January 30, 2004
School Principal Makes Unlawful Request of HSLDA Member Family
The principal of Longfellow Elementary in Hazel Park, Michigan recently contacted the Klobucher family, an HSLDA member family, demanding that they complete the school district's Home School Report form. In his letter, the principal advised the family that failure to comply could result in truancy or educational neglect proceedings.
The Home School Report form asked for the family's address, names, ages, and grade levels of the children, and asked for a list of the subjects taught. Homeschool families in Michigan are not required to provide this information at the beginning of the school year.
The principal's letter also stated that the family had a responsibility to notify the school district of their intent to educate their children at home, which is an inaccurate statement of law.
The Klobucher family contacted the HSLDA legal department and requested that we resolve the situation on their behalf. HSLDA wrote to the school principal and explained that Michigan law does not require the completion of the Home School Report form and that the family is not required by law to notify the school district of their intent to home educate.
After receiving the letter from HSLDA, the principal left the Klobucher family alone.
If you are contacted by a school official and asked to provide information, be sure to ask HSLDA's legal department if you are required to comply.
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