Dupage Policy Journal

Angel Oakley, a former Winfield trustee, homeschool mother and children’s health advocate, is calling out State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Lombard) for her lack of responsiveness to concerns over the Illinois Homeschool Act (HB 2827) after she and other parents contacted her office about the bill but were met with limited engagement.

“We reached out to Terra Costa Howard’s office. She was only willing to meet with her constituents for a 20-minute Zoom at the end of March. This is unacceptable,” Oakley said. “The people of Illinois deserve better than to be dismissed in this way. Legislators should be listening to their constituents, not shutting them out when it matters most.”

Oakley, who has firsthand experience in public, private and higher education, argues that the proposed legislation imposes unnecessary burdens on parents and undermines their ability to provide alternative education for their children.

“As someone who once believed strongly in the benefits of academia, I am extremely disappointed in what has become of the public education system,” Oakley told the DuPage Policy Journal. “The current state of public education is failing our children, and this bill does nothing to address the root of the problem. Instead, it targets homeschooling families who are simply trying to provide a better educational experience for their children.”

HB 2827 aims to increase oversight on homeschooling families by imposing new regulations, including the requirement that homeschooled students submit a “Homeschool Declaration Form” to avoid truancy penalties. If homeschooled students wish to engage with public schools, the bill also mandates that certain health documentation be provided.

Critics, including Kirk Smith of Illinois Christian Home Educators, argue the bill infringes on parental rights and adds bureaucratic barriers, requiring state permission for homeschooling.

Oakley voiced particular concern over HB 2827’s reporting requirements and penalties for non-compliance. 

Under the bill, homeschool parents would be required to submit extensive documentation about their homeschooling programs, and failing to comply could result in criminal penalties. 

“HB2827, the Homeschool Act, is an affront to most homeschool parents. It has the potential for more unintended consequences than benefits to the citizens of Illinois,” Oakley said. “The bill imposes unduly burdensome reporting requirements. Penalties for non-compliance are excessive. One such penalty is a Class C Misdemeanor. In Illinois, this can result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500. It will also remain on someone's criminal record.”

Oakley’s frustration is rooted in the growing erosion of trust in the public education system in Illinois, which she believes has fueled a rising tide of families choosing homeschooling as an alternative. 

She emphasized that instead of addressing the real issues within the public school system, lawmakers are focusing on regaining control over a population that has lost faith in the Illinois Board of Education.

“The real problem is that Illinois parents are increasingly losing faith in the public education system, and this is evident by the significant drop in public school enrollment, which sparked the crafting of this bill,” Oakley said. “Instead of seeking to fix the failing Illinois Public Education System, the powers that be are doubling down to regain control of the growing population who wants nothing to do with the Illinois Board of Education. Trust is at an all-time low. Bills like this are the wrong way to go about rebuilding trust.”

Over 41,000 Illinois residents have filed witness slips opposing the bill, which is currently under consideration by the Illinois House of Representatives Education Policy Committee. 

Oakley was an independent candidate and came in third place in the 2024 Illinois' 3rd Congressional District election, behind U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL), the Democratic incumbent, and Republican challenger John Booras.