Midland Independent School District (ISD) has released a statement in response to a press release from the Texas Homeschool Coalition (THSC). The THSC's release claims that a Midland mother is facing potential jail time for homeschooling her child, an accusation which the district denies.
According to a news release from Midland ISD, the district is not involved in any efforts to prosecute a parent who has chosen to withdraw her child from school. The district contends that this narrative is merely a "fundraising campaign by the Texas Homeschool Coalition" and views it as an issue of truancy. Furthermore, Midland ISD states that it respects the various educational pathways available to families.
The THSC asserts that the issue arose when Veronica Rodriguez withdrew her son Joseph from the district on March 18. The coalition's release mentions that Rodriguez had contacted the school regarding this matter but does not specify whether this contact was made in writing, as per Midland ISD policy. Six weeks after initiating homeschooling for her son, Rodriguez received a court summons charging her with truancy due to alleged unexcused absences from public school. The THSC maintains that parents are not required to "make personal appearances to withdraw their children" and emphasizes that "by joining THSC, families gain access to invaluable legal support and advocacy."