Lake County Gazette

Mel Gurel, vice chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, said that the stalled Homeschool Act has ignited a grassroots movement encouraging liberty-minded Illinoisans to remain civically engaged.  

"The Homeschool Act may be on hold, but the liberal agenda behind it is still alive and well," Gurel told Lake County Gazette. "Homeschool families have shown how a focused, values-driven community can shake Springfield. This isn't just about education—it's about drawing the line. Let this serve as proof that principled defiance can win battles, even in deep-blue states."

According to Capitol News Illinois, HB 2827 missed a procedural deadline. However, the bill's sponsor Representative Terra Costa Howard indicated that it will remain active as she considers lawmakers' suggestions. 

The proposed measure would require parents to file a declaration of intent and allow officials to request lesson plans during truancy investigations. It has faced significant opposition, particularly from Christian homeschooling groups. Critics have expressed concerns about government overreach and potential harm to families who choose to leave underperforming public schools. Costa Howard has requested an extension for the bill.

The Homeschool Act proposes creating a "Homeschool Declaration Form" for homeschool administrators to submit information indicating a child's enrollment in a homeschool program. The act stipulates that students enrolled in such programs without notifying the public school or district with this form would be considered truant, with penalties applying. It also outlines requirements for homeschool administrators and programs, along with reporting obligations.

The National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) reported that homeschooled students score 15–25 percentile points higher on standardized tests than their public school counterparts, with 78% of studies favoring homeschoolers academically over traditional schoolers. According to NHERI, homeschooled students' success is not significantly related to parental education level or home income. These students also perform above average on the SAT and ACT, leading to increased college recruitment.

Melanie (Mel) Gurel has resided in Buffalo Grove for eight years. According to the Vernon Township Republican Organization's website, her involvement in local politics began in 2020 following the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns. She helped organize a rally at Stevenson High School and later joined the VTRO. Gurel also serves as co-chair of the Awake Illinois Vernon/Ela Townships chapter and is an appointed precinct committeeman for Vernon 288.