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SOUTH DAKOTA

Lemmon approves homeschool programs

In a 3-3 vote on July 13, 2004, the board of Lemmon School District #52-2 in Perkins County declined to approve a Home School Legal Defense Association member's homeschool program, although it had excused many homeschoolers from public school attendance in the past. A non-member family's homeschool program was also rejected. The school district superintendent, who had recommended that the board issue the excuses, was aghast.

The next day, HSLDA called the chairman of the school board, who had cast one of the "nay" votes, and asked for an explanation. He said, "Homeschooling has been approved with little scrutiny up to this point. We're going to find out what responsibility the board has in determining whether homeschooled children are really receiving an education." In South Dakota, however, this is not a legitimate reason for rejecting a homeschool program.

Later that day, HSLDA Attorney Scott Woodruff called the school board's attorney to explain that the board's action had violated state law. The school board's attorney recognized the problem immediately and apologized on behalf of the board. He said he would recommend that the board hold another meeting as soon as possible and issue excuses to both families.

True to their attorney's word, the school board scheduled an emergency meeting. With suitable guidance from their attorney, the board voted 4-1 to confirm the two homeschool programs. While the outcome was gratifying, it is troubling that one member of the school board still voted against the programs. We hope that clearer heads on the board will prevent the recalcitrant board member from leading the school district down the path to conflict.

— by Scott A. Woodruff