PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The head of the Philadelphia school district has created a task force of religious leaders to establish closer ties with faith-based groups, a move critics say risks violating the separation between church and state.Paul Vallas, the district's chief executive officer, said the panel could help with tutoring, mentoring, counseling and organizing faith-based clubs.
"As long as our children are falling victim to violence in our streets, as long as we have problems of student behavior in schools, as long as we have disrespect and bullying in our schools, we'll continue to promote partnerships and close working relationships with faith-based organizations," Vallas said.
The task force of rabbis, ministers and other clergy could become one of the largest collaborations of its kind, according to national experts. ...