Kearney board tables revised dual-credit policy after homeschool parents object

The Kearney Public Schools Board of Education voted to table a revised policy on dual‑credit and part‑time enrollment after multiple homeschool parents said the draft conflicts with Nebraska statute and would restrict families' ability to enroll in more than two classes.

Homeschool parent Kelly Rasmussen told the board, “This year, I was told that homeschool students can no longer enroll in more than 2 classes at a time.” Rasmussen said she had contacted state Sen. Dave Merman, who replied that the statute’s intent was to set a minimum of five credit hours for students who participate in extracurricular activities and not to limit how many courses a part‑time student may take. Rasmussen quoted the senator’s email, saying, “This matches our intent when we pass the law.”

Board members heard similar testimony from Tana Donahue, Sarah Sailor, Beth Villepka and Ken Vilpa, who urged the board to delay adopting the revised policy and to align local rules with state law. Donahue said dual enrollment has been “a wonderful experience” for her child, and multiple speakers asked the board not to finalize the policy without removing maximum‑hours language they say contradicts Nebraska statute 79‑2‑136 and pending clarifying legislation, LB 497.

Board discussion focused on operational concerns raised by counselors and administrators. Administrators told the board counselors need clarity for student registration and testing logistics, in particular state testing and ACT reporting requirements that can be triggered if students are enrolled above certain credit thresholds. Board members described past practice as roughly “two classes” (about 20 credits) and said the revised policy under consideration would have set a 24‑credit limit to account for Bearkat Time and marching band participation.

After discussion, Board member Mr. Hazard moved to table the second and final reading of revised Board Policy 5.004 (dual‑credit enrollment); Miss Barth seconded. On a roll call vote the motion passed (Mr. Blessing voted no; Mrs. Malcolm, Mrs. Barth, Mrs. Deeds, Mr. Hazard and other members voted aye). The board directed that the policy be reviewed further at the committee of the whole meeting in April so counselors can provide enrollment and testing data before a final decision.

The policy as drafted would take effect for fall scheduling; board members and several speakers noted that, if the state legislature amends the statute (LB 497) before then, the district could revisit the policy in summer and change guidance before fall registration. Several callers said the number of affected part‑time students was small but asked the board to restore the prior practice that had no rigid maximum.

Next steps: the board will discuss the issue again in committee of the whole in April; counselors were asked to provide counts of current part‑time/homeschool students, how many would exceed the proposed credit limit, and how testing participation (ACT/state tests) has been handled for those students.