First homeschooling policy requires proof of a child's age and bars district diplomas

What happened

On June 25, 2026 the committee passed the first reading of policy I-18, its first written home instruction policy, on a 5-2 vote with Andrew Bacon and Jason Dean opposed; it was adopted on the same margin on July 16. The policy requires families to show a birth certificate or other legal document proving a student's age, lists required subjects, limits homeschooled students' participation to academics, interscholastic athletics and clubs, and states that homeschooled students are not awarded district diplomas and do not take part in graduation events. A homeschooling advocate told the public hearing the age requirement has no basis in state law and that the committee lacks authority to add it.

Why it matters to families

Cumberland approves home instruction requests at nearly every meeting, so this policy sets the terms for a group of families that until now dealt with the district case by case. It decides what paperwork they must produce each year and which school activities their children may join.

The evidence

The approved June 25, 2026 minutes record the first reading passing 5-2 with Bacon and Dean opposed, the public comment from Jen Curry of East Greenwich objecting to the birth certificate requirement, and the attorney's explanation that a birth certificate or other legal document is required once. The June 16, 2026 policy subcommittee minutes record the amendments on required courses, participation and diplomas.

The source