In early June, the Great Bend school district was notified that a complaint was filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation in regards to the speech given by Great Bend High School Principal Tim Friess at the graduation ceremony.

The organization based in Madison, Wisconsin promotes the separation of church and state.

Friess referenced the importance of God in his speech on May 20, and the complaint states that public school officials should not promote religion at school-sponsored events.

USD 428 Board of Education member Don Williams addressed the situation at Monday’s meeting and stated it was in the best interest of the school district to have this pointed out to avoid future issues.

Don Williams Audio

Friess stated among other God references, “…if you have a spare tire called Faith and most importantly, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called success.”

USD 428 administration addressed the matter with Friess, and the principal acknowledged his mistake and said it would not happen again.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation stated the district’s actions were enough and closed the complaint.