Committee updates homeschool policy to accept unsworn declarations, require immunization and screening records and June 30 submission

The policy committee advanced revisions to Policy 137 on Sept. 29 to align Springfield Township School District practice with Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements for home education.

Dr. Johnson told the committee that the district has seen increased interest in home education since COVID and that staff want the policy to reflect PDE's acceptable documentation options. The primary changes are: (1) accept an unsworn declaration in place of a notarized affidavit when families register for home education; (2) require submission of health-related documentation such as immunization records or approved waivers and required physical/dental screenings at the grades PDE specifies; and (3) require families to submit the prior year's documentation and the evaluator's approval to the district by June 30.

In response to questions from board member Mr. Jordan, Dr. Johnson explained that an unsworn declaration is the same form but without notarization; families sign under penalty of perjury. On immunizations and screenings, staff said the district will ask for the same documentation it collects for enrolled students and that the school nurse reviews registrations. Dr. Johnson said district staff can help families locate providers if they need assistance documenting immunizations or waivers.

Outcome: Committee members present signaled approval to proceed with the Policy 137 revisions.

Ending: Staff will update the policy language and the registration materials to reflect the unsworn-declaration option, the June 30 deadline, and the health/documentation checklist.