
      "key": "albLead",
      "score": 10,
      "scores": [
        0,
        2,
        1,
        0,
        1,
        2,
        2,
        2
      ],
      "reason": "Primary host-organization LifeWise page provides a local provider lead.",
      "next": "Need official policy, district arrangement and current school activity.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "LifeWise — host statement",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.newalbanypresbyterian.org/missions/lifewise-academy/"
    },
    {
      "rank": 15,
      "name": "Lexington Local",
      "status": "Board record located",
      "key": "lexLead",
      "score": 9,
      "scores": [
        2,
        0,
        2,
        0,
        0,
        1,
        2,
        2
      ],
      "reason": "September 2025 official record references 5223; limited document competition.",
      "next": "Final text, outcome and provider implementation remain insufficient.",
      "path": null,
      "stateLawStatus": "Required under conditions",
      "districtPolicyAdopted": "Not independently classified",
      "provider": "Current official provider unverified",
      "programStatus": "Unknown — current operation not verified",
      "weeklyReleaseLimit": "Current local limit not verified",
      "coreSubjectsProtected": "State core-course protection; confirm local definition",
      "transportationResponsibility": "Sponsor / parent / guardian / student (state law)",
      "highSchoolCreditAvailability": "State permits up to 2; local award implementation not verified",
      "latestBoardAction": "See source and research note",
      "lastVerified": "2026-10-07",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.lexington.k12.oh.us/index.php/district/board-of-education/minutes/248-2025-2026/3861-september-2025-regular-meeting"
    }
  ]
}