June 17, 2005
Florida School District Demands “As Much Information As We Can Get”
An HSLDA member family, in Collier County, called our offices to inform us that the notice of intent form their district sent them sought information that was not required by law. The form, titled, “Notice of Intent to Establish a Home Education Program,” required information on the sex, race, and grades of the students; home, work, and cell phone numbers of the parents; the parents’ signature; date the homeschool started; whether the family withdrew from a public school or not; information on whether the student is enrolled in an Exceptional Student Education program; and a district survey asking what the “main reason” was for the parent to homeschool. In addition, the form states that it is in compliance with Florida Statutes 228.041 and 229.808.
Florida Statutes only require the names, addresses, and birth dates of homeschool students. Any additional information is optional.
HSLDA staff contacted the district’s school board in Collier County and informed them of the errors in their form. The school board office indicated that they did not know exactly what the law required, but they wanted as much information from homeschool families as possible. HSLDA staff demanded that the district revise their form to accurately reflect Florida statutes, and to send HSLDA a copy of the revision. The school board office promised to do so.
If you live in Collier County, do not answer any optional information on their notice of intent form. The law only requires the names, addresses, and birth dates of your students.
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