After months of debate, the Peters school board Monday approved new high school courses about religion.

Saying they wanted to improve "critical thinking" among students, the board unanimously approved the elective courses, "Bible in Literature I: The Old Testament," "Bible in Literature II: The New Testament."

A third elective, "Movies and Meaning," was also approved.

Several board members had said they were skeptical about the idea, floated earlier this year by the high school English department, for the two courses about religion and one involving movies. But members said their concerns about mixing church and state -- which would not be legal -- were resolved.

"Parents are excited to have something like this in our high school," said board member Lynn Erenberg.

Board member John Stepusin said he had been concerned about the possible legal ramifications and asked how curriculum for the courses would be monitored.

Board solicitor Jack Cambest said the classes likely wouldn't be monitored unless there was a complaint.

"Should there be any complaints, certainly we'll follow up on that," said Superintendent Dr. Nina Zetty, who said the board will still have the opportunity to approve a curriculum for the courses, along with textbooks.

She said the English department researched the idea for the classes, which would be offered at the beginning of the next school year. The courses were being approved now to allow time for curriculum development.