Lancaster County, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Two families in Lancaster County have initiated a lawsuit against the Eastern Lancaster County School District, alleging unlawful demands for proof of high school graduation from homeschooling parents. The district’s actions, including home visits by personnel, are claimed to be in violation of Pennsylvania homeschooling laws. The lawsuit highlights a potential overreach of the district’s authority and calls into question their policies on homeschooling applications.
LANCASTER COUNTY – Two families in Lancaster County have filed a lawsuit against the Eastern Lancaster County School District, claiming that the district unlawfully threatened them with criminal prosecution unless they produced proof of high school graduation. This legal action arises amid allegations that the school district demanded homeschooling parents to provide a diploma or proof of passing the GED exam, which goes against Pennsylvania homeschooling laws.
The families involved in the lawsuit are Caitlynn and Michael Brennan, and Joseph and Joyelle Stoltzfus. Their claim states that the district’s actions constitute harassment, including visits to their homes by school district personnel, specifically a school social worker. The lawsuit names the school district’s social worker, superintendent Michael Snopkowski, and assistant superintendent as defendants.
Pennsylvania law does not necessitate that homeschooling parents provide proof of their own high school graduation. Instead, the Pennsylvania School Code only mandates a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration confirming high school graduation. The Eastern Lancaster County School District serves approximately 650 students from around 300 homeschooling families and had previously not received complaints regarding its diploma requests.
In the summer, Caitlynn Brennan and Joseph Stoltzfus submitted applications to homeschool their children. On September 4, Caitlynn Brennan received a voicemail from the school district demanding her high school diploma, which implied that district personnel would visit her home. On September 11, two district employees came to Brennan’s home insisting on proof of her diploma. Meanwhile, the Stoltzfus family reported that they had not received any certified letters regarding issues with their homeschooling application.
In response to these complaints, Superintendent Snopkowski has acknowledged that district procedures may need to align more closely with state law following public feedback at a recent school board meeting. The district is currently in discussions with the Home School Legal Defense Association regarding the lawsuit, with an attorney from the organization stating that the district is overstepping its authority.
The lawsuit indicates a significant tension between the Eastern Lancaster County School District’s policies and state homeschooling regulations, with parents asserting their rights under the law. It raises important questions about the responsibilities of school districts in handling homeschooling applications and the boundaries of their authority.
Next Steps for the Families and District
The outcome of this lawsuit could have implications for how the Eastern Lancaster County School District approaches homeschooling applications in the future. The families are seeking to uphold their rights as homeschooling parents while ensuring that the district operates within the framework of Pennsylvania law.
Understanding Homeschooling Laws in Pennsylvania
For homeschooling parents in Pennsylvania, it is crucial to understand the legal requirements, which do not necessitate providing a graduated high school diploma as previously demanded by the Eastern Lancaster County School District. Continuous discussions and potential legislative reviews may lead to greater clarity for families navigating the educational landscape.
Key Information
- Families suing: Caitlynn and Michael Brennan, Joseph and Joyelle Stoltzfus
- Claims: District threatened criminal prosecution for diploma proof
- Pennsylvania law: Does not require diplomas from homeschooling parents
- District personnel: Insisted on diploma proof during home visits
- Lawsuit defendants: District’s social worker, superintendent, and assistant superintendent
- District serves: About 650 students from 300 homeschooling families
Upcoming Changes and Adjustments
The Eastern Lancaster County School District may consider revising their current policies based on the outcomes of the lawsuit and the legal opinions presented by home education advocates. Aligning their practices more closely with Pennsylvania law will be essential in addressing the concerns raised by the affected families.
FAQ Section
What are the main claims of the families suing the Eastern Lancaster County School District?
The families claim that the district unlawfully threatened them with criminal prosecution unless they provided proof of high school graduation, which Pennsylvania law does not require.
What does Pennsylvania law say about homeschooling parents needing diplomas?
Pennsylvania law requires a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration confirming high school graduation, not a diploma.
How many students does the Eastern Lancaster County School District serve?
The district serves about 650 students from 300 homeschooling families.
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Additional Resources
- WGAL: Lancaster County Families File Lawsuit Against School District
- Wikipedia: Homeschooling in the United States
- Lancaster Online: Homeschool Parents Sue ELANCO
- Google Search: homeschooling laws Pennsylvania
- Lancaster Online: ELANCO School Board Meeting Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homeschooling
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