Resident urges Honeoye Central to revise homeschool participation policy

Jennifer Noble, a Honeyoye community member and former district substitute teacher, urged the Honeoye Central School District Board of Education to revisit what she called the district’s “zero tolerance” homeschool policy and allow more inclusive participation for home‑educated students.

Noble told the board she has worked privately with district staff since March 2024 and urged specific changes that would let homeschool students join noncredit extracurricular activities. She proposed two initial categories: participation in noncredit, non‑graded extracurricular activities; and moving some student‑council social events under PTA oversight so homeschooled students can take part. Noble acknowledged health and supervision concerns and suggested simple safeguards such as requiring vaccination documentation when appropriate, a guardian to remain with a child during activities if requested, and a three‑strike conduct rule for events.

Noble also noted that homeschool families already keep individualized home instruction plans (IHIPs) and quarterly reports that could serve as verification of academic eligibility. She offered to share New York State Education Department guidance about procedures during disease outbreaks that involve homeschooled students.

The board did not take action on the policy during the meeting; members thanked Noble and said the district will consider her suggestions in follow‑up discussions.