In your first linked article it appears that MB's mother never filed the paperwork for homeschooling her daughter. I bet there are no home school books or supplies at the house.
When deputies first responded to the little girl's home this week, Melodee and her mom, Ashlee Buzzard, weren't there, and “no clear explanation was provided" for where Melodee was, the sheriff’s office said.
Then, on Wednesday night, deputies returned to the home and Ashlee Buzzard was there, but Melodee was not, Zick said. Zick did not disclose what Ashlee Buzzard told investigators.
No one else lives at the house, Zick said, noting that Melodee's father is deceased. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the home on Wednesday night, Zick said.
Missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard was seen 2 months ago, investigators say
California authorities trying to track down a missing 9-year-old girl now say she was last spotted in August 2025.abcnews.go.com
Although the sheriff's office said Melodee is homeschooled, a California Department of Education spokesperson said there’s no record of Ashlee Buzzard filing an annual private school affidavit, which is a requirement for homeschooling.
“Per state law, the CDE does not assess or physically inspect private or homeschools,” the spokesperson said. “Filing an annual affidavit is the only thing that is required.”
'We really need some help': 9-year-old girl hasn't been seen in at least 1 year
A school official reported Melodee's "prolonged absence" this week.uk.news.yahoo.com
Yes, ala - Lori Vallow
"No one else lives at the house, [sheriff's office spokesperson] Zick said, noting that Melodee's father is deceased."
Missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard was seen 2 months ago, investigators say
California authorities trying to track down a missing 9-year-old girl now say she was last spotted in August 2025.
SMH. Indeed, this seems odd to me.
Just plain odd.
Every state is different, but don't the public schools in CA require the homeschoolers to have to have enrollment records and marked absent if they're not doing their home classes ?
Rbm.Schooling at Home - Private Schools and Schooling at Home (CA Dept of Education)
Information on schooling at home, including available options for schooling at home, laws and requirements, frequently asked questions, and other resources.www.cde.ca.gov
Maybe the school administrator was following up because the correct forms were not submitted.
"Parents are not required to report to their school district. However, public school districts are required to verify a child’s exemption from compulsory education by verifying that the private school affidavit filing requirements have been met.".
Indeed it does...
