Clay pastor to move prayer off school grounds

A Clay County pastor who formerly conducted morning prayer circles around flagpoles at several Clay county schools has reached a resolution with the Clay County School Board to move his activites off school grounds.

A release sent from the Clay County School Board Monday afternoon stated that Reverend Ron Baker would no longer hold his prayer sessions on school grounds at Caly Hill Elementary, Lake Asbury Elementary, Shadowlawn Elementary, and Charles E. Bennett Elementary.  Reverend Baker may still conduct his prayer circle on property in close proximity to the schools, so long as he is off Clay County School Board Property.

Baker told our news partner channel 4 about 70 people joined him for prayer this morning.  The session was held across the street from Clay Hill Elementary.

"A lot of students are here this morning with their parents, and I think it also give the parents the opportunity to be an example to the kids that there are some things worth standing up for, and I think it's a great opportunity.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation recently sent a letter to the school board, calling into question the constitutionality of Baker's prayer sessions  being held on school grounds, saying that it was a violation of the First Amendment.  A lawyer for the Clay County School Board agreed with the group.

You can read the full resolution below.

Resolution Between School District of Clay County and Rev. Ron Baker

(Release Date 11/14/2011) On Thursday, November 10, 2011 the School District/School Board of Clay County reached a resolution of the issues between the School District and Reverend Ron Baker. This resolution was the result of amicable negotiations between Reverend Baker’s attorney, Vincent McCarthy, an attorney with the American Center for Law and Justice. and Bruce Bickner, Attorney for the School Board of Clay County, Florida, during which both parties acknowledged the extreme cost in time and money to both parties should this matter escalate to a lawsuit filed by Freedom From Religion Foundation, or any other third party.  The parties concluded  that this resolution was in everyone’s interest and agreed as follows:

            1.         Reverend Baker will discontinue his morning prayer sessions at the flag poles of Clay Hill Elementary School, Lake Asbury Elementary School, Shadowlawn Elementary School and Charles E. Bennett Elementary School.

            2.         Reverend Baker is free to find locations off of School Board property but in proximity to each of the schools at which to continue his prayer meetings.

            3.         The School Board, through their attorney, will contact the Freedom From Religion Foundation to ensure that they are apprised of the resolution of this matter.

            4.         This resolution does not pertain to the student-initiated, student-led annual/semi-annual “Meet Me At The Pole” activity.