While I agree with you in principle, the fact is that the parents are paying taxes to support the public school, which they should be able to opt out of when they choose to homeschool their kids. Unfortunately, the almighty government trumps the people it is supposed to serve...again. As long as the parents are supporting the virtually worthless public education system, they are entitled to avail themselves of some benefit from it should they choose to do so.
You say, ,"As long as the parents are supporting the virtually worthless public education system, they are entitled to avail themselves of some benefit from it should they choose to do so."
Sorry - I don't see the public education system as worthless. If you don't like it, don't use it but don't turn around and insist on walking in at will and demanding to hand-pick which parts you like. If every parent had this attitude, there would be nothing to debate about because the band wouldn't be there. If home-schoolers want to form their own band and exclude public school students, go for it but stop complaining that the "useless public school system" won't let you use IT.