Attendance Officer Charlie Brown admits that he knew this. Mr. Brown has, however, agreed to dismiss the charges on October 16, 2000. Knowing the school setting aggravated her daughter's disorder, Mrs. Pollard then gave formal notice to the school district that she would home school Melanie. When Melanie, who is now in college, did not return to classes, school officials contacted authorities, leading to several court appearances before the case was resolved, the complaint said. Homebound instruction differs from home schooling in that it allows the student to remain a part of the school system and continue studies at home, following state regulations for public education.
Home schooling allows parents to teach their children, independent of their local school system.
Her civil rights have been violated and the mother is also concerned about other abuses of home-schoolers in the community. The complaint names former Goochland County Superintendent of Schools Warren Stewart, members of the school board and school system employee Glenda Leabough, who swore a petition against Melanie in the county's Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court days after Mrs. Pollard gave notice to home school. Mr. Stewart, a Democratic candidate for Congress from Virginia's 7 th District, did not return a call to his campaign office for comment. Harold Cothern also did not return a call for comment. Mr. Gordon said the Pollards are not the first home-school family to run afoul of Goochland County authorities.