Everett Public Schools Settled Lawsuit With LifeWise Academy
The district approved a $275,000 settlement to resolve legal challenges regarding Bible education classes.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Administration
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The Everett Public Schools Board has approved a $275,000 settlement to end a federal lawsuit filed by LifeWise Academy and Sarah Sweeny. The agreement settles claims related to the religious education program without the district admitting to any wrongdoing.
Why it matters
By settling the case, the district aims to avoid further litigation costs and future expenditures from its general fund. The agreement also requires the school board to complete training on religious liberty to ensure future policy compliance.
Everett Public Schools will pay $275,000 to LifeWise Academy and Sarah Sweeny to cover attorney fees. This settlement cancels a federal trial that was previously scheduled for April 2027.
The players
Everett Public Schools
The local school district serving families in Everett that manages curriculum policy and student programming.
LifeWise Academy
A nonprofit organization that partners with schools nationwide to provide off-campus religious education classes.
Judge Lauren King
The presiding judge in the U.S. District Court in Seattle who issued the preliminary injunction in this case.
The details
LifeWise Academy, which operates Bible education programs near nearly 1,200 schools nationwide, sued the district in December 2025. Following a preliminary injunction issued by Judge Lauren King in April 2026, the board voted to approve this settlement to end the legal dispute. As part of the resolution, the district must issue a public apology and members must participate in mandatory training regarding religious liberty.
Timeline
January 2025: LifeWise classes began in Everett.
December 2025: LifeWise filed the lawsuit in federal court.
April 2026: Judge Lauren King issued a preliminary injunction.
October 13, 2026: Everett school board voted to approve the settlement.
The Home Front
This settlement highlights the ongoing legal complexities school districts face when balancing religious instruction with public education regulations. It marks a formal conclusion to a high-profile case that influenced local school policy discussions throughout 2025 and 2026.
Everett families should review upcoming school board meeting minutes for official updates on the public apology and training requirements. Parents can monitor the district's website for any changes to extracurricular policy following the board's commitment to new training.
The takeaway
This settlement serves as a reminder for families to stay informed about local school district litigation that impacts their tax-funded budgets. Residents can track the board's future policy updates by subscribing to official Everett Public Schools meeting notices.
Further reading
For more on how local policies are established, visit Administration.
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