Mr. McAlister,

As a homeschooling teacher I am, of course, intimately concerned with the state of my rights in this area. At present, Ohio is not horribly invasive re: HS, but many states are. I am curious as to how you stand generally and also in answer to the following specific questions.

Q. As a HSer, since I pay taxes, should I be permitted to use the local public schools for athletics and select classes?

A. Absolutely.

Q.. Should the current Ohio HS requirements continue or do you feel they ought to be revised? How?

A.. Even though states are "supposed" to be the ones who set HS requirements and not the Federal Government, the Feds are spending over $14 billion through the Dept of Education. I’m sure some of that money finds its way into the State Department of Education and maybe even helps to fund the salary of some State Department of Education bureaucrat who has input on HS requirements. Therefore, I think I am qualified to answer the question even though I’m running for federal office.

The state has no business telling parents what their children should be taught or how their children should be taught. Education is a parental responsibility.

The requirements should be based on what each parent wants for his or her child’s education, based on the child’s interests, ability and motivation.

Q. How?

A.. Unfortunately the state currently taxes people to pay for the monopoly of government run schools. Choice is the only answer. Until we can get the complete separation of school and state parents who want more for their children will be burdened with paying taxes for schools that don’t meet their children’s needs.

Douglas Dewey, president of the National Scholarship Center in Washington, D.C. has written an excellent article entitled How to Separate School and State: A Primer, The Freeman July/96. In it he outlines entrepreneurial efforts, educational efforts and political efforts for restoring the fundamental sovereignty of families in the education of their children

Q. Do you believe my children ought to be "tested" (i.e. standardized, grade specific tests) before they could re-enter the public school system.

A. Your chidden should be allowed to study any subject based on their ability. If they take a course and can’t "cut the mustard," it will soon be evident to the child, teacher and parent.

Q.. How do you feel about Ohio's public universities accepting HSers?

A.. Admission to any university should be based on ability, talent, desire and motivation.

Please know that these are phrased so as to trip you up if possible. I want your opinion, not your "what she wants to know" blather. You seem true to form and I do hope you are, but I ask you to accept and forgive my initial skepticism. I have, after all, grown up under the U.S. political system.

Thanks so much for your time and your interest in helping Ohio grow. I look forward to your reply.

Christy Bennington

Huber Heights, Ohio
friendsacademy@mciworld.com