Ohio County Schools has a long tradition of excellence and has aimed to serve the community well as the second largest employer in the county. We educate nearly 5,000 students, 180 days a year. Our teachers work tirelessly to implement curriculum, participate in quality professional development, individualize instruction, monitor attendance, and create a climate and culture that fosters optimal learning. Public schools across the state and country are required to record and report attendance, monitor student progress, evaluate staff, and provide social and emotional support.

In our community, there are a variety of educational options that exist including homeschool. Many of these private and parochial homeschools are called “Exemption K schools.” This means they are exempt from certain state regulations.

Specifically, these schools are not required to meet some of the same requirements as public schools under state law such as state-approved curriculum standards or teacher certification requirements. In addition, homeschool education requires a notice of intent that only includes student name, parent name and address. Homeschool assessment is required in grades three, five, eight and 11. A curriculum plan must be submitted indicating that reading, math, science and social studies are taught. The home school educator must have either a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma.

Safety has been a major topic of discussion particularly since last spring when a homeschool student was found deceased in Southern West Virginia. Since this devastating and tragic event, the conversation has shifted about who exactly is responsible for the death of the student. While the guardians will face criminal charges, the question of “What public entity dropped the ball?” remains prevalent. Many blamed the public school system for not following up with the student’s work requirements, while the public school system is left with little information or resources for the expected tracking of homeschooled students.

Currently, West Virginia law place the part of the accountability for homeschool students on the public school district in which they reside. With that being said, if public school districts are part of the checks and balances of this system, then we must have the tools necessary to carry out that task.

Members of the West Virginia Association of School Administrators, or WVASA, reviewed WV Code 18-8-1 laying out the requirements for homeschool students and has recommended changes to 18-8-1. The West Virginia Association of School Administrators believes these changes are necessary to ensure the safety of our homeschool students and to prevent any future tragedies from happening.

Dr. Kim Miller, Ed.D., is superintendent of Ohio County Schools and president of the West Virginia Association of School Administrators.