LEGISLATIVE ALERT: HOME EDUCATION REGULATIONS
Ohio Law requires that agency regulations undergo a review every 5 years to
determine if changes are necessary. Home
education regulations (OAC 3301-34) were initially approved in 1989.
The five year review date is around the corner (2009).
For each previous review cycle no changes have been recommended.
In general these regulations have served tens of thousands of Ohio
families well for the past 19 years.
This year may be different and we need to be immediately ready!
Ohio Department of Education staff members have expressed their intention to
solicit public input on revisions to the regulations.
If this process moves forward for the first time since 1989, the
regulations which have benefited so many families for the past two decades
will be at risk.
The purpose of this notice is to put every home educating family on a
standby alert. We will not be able to confirm the exact intentions of the
ODE until they post a public notice approximately mid-July.
Once this is done, it is our understanding the window of time to
provide public feedback will be very small – possibly two weeks.
The most important message the ODE needs to receive from citizens who care
about the rights of parents to direct the education of their children is
very simple ---
The
state regulations have served us well.
There is no need to make any changes.
Because this is a circumstance that is unfolding we will need to communicate
with you on a moment’s notice. Please
immediately provide CHEO with your name, county of residence, and email
address. While membership is
appreciated and very helpful, you do not need to be a member of CHEO to
receive updates on this issue.
We are asking for your patience in that no
communication should be made to the ODE until the notice is posted and we have a formal
understanding of their intentions.
LEGISLATIVE ALERT: STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
ELECTIONS
Ohio’s home education regulations are under the exclusive authority of the
State Board of Education. This
board is comprised of 11 elected members and 8 members appointed by the
governor.
This year 7 of the 11 elected districts will be up for election.
These districts geographically cover 77 of Ohio’s 88 counties!
In light of the possible review of our regulations, this
year is more critical than ever for everyone who cares about parental
rights in education to participate in these elections. CHEO
is 501-(c)3 and is not permitted to endorse candidates, but we can encourage civic participation in
the elections. Local support
groups, which are not tax-exempt, may endorse specific candidates.
The election of State Board of Education members is a non-partisan election.
Therefore, there is no primary election and the candidates do not file
until mid-August. These
campaigns are very short and good candidates will need as much grassroots
assistance as possible. Please
be prepared to learn the position of the candidates on the issue of
parental rights and school choice. Then provide support according to your
views.
