Letters from Our Readers

After doing some more research, I have decided that Fayette County is the wrong venue to change an unfair state educational rule. I will vigorously fight current policy that prohibits home schoolers from participating with local schools in competitive activities, but will do it at the state level.

While speaking with a woman at the state superintendent's office, though, I learned that all non-competitive activities within the schools are strictly discretional. It is up to the individual district. That means that all clubs, bands, etc., could be opened to home study students. No laws or rules prohibit Fayette students being taught at home from being a part of these activities.

That puts the issue totally in the hands of the Fayette County Board of Education. [The] tired old dialog that [the board] has no way to determine whether our children are meeting particular educational standards is getting old We are testing our children at least every three years as required. [The board's] "do nothing" attitude is depriving tax payers of services they are paying for and children from educational opportunities they are entitled to utilize.

[In his letter last week, board of education member] Dr. Bob Todd thinks that I should not be allowed to "have my cake and eat it, too!" I disagree. Since I am paying for both cakes, I am entitled to do just that.

It is time to put up or shut up. I don't think you want home-educated children participating, Dr. Todd, and you won't want to express your negative opinion in writing so I suspect you won't be responding to this letter.

School board members are elected to oversee and encourage the education of all the children in Fayette County. If this is not your agenda, you and any other like-minded board members should resign immediately.

Bill Webster
Peachtree City