Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The Craig County School Board unanimously approved an updated home instruction policy during its Dec. 16 meeting.
The motion was made by Vice Chair Darren Gilreath of the Simmonsville District and seconded by Heather Matheney of the Craig Creek District.
The policy outlines the requirements for parents who choose to provide home instruction in lieu of traditional school attendance, in accordance with the Code of Virginia. It affirms that home instruction is an acceptable alternative when statutory requirements are met.
Under the policy, parents must notify the superintendent annually by Aug. 15 of their intent to homeschool and provide a list of subjects to be studied, along with evidence that they meet one of the state’s eligibility criteria, such as holding a high school diploma or demonstrating the ability to provide an adequate education. Parents who begin home instruction after the school year starts must notify the division as soon as practicable and comply within 30 days.
The policy also requires parents of students over age 6 to submit evidence of academic progress by Aug. 1 following the school year. Acceptable evidence includes standardized test scores, evaluations from licensed educators or individuals with advanced degrees, or documentation from accredited colleges or correspondence programs. Failure to submit required evidence may result in a one-year probationary period.
Immunization requirements for homeschooled students mirror those for students enrolled in public schools, with allowances for religious and medical exemptions as permitted by state law.
In addition, the policy permits homeschooled students who reside in Craig County to participate in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs, provided they comply with the same behavioral and attendance standards as enrolled students.
The superintendent is responsible for reporting the number of homeschooled students in the division to the Virginia Department of Education, though the policy limits the disclosure of personal information provided by parents.
The policy was approved without opposition.
