December 17, 2008

Ohio--No Change to 08 School Regulations

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends,

We are pleased to be able to share good news with you. After the legislatively mandated 5 year review of the regulations governing non-chartered, non-tax supported schools, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) has told HSLDA that it will not recommend any changes to the regulation and that therefore the State Board will not be making any changes.

For nearly twenty years some parents have formed non-chartered, non-tax supported schools for the purpose of complying with Ohio's compulsory attendance law. This practice, which is distinct from homeschooling under OAC 3301-34, was virtually unchallenged for many years until in 2005 the ODE began informing certain individuals that they could not form a school under the regulation. Between 2005 and

2008 HSLDA represented hundreds of families in negotiations and hearings over this and related issues. While these hearings have not been completely resolved, it does now appear that ODE is not going to be making any changes to the current regulation and many HSLDA members have been officially listed on the ODE's 08 schools list. Further, during this year's regulation review process, HSLDA provided commentary to the ODE on why the regulation should not be changed.

Many states have several approaches for parents to comply with the compulsory attendance laws including the formation of a private school. HSLDA believes in the freedom for parents to select among as many options as possible when making decisions about educating their children. In Ohio, we're pleased to report forming a school to privately educate children under the 08 regulation is still an approach for those who qualify.

We thank each and every one of you who commented on the regulations, and who work with us to support educational freedom in Ohio. It is a privilege to serve you!

Sincerely,

Michael P. Donnelly, Esq.