Not a right, but a privilege
By Tracy and John Romey

Mr. Watts wrote a guest editorial in the Hot Springs Star of May 20, which prompts me to comment on some issues he raised. In particular, he was disgruntled with the Hot Springs School Board policy which requires students who wish to participate in school sports to take a class. He is unhappy with this because his daughter wants to play golf although she isn’t in the community for nine out of twelve months. I would like to shed a little light on our experience in the home-schooling/school-sport endeavor.

Approximately six to seven years ago, my children, ages 9, 10, and 12, made several trips to Pierre. There they learned to lobby senators and representatives regarding the Home School bill which was to be voted on. They walked the halls of the Capitol, mustered up a lot of courage and approached these dignitaries with their plea to “give them a chance.” My kids were questioned hard by these folks, asking them why they thought they should be allowed, and would this open doors to cause bigger problems for the schools. My young kids went home and anxiously searched the newspapers for results of the home school bill vote.

When this bill passed for the first time in South Dakota history, it was passed with the stipulation that home school students could participate in high school sports if the local school boards voted in such a manner. It was my understanding at the time that most West River School Boards voted “Yes,” and most East River Schools voted “No.”

Our family appreciates our Hot Springs School Board. We arc so glad they gave us a chance. Thank you for being willing to give this a try. We have made it a point not to be contentious, and to be in full compliance with what is requested of us. Why?

Because we understand that this is a privilege, not a right. It can be revoked at any time. We didn’t want to ruin it for ourselves, or other home schoolers who may follow. When we made the decision to home school, we took the responsibility for our children’s education. We realized there were privileges they would be denied because of this choice. Mr. Watts made the statement that he didn’t feel it is right to hold these programs ransom for financial gain. Well, welcome to the real world. Every member on that school board had the best interests of its students in mind. Funds have to be raised. It is no secret our schools are hurting for monies. If anyone says it isn’t about the money, it’s about the money. Decisions must be made. We teach our children to make decisions and cope with the adversities that come with those decisions. Some of our adversities include a forty-five minute drive one way to attend one class. Are we thrilled? No! But it’s part of the deal. We lobbied for this opportunity.

Concerning Mr. Watts’ statement about perceived animosity from the school district, we can testify that we have been treated graciously and fairly. Like any relationship, sometimes a little try goes a long way. My philosophy: go grab that Dale Carnegie book on ‘How to Win Friend and Influence People,’ hone my social skills, do something positive. Its good teaching.

Tracy and John Romey