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Home-school advocates tell committee proposed policy may overreach; cite statutory limits
Summary
A home-school advocate told the Lincoln School Committee the proposed homeschool policy may impose duties beyond the district’s role, arguing the statute limits school committees to verifying that required subjects are present rather than dictating instructional methods; concerns were also raised about mandatory reporting for 5‑year‑olds.
Jen Curry, who identified herself as the state coordinator for Wright (home teachers), told the Lincoln School Committee she appreciates the committee’s policy work but raised specific legal concerns about the proposed home-school policy.
"The statute requires the mandatory core subjects such as reading [and] writing... and that they're substantially equal the measurement but it the district's role is to verify these subjects are included in the family's plan not to oversee and dictate how they're carried out," Curry said, arguing the committee should avoid imposing additional subjective conditions for approval.
Curry also questioned a provision requiring mandatory reporting for 5‑year‑olds, saying that compulsory school age in statute is "six by September 1st" and suggesting the policy's reporting requirement for kindergarten-aged children could conflict with that statutory deadline. She cited earlier case rulings and urged the committee to ensure the policy aligns with statutory limits on committee oversight.
The chair noted this was a first reading and explained that the policy subcommittee accepts public input; any changes would be considered at the second reading. The committee did not amend policy language at this meeting.
