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| Date: From: Subject: | 8/3/2012 5:19:09 PM Home School Legal Defense Association Vermont: DOE unveils revised, restrictive homeschool enrollment policy |
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====================================================================== From the HSLDA E-lert Service... ====================================================================== Commissioner of Education Unveils Department's Revised, Restrictive Homeschool Enrollment Policy August 3, 2012 Dear HSLDA Members and Friends, On July 23rd, the Vermont Commissioner of Education sent out a memorandum to homeschoolers laying out the Department of Education's new policy regarding homeschool enrollment notices. The Commissioner's Memorandum attempts to implement new changes in Vermont's homeschool law. The Department will continue to accept homeschool notices for the upcoming school year starting March 1st, in accordance with the explicit requirements of 16 V.S.A. sec. 166b(a), but once Labor Day passes, the Department will only accept a homeschool notice for the current school year if the student has (1) moved into Vermont from out of state, (2) turned six during the school year, or (3) transferred into a homeschool from a Vermont public school, approved or recognized independent school, or other approved education program. Once March 1st arrives, these exceptions will go away as well; the Department will "no longer accept enrollment notices . . . for the school year in progress," for any reason. Link to memorandum: http://education.vermont.gov/documents/EDU-Memo_2012_07_23_Home_Study_ Enrollment.pdf In concert with state and local leaders, HSLDA is actively considering how we might effectively counter this attempt to curtail homeschool freedom . In the meantime, we wanted to make you aware of the Department's new policy, what it means, and how it will affect you. This memorandum does not change Vermont's homeschooling law, as it was passed by the Vermont Legislature. Contrary to the Commissioner's assertion, nothing in section 166b contemplates that homeschools are "intended to be for a complete school year." Nor does Vermont law contain any filing deadlines for parents who wish to homeschool: parents can file an enrollment notice as early as March 1 of the preceding school year, up until the enrollment period expires at the end of the school year, on July 1st. This policy is a blatant attempt to introduce requirements which are entirely foreign to Vermont's homeschool law, and has the potential to dramatically alter how the DOE handles homeschool notices in the future . While the Department of Education can enforce the law, it cannot add new requirements for homeschoolers simply to suit its own preferences. This new policy undoubtedly does that by placing an unnecessary burden, with no basis in the law, squarely on homeschoolers. Regrettably, this policy will likely result in more administrative hearings for homeschoolers. The new policy is strongly-worded, implementing strict, absolute time-barriers for homeschool enrollment notices. We fully anticipate that the Department will attempt to deny families the right to homeschool based solely on missing a "deadline." As long as this policy remains in force, families who wish to avoid any confrontation with the Department should plan on submitting their homeschool enrollment notices no later than this coming Labor Day, September 3rd. Having said that, HSLDA strongly believes that this policy is inconsistent with Vermont's homeschool law, and usurps the legislature's sole prerogative to make law. As such, we will be there to actively defend our members from this policy, should the Department decide not to revise or rescind it. We greatly value you and your support--it is a privilege to serve you! If you or someone you know is not a member of HSLDA, will you consider taking a moment today to join or recommend us and support our work defending individual families threatened by government officials and protecting homeschooling freedom for all? Join now >> Sincerely, Peter K. Kamakawiwoole, Jr. HSLDA Staff Attorney ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -> Is customer service an art or a science? For us, good customer service is both an art and a science -it should appeal to our members and be effective. Consider what our members say about us: We're thankful for the support HSLDA membership provides us. We'd never homeschool without them. We highly recommend HSLDA to all homeschoolers. - North Tonawanda, NY I cannot imagine our homeschool journey without HSLDA's strong leadership, protection, and guidance. God bless HSLDA! - Alta Loma, California More reasons to join HSLDA... http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1940 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ====================================================================== The HSLDA E-lert Service is a service of: Home School Legal Defense Association P.O. 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