Brett Shepherd addressed the Hardin County Board of Education to request an exception to district eligibility policy that would let his homeschooled son, Gunnar, finish the current Central Hardin Middle School wrestling season.

Shepherd said Gunnar previously competed with the team through a private club affiliated with the school and high school program; about a month into the season, Central Hardin officials told Shepherd the student was ineligible because he is homeschooled. He asked the board to use its discretion to grant an exception for the remainder of the season and requested a decision by early January.

Shepherd described his family as active duty military and said Gunnar had developed strong relationships with teammates and coaches while participating in the private club; he said the family had supported the club through fundraising and tournament participation. Shepherd said the couple will move in June and that, if an exception were granted, it would affect only the remainder of this season.

Shepherd acknowledged the board’s discretion on eligibility and noted that state law does not grant a universal right for homeschooled students to participate in public school athletics (he observed that 20 states allow such rights). He asked the board to consider the family’s circumstances and to review a written letter his wife prepared. Board members said they would review the materials and take the request under advisement for a response by the new year.

No formal vote or decision occurred during the meeting; board staff said they would examine the facts and follow up.