Eastern Pulaski board updates virtual-class eligibility for valedictorian, aligns athletic eligibility with homeschool rules

The Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation board approved a revision to the district’s virtual-classes proposal that alters eligibility for valedictorian and salutatorian honors.

Under the update agreed to by the board, a student must attend five of seven semesters in person to be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian (previously four of seven). Staff said this change affects only those honors criteria; all other aspects of the virtual-class proposal remain unchanged.

Board members discussed athletic eligibility for students in virtual programs, and staff said the district will treat virtual students the same way it treats homeschool students for sports eligibility: at the high-school level that means attending at least one class in person to be eligible for athletics, consistent with Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) rules. The middle-school requirement for athletics was described as two in-person classes per the district’s current homeschool practice.

Board members noted that other schools offering virtual options have reported enrollment impacts: staff said 11 students were reported at surrounding schools taking advantage of similar offerings and that six of those students were from a neighboring program (described in the transcript as "Pioneer"). The transcript indicates the data were reported by other schools and not necessarily all Eastern Pulaski students.

A motion to approve the virtual-classes update was made and approved by voice vote. The board did not adopt new athletic bylaws; staff said they would continue to apply the district’s existing homeschool/athletics policies consistent with IHSAA guidance.

The transcript does not contain final policy language as published in board policy documents; the motion approved the presented update and the board instructed staff to implement the change as discussed.