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Board hears first reading to align homeschooling policy with state guidance; standardized‑test language removed
Summary
District staff presented a first reading of proposed revisions to Board Policy 6.11 (homeschooling) that align district language to MSBA model policy and Minnesota Department of Education guidance; staff recommended removing references to standardized tests and clarified that homeschooling administrative requests are handled by Business Services.
Shannon Avinson, executive director of community education and community partnerships, presented a first reading of proposed revisions to Board Policy 6.11 (homeschooling) on Oct. 1, saying the draft aligns district language with MSBA model policy and state statute.
Avinson told the board that most edits update statute citations and streamline language. She highlighted one substantive change: removing language that required the district to provide standardized tests for homeschool students, which administration said is recommended by the Minnesota Department of Education under updated assessment guidance. Avinson also said formal administrative requests related to homeschooling are routed to the district's Business Services department rather than to central administration, and the draft reflects that local operational decision.
The policy revisions are presented as a first reading for the board; no final action was taken at the Oct. 1 meeting. Avinson said the redline follows MSBA model policy where possible and that additional legal references remain in the policy's reference list. The board did not amend the proposal during the work session; staff indicated the policy will return for subsequent readings as required by board practice.
