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Audit: most Kansas school districts adopt policies to let virtual and nonpublic students participate in CASHA activities
Summary
An audit found CASHA policy complies with state law, 19 of 20 reviewed districts adopted written policies aligned with statute, and applications for participation increased from about 600 to more than 1,500; auditors recommended districts update ancillary materials and some districts agreed to do so.
Legislative Post Audit reported that the Kansas State High School Activities Association (CASHA) policy for 2025–26 aligns with state law and that most school districts have implemented written policies allowing virtual and nonpublic students to participate in CASHA‑regulated activities.
Andy Brenzo, the presenting auditor, said LPA reviewed CASHA policy and a non‑projectable sample of 20 districts representing diverse geographies and sizes. LPA found CASHA's policy mirrors statutory eligibility requirements — residence in the district/attendance area, satisfactory academic and behavioral standing, payment of required fees and participation in tryouts — and concluded CASHA's guidance complies with the law.
Key findings: 19 of the 20 districts reviewed adopted written policies consistent with statute (one district said it followed the requirements but had not adopted a written policy). Applications for participation rose from roughly 600 in school year 2023–24 to more than 1,500 in 2025–26 as of data collection; about 88% of applications were approved and roughly 7% denied, with academic shortfalls the most common reason for denial.
Non‑CASHA activities (for example Future Farmers of America, school dances, trips) are discretionary; state law does not require districts to permit virtual and nonpublic students to participate in non‑CASHA activities. LPA found that 16 of 20 districts said they generally allow participation in such activities, while 4 said they generally do not.
Residency verification and affidavits: auditors reported that districts use varied methods to verify residency — utility bills in some places and local knowledge in small towns — and that state law permits a homeschool academic progress affidavit but does not prescribe its content; LPA did not review affidavit templates in detail. Several districts agreed to update ancillary documents (student handbooks and websites) to align with written policies.
Committee reaction and next steps: Members asked whether the affidavit requires specific courses; auditors said CASHA reviews applications and determines whether submitted transcripts or affidavits meet eligibility. LPA recommended that districts update ancillary documentation to match written policies; districts agreed to implement those recommendations.
