HB 429 -- Another Parental Rights Bill in the Senate

This bill, HB 429, allows a parent to withdraw their 16-18 year old from a school if his feel it’s not in his child’s best interests to continue attending.

This would level playing field for parents.  The current system of alternative learning programs requires administrative approval, which is not always easy to obtain even when there is no cost to the district.

With this bill parents could negotiate with their districts from a position of strength. That alone might encourage more cooperation and reduce the need to withdraw students.

If the state continues taking more power and independence from parents, it may end up with docile subjects, but not citizens. 

Citizens are individuals who actively take part in their government.  Stripping parents of their constitutional right to direct the education of their children undermines the long term interests of the state.  In protecting children from a potential harm that some parents might pose, the state has destroyed parental participation.

Parents are practical.  If they see no way to control the education of their children, many become disinterested and no longer play an active role. That’s self-defense and the natural result of excessive state intervention.

On the other hand, some parents are not so easy to put off.  They are finding their own solutions.  Many parents  have removed their children from public schools over the last 30 years.  They’re part of that grassroots movement called homeschooling, which is a direct response to the loss of local control within our schools. 

Our local control has been exchanged for federal dollars and federal programs, which cost taxpayers far more money in the long run.  Adding middlemen to education undermines its flexibility, efficiency and cost.  Looks at the results of homeschoolers is there is any doubt about downsizing and efficiency.

This bill provides a level playing field for parents in one small aspect of public education. While the State may have an interest in the education of its citizens, the rights of responsible  parent command priority.

Restoring parental control allows parents to negotiate with school administrators as equals, which will encourage interaction and cooperation.

Please ask your state Senator to stand on principle and vote HB 429 Ought to Pass.