Dealing With the Board of Ed

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

24 Apr 2007 04:26 AM

Some of you who have read my blogs know that our family is in New York. When I'm writing in the homeschooling blog I can write that as New-York-Sate-the-most-unfriendly-home schooling-state-ever. Our state is highly regulated with no less than 7 pieces of paperwork that I have to turn in per year. (And that doesn't include the records I have to keep until each child finishes high school.)

A few days ago, I had my first ever "confrontation" with the Board of Education. I want to write a year end evaluation of my child and the powers at the Board of Education want me to have it signed by a certified teacher. Finding a certified teacher is not the issue for me. I have friends who will look at my child's annual assessment and agree with me that she can go into 3rd grade. For some reason, their state certification makes them 'unbiased' even though the woman who is doing it for me is a close personal friend, knows our family well, and knows our children well. But that's not really the point. Although it is a technically legal request, it is a new request. We have never had to do this before when submitting our paperwork.

Have you had to deal with the Board of Education over a legal issue? We are fortunate in that the person who is in charge of reviewing our homeschooling paperwork actually knows the law. There is no mistakenly registering children for public school as some districts have done nor is there any requests for information that is not legally required, which also happens in some districts. In any case, here are a few tips for how to resolve a conflict with the Board of Ed:

Know the Law

It is helpful to know the law and know it well. In fact, not only is it helpful, it is your responsibility. When dealing with our representative, we spoke at length about what the law specifically says. I will do exactly what the law says. . .but nothing extra.

Turn Your Paperwork In On Time

As I relayed the new information to my group, I was amazed at the amount of people who said, "Oh I can't call her--I don't have any of my stuff in yet." So far this year, I've turned in one letter of intent, one IHIP, and three quarterly reports. I spoke with people who have only done their letter of intent.

The problem is that you are representing homeschoolers. If you need to argue a point of law, you look bad by not having your stuff done. You're in essence saying, 'I will make you hold up your end of the law but my part is irrelevant."

Use Your Manners

This would seem to be common sense but sadly it's not. You may well disagree with the Board of Education, but getting rude and yelling is akin to biting the hand that feeds you. You are homeschooling under their supervision and you can disagree respectfully. Not only that but this is not personal. It is highly unlikely that the person on the other end of the phone is acting on a personal vendetta against homeschoolers everywhere. He/she just has a job to do and is trying to do it.

For our part, we are pursuing legal action against the Board of Education. We hope that the end result are some law changes in New York State in favor of homeschoolers. As I have more to update, I'll let you know how it turns out!

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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Andrea Hermitt (5512) 24 Apr 2007 05:45 AM

I have to admit that my monthly attendance sheet required in GA has been my biggest problem... and I do have a bit of attitude about it. After all, when are they not in attendance?

Anyway, this has been my best year as far as getting it in ontime each month. I realize that If I don't improve this habit, my son won't be able to get his drivers liscence in (sob) in less than 3 years, and the state ties school attendance to the right to drive.

Valorie Delp (49340) 24 Apr 2007 11:50 AM

LOL--I never said I didn't have attitude. . .just that I had to get my stuff in on time! It could be much, much worse. . .just think. . quarterlies, attendance, IHIPS, annual assessments!

Julie Gentry (5915) 02 May 2007 10:47 PM

Ugh. How awful! Part of the reason we CHOSE Washington state was because our sum total of regulation is filling out a declaration of intent and taking one test (or having one assessment) yearly. I can't imagine having to jump through so many hoops.

Valorie Delp (49340) 03 May 2007 03:40 AM

Hoops and hoops galore! I am an excellent hoop jumper. . .Actually HSLDA has taken up this case and we'll see where it goes. Hopefully she wont' give us a hard time anymore.