Levy board votes to advertise new policy on home-educated and virtual students’ extracurricular participation

The Levy County School Board voted to permit advertisement of a draft board policy (4.44) that codifies district procedures for home-educated and virtual-school students seeking to participate in extracurricular activities and interscholastic athletics.

District staff reported the proposed policy incorporates provisions from House Bill 443 and revisions to Florida Statutes Section 1006.15. The presenter said the district has for years complied with those requirements within existing extracurricular policy embedded in the student code of conduct, but staff recommended bringing the rules "front and center" in a standalone board policy.

Board members discussed the mechanics of participation and how the policy interacts with Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) rules and the district’s open-enrollment processes. A board member asked whether a student could apply to play at any Levy County high school; staff replied that students may apply to any high school and that if a student’s home school offers the activity, rules limit participation at other schools. Staff clarified that the draft policy reflects existing practice and FHSAA controls.

After discussion the board moved and seconded a motion to advertise the policy for public review and to return the draft for formal consideration at the board’s next scheduled meeting, with final approval expected at the first meeting in December if no changes are requested. The chair announced the motion carried by voice vote.

The board did not record roll-call vote tallies in the transcript. No additional amendments or conditions to the advertisement motion were recorded.