Kansas Senate bill allows virtual, homeschool students to join public school activities

The Conference Committee on Education in Kansas convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 114, which aims to expand participation in public school activities for non-public and virtual school students. The bill proposes that these students be allowed to engage in ancillary activities, such as pep rallies, award ceremonies, and yearbook functions.

The Senate version of the bill specifically lists these activities, while the House version broadens the definition to include any district-sponsored events or programs directly related to the primary activity. Additionally, the House version introduces a provision stating that students who withdraw from public school will not be eligible to participate in these activities for a period of nine weeks unless they were already eligible before their withdrawal.

A key point of discussion was the eligibility of students who transfer between schools within the same district. Committee members sought clarification on whether a student who withdraws from one school and enrolls in another within the district would face the same nine-week waiting period. It was confirmed that the bill primarily targets students who have never been public school students or who have withdrawn to attend private or virtual schools.

The committee expressed concerns about ensuring consistent standards for all students, regardless of their educational path. There was a consensus on the need for clearer language in the bill to avoid discrepancies in eligibility based on the type of school a student transfers to.

The discussions highlighted the committee's intent to close loopholes that may allow students to withdraw from public schools under less than ideal circumstances, such as failing grades, and then participate in district activities without a waiting period. The committee plans to refine the language of the bill to ensure it aligns with their objectives and maintains fairness across different student situations.

As the committee moves forward, the implications of this bill could significantly affect how students in Kansas engage with public school activities, promoting inclusivity while also addressing concerns about educational integrity.