The board did not vote on the policy, which is available HERE, but did discuss it and had some mixed concerns. Those who were not sure about it raised the issue of home schoolers maintaining the academic requirements that others at the high school must reach. It will be voted on next month.
Acting Superintendent James Memoli also offered concerns about the burden it would place on administrators to keep tabs on students health records, academic levels and other needs. He also wanted to make sure it did not open the door for homeschoolers to be involved in other school programs.
"I'm glad to hear about the slippery slope because that was the biggest concern for the high school, that this would go into other areas," said Memoli. "We don't know how many students are out there, it might be three, it might be 30."
Board Member Jeffrey Bennett, who led the effort to draft the policy, called it a "cautious conservative policy change that would not affect academic or other services."
He also said, "It would not apply to other residents, it would be for homeschoolers only."
Board Member Donna Smith said, "the policy as crafted is the ideal way of handling it."
But others, including board member Beth Daugherty, raised concerns.
"If the state wants to come up with a way ... a means to determine academic eligibility, by all means participate," she said. "I'm still concerned about the burden on the administration."
Board Member Maureen Jones added, "I, too, was initially hesitant about such a policy. I understand the importance of being part of that school experience ... I think what it really boils down to is that academic equivalency."
Memoli said the policy will be considered again and voted on next month, but it would not take effect until the Winter 2015-2016 sports season.
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