“But she’s a homeschooler!!!” Which is exactly why I am needed on the board!

Most people don’t realize that school boards also affect homeschoolers.  It is the school board that sets local policy for homeschoolers.  For reference, look at Loudoun County.  Their school board attempted to change homeschool policy to EXCEED what state law allows.

Homeschooling doesn’t mean no involvement in the public school system—there are yearly requirements to be met.  Every year, homeschoolers must submit their “notice of intent” to the superintendent and at the end of the year submit their “proof of progress” for approval.  If you wish to file for a religious exemption for compulsory attendance, it is the school board that votes to approve or deny this request.  Homeschoolers in Warren County are also allowed to select certain classes to take at the public schools.  Homeschoolers are affected by the school board in many ways, so why shouldn’t we be able to hold a seat on the board?

Warren County, pre-covid, had one of the highest numbers of homeschoolers in the state.  As of the 2020 census, Warren County had roughly 23% of students opting out of their free public education, for schooling options such as homeschooling, private schooling, or co-ops.  (And no, students doing virtual schooling do NOT count in that number—those students are still counted as attending public school.)  With almost a quarter of our local population choosing alternative schooling methods, don’t we deserve representation on the board that governs us?  We still pay taxes into the system, so without a single homeschooler on the board (until I was appointed) I am reminded of the quote,  “No taxation without representation”.

It is a common misconception that you must have a child in the public school system to sit on the school board.  Our school board did NOT have a public schooling parent on the board until this school year when Dr. Pence’s child started kindergarten.  I was appointed to this board because of the skill set I possess.

Melanie Salins
Front Royal, VA