DATE: March 4, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
PHONE: 954-357-8053
EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org

Broward County Vice-Mayor Ken Keechl greeted home schooled children with a proclamation that named the week of February 22-February 28 as "Home Education Week" in Broward County.

The students and their parents were visiting the Broward County Main Library to learn about programs, materials and services that county libraries offer to compliment a homeschooled education.

"I'm here today to stress the importance of a good education," Vice-Mayor Keechl told the children. "Set your sights high, learn all that you can and recognize the importance of family support and encouragement."

Home education was established by the Legislature as a school choice option in 1985. In Broward County approximately 3,000 children are educated by their parents at home.

The state of Florida allows homeschooled children to participate in and benefit from scholarship programs, college courses, Florida High School Athletic Association and Florida State Music Association extra-curricular activities.