PRIEST RIVER — At Wednesday’s board meeting, West Bonner County School District approved a homeschool assistance partnership with a K-8 Idaho-based program.  

Kristina Kenny and Priest River Elementary Principal Lynn Parker presented the details of the proposed partnership, highlighting the benefits of West Bonner Home Learning Network working with Overture. 

Home Learning Network serves as the district’s support system for its homeschooling community. The network aims to allow homeschooling families the ability to shape their child’s education through the support of credentialed teachers.  

“All students are inspired to grow academically, socially and personally — while honoring the unique values, routines and freedoms of home-based learning through strong partnerships,” officials said in the network’s vision statement.   

Overture is a K-8 education program that works with school districts to provide “support, curriculum and resources to homeschooling families.” Partnering with the company, said Kenny , will allow the district to best implement the Home Learning Network and allow parents support and control. 

“Overture prioritizes partnership with families through a mindset of ‘inspire, not require,’” said Overture officials.  

As part of its program, Overture will assign each homeschooling family a mentor teacher and offer virtual, weekly check-ins. The assigned mentor is available to help create a plan of action for the family and will help organize field trips and activities.  

“The great thing about Overture is if a parent needs guidance and help or needs advice on direction of which curriculum to choose, Overture and our teachers will be there to support them, but parents will have that right to ultimately choose their curriculum,” said Kenny.  

Enrolled families with children in grades first through eighth will be eligible to receive reimbursements of $1,700 for curriculum, internet, activities, field trips, classes, academic tutoring, lessons and technology purchases. Students in kindergarten will be eligible for a $750 reimbursement.  

The cost per student for the program is $2,500 and is expected to be absorbed by the district. Students are enrolled through the district under the Self-Directed Learner Policy 2470. For the program to go into effect, a minimum of 50 students will need to be enrolled. Registration will open in May.   

Parents who are interested in the program are requested to complete a survey to help gauge community interest. The survey can be found here: forms.gle/2XmgKXQ91E13NtVo6.  Additional information on the program can be found here: sd83.org/home_learning_network.