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Board hears enrollment dip; more than 600 students reported as homeschooled, trustees raise attendance concerns
Summary
The district reported a month-to-month enrollment drop and a rise in homeschooling; board members discussed limits on oversight of homeschooling and impacts of recent truancy-related legislation.
Muhlenberg County Schools reported a decline in enrollment from 4,216 students in the previous reporting period to 4,177 in the most recent month, and officials said more than 600 students are currently recorded as being homeschooled.
Mr. Washington, the district—s attendance and enrollment official, told the board that month 7 (the reporting period that ended in mid-February) produced a 92.8% attendance rate, the highest since month 3, but that total enrollment fell by 39 students. He said most of the recent losses were families who chose homeschooling.
Board members asked how the district can verify that students who withdraw to homeschool continue to receive instruction. Washington said the district asks families to notify the central office when they choose homeschooling and that accountability generally falls to the family unless the student is involved in the court system. He said the district asks for attendance and any curriculum information when possible but that compliance varies and that some families consult homeschool attorneys when challenged.
Board discussion referenced recent state legislation addressing truancy and educational neglect, and several trustees said the legislation has driven some families to withdraw students to homeschool rather than respond to district attendance outreach. Washington confirmed the district has seen families leave for that reason and said the issue is common across the state.
Board members also mentioned the MOVE program for middle-school students as an option the district offers to families concerned about in-person attendance or disciplinary issues; the program uses a home-based model with in-person testing or state assessments as required.
No formal action was taken on enrollment or homeschool oversight at the meeting; the item was informational and drew policy questions for staff follow-up.
