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Local family asks Toms River board to reconsider ban on homeschooled athletes
Summary
A father and his homeschooled son asked the board to open discussion and create guidelines to allow homeschooled students to participate in high-school sports, arguing the son meets academic and training standards; board said it will take the request back for future discussion.
Daniel Ackerman, a Toms River resident, and his son Andrew addressed the board to request reconsideration of a district policy that prohibits homeschooled students from participating in high-school athletics (policy cited in the transcript as "24 31").
Daniel Ackerman told the board he wanted a discussion rather than a blanket policy reversal. His son, Andrew, 15, described his academic record (maintaining an A average at Ocean County College while enrolled in an online homeschool curriculum) and swim credentials, including YMCA and USA swim championships and records. "I want to swim in high school. I want to swim for High School North because it is a different experience than swimming for a club, and I know that I can contribute so much to the team," Andrew said.
The board responded that it would "take back" the request for future discussions with administration and that district officials would follow up. The Ackermans asked the board to consider establishing eligibility guidelines for homeschool athletes that would permit participation under demonstrable academic and programmatic standards.
Background: The transcript indicates neighboring districts allow homeschool athletes under some conditions and that New Jersey interscholastic rules provide a framework for local review. The board did not take immediate action at the meeting but acknowledged the request and promised further discussion.
