Kennett board adopts policy allowing home-educated students into co-curriculars

The Kennett Consolidated School District Board of School Directors on Nov. 11 adopted a new policy (137.2) to provide opportunities for home-educated students to participate in co-curricular activities and academic courses.

“ I would like to present to you this new policy, that will bring us in line with some, a new law that, does require us as a district to provide opportunities for home education students and co curricular activities and academic courses,” said Miss Marcella, who presented the policy on behalf of administration. Board members discussed how the section complements existing policy 137.1 rather than replacing it.

Board discussion centered on how the policy differs from prior practice, particularly where activities were previously offered as graded courses. One board member reminded colleagues that the district historically restricted participation when an activity carried a graded, credit-bearing component; the change in state law widens access, the administration said.

A member asked how the district will notify parents about the new policy. “Any new policies go on our website… they are part of the BoardDocs,” Miss Marcella said; the administration said there has not been a routine targeted parent alert for this kind of community-wide change and the district would need to consider outreach to families outside the current student population.

The board approved the policy by voice vote. Administrators said the committee will continue follow-up work and that implementation details will be addressed through administrative processes and outreach.