OLR Bill Analysis
AN ACT CONCERNING THE WITHDRAWAL OF A CHILD FROM ENROLLMENT IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL.
The law generally requires parents to enroll their children in public school unless they are receiving equivalent instruction elsewhere. This bill creates a uniform procedure for parents to notify their local public schools when their children are being home schooled. They must provide a written notice stating that they, or someone else who has control of the child, intend to provide equivalent instruction pursuant to existing state law. They must sign the document and send it certified mail, return receipt requested, to either:
1. the principal of the public school the child is attending;
2. if the child is not enrolled, the principal of the school the student would attend based on residency; or
3. the superintendent of schools for the local or regional district in which the appropriate school is located.
The bill directs principals and superintendents and the local or regional boards of education that employ them to immediately accept the notice as evidence that the child is receiving equivalent instruction.
Parents and others having control of the child must comply with the bill's notice requirements each time they move into a different school district.
The bill does not change existing in-person notification requirements when parents who do not intend to provide equivalent instruction (1) consent to the withdrawal of a 16- or 17-year old or (2) opt not to enroll their child until he or she reaches age seven.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2008
COMMITTEE ACTION
Select Committee on Children
Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference
Yea |
9 |
Nay |
0 |
(02/28/2008) |
Education Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea |
27 |
Nay |
1 |
(03/18/2008) |