Bible tests return to reading program

NEOSHO, Mo. -- Tests on the Bible have been returned to school computers in a southwest Missouri school district that had removed the material over concerns that the material might be viewed as an entanglement of church and state.

The material was part of an accelerated reading program in the Neosho school district in which children could choose from thousands of books, then take tests on them.

The Neosho school board voted unanimously Tuesday night to allow the district to offer the tests on its computer network.

Superintendent Mark Mitchell has said officials removed the tests from school computers in September because of concerns about violating the Constitution's guarantee of separation of church and state.

Mitchell said he doesn't believe there is a perfect answer, but their was community support for returning the material.

"I can attest that every person who has written, called or e-mailed me with regard to this issue is very supportive of the school board making the decision to leave the tests on the server," Mitchell added.