Oregon School District Sued Over Denied Curriculum Reimbursement

A former Marine and mother of five has taken legal action against an Oregon school district. She claims her request for curriculum reimbursement was unfairly denied due to the religious nature of the materials.

The Situation

Tessa Bulzan, who left a lucrative career after a disagreement with her children’s school over moral and biblical principles, joined the Hillsboro School District’s homeschool program in July 2025. Initially, her Christian-based curriculum was approved. However, the district later refused reimbursement.

“There was an incident where a teacher said something against our moral and biblical beliefs. After much consideration, my husband and I decided I should leave my job to homeschool our children,” said Bulzan.

Bulzan noted how the program seemed a blessing, as homeschooling costs were high and her husband’s income from his new job was under $50,000. The family was relieved to learn that their curriculum choices, like Abeka and Classical Conversations, satisfied the district’s academic standards.

The Reimbursement Issue

In January, Bulzan sought reimbursement for the curriculum costs. Her request was denied, based on the curriculum’s Christian worldview.

The family had hoped to use the reimbursement for extracurricular activities. Bulzan questioned the academic rigor of her denied materials, including a cursive handwriting book essential for her dyslexic daughter. An administrator admitted no comparable alternative met the same academic level but still refused funding due to the curriculum’s religious perspective.

“It was pure discrimination,” stated Bulzan. “Initially, I was told that our curriculum not only met but exceeded the school board and Oregon state standards.”

Bulzan discovered her materials were being rejected while secular, even spiritually oriented content received approval. One approved book, which she disapproved of, involved belief in water spirits.

Legal Action

Attorneys from the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) have filed a federal lawsuit against the Hillsboro School District.

“This is a straightforward case of religious discrimination,” ADF attorney Kate Anderson stated. “The Supreme Court has consistently ruled against such exclusionary practices in publicly funded programs.”

The lawsuit seeks equitable treatment for religious and secular families alike under constitutional guidelines. The Hillsboro School District has declined to comment, citing pending litigation.