Senate panel approves amendment to let private and microschool students join public-school activities, with funding to follow

A Senate committee approved an amendment that would allow students enrolled in private micro schools or similar small programs to participate in extracurricular activities at their resident public schools, with a portion of state foundation funding following the student to the public district.

The amendment, introduced by State Senator Tyler Deese, clarifies “and adds the funding stream that would follow the student, to the public school,” Deese told the Education Committee. He said the amendment adds “the 1/6 foundational funding, that would follow to the resident school district.”

The change was adopted by voice vote after committee members asked how it would affect district budgets and which entities would bear costs such as transportation.

Why it matters: Committee members said the amendment seeks to address a narrow, growing problem they described as arising after new rules changed how some homeschool and microschool students participate in activities. Under current Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) rules, Deese said, students enrolled in some newly accredited…