Proposal would let nonaccredited private school students join activities

A nonpublic school may let eligible students take part in activities regulated by the state activities association. This applies to Kansas residents enrolled in and attending a nonaccredited private elementary or secondary school. The student must meet the association’s applicable age and eligibility rules, pay fees generally required of participants, and be allowed to participate by the school’s governing body. The governing body decides whether the student meets academic eligibility rules and may apply the same course, tryout, and other participation requirements imposed on other students.

The school’s governing body and the activities association may not discriminate against a qualifying student because of enrollment status. This applies to students who meet the section’s requirements to participate in the covered activities. A participating student has the same rights and responsibilities as other participants, except where this section provides otherwise.

Braced text in the proposal would pause interscholastic contests, activities, and related practices during specified periods. The marked provision covers interscholastic contests, activities, and practices. The braced text also bars staff from being present for those activities or practices, whether they take place on or off school grounds. The listed periods are every Sunday; five consecutive days including December 25; four days from 6 p.m. the Thursday before Easter through 11:59 p.m. Easter Sunday; seven days including July 4; and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. from September 1 through April 30 each year.