Resident urges Brunswick board to let homeschool students play for county teams

Nathan Strauderman, a Brunswick County resident and taxpayer, urged the Brunswick County Board of Education at its July 7 meeting to change district athletic policy so homeschooled and private-school students can participate in public-school sports.

"Our family gladly invest these resources because we believe in supporting local education," Strauderman told the board. He said his 13-year-old son, who is homeschooled, is barred from using athletic programs and facilities the family helps fund and asked the board to reduce a local three-course enrollment requirement that currently prevents such participation.

Strauderman said the exclusion is a local policy choice, not state law, and pointed to nearby New Hanover County Schools and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association as examples of systems using dual enrollment to allow homeschool athletes to play for zone schools. He also noted that many North Carolina districts manage access through dual enrollment.

Board members asked clarifying questions but did not take action on the request during the meeting. The board did not vote on any change to athletic eligibility; Strauderman closed by asking the board to "align with our neighboring districts" and "let all Brunswick County children play, grow, and succeed together."

The suggestion adds to an ongoing local policy conversation about how to balance enrollment rules, competitive integrity and access. Any formal policy change would require a future agenda item and board vote.