The entrance to the offices of the Hamilton County Department of Education is seen in this photo taken on April 7, 2009.

Hamilton County Schools will let home-schooled students play ball beginning with the winter sports season, provided the students register with the school system.

The Board of Education approved on Thursday evening letting home-school students participate in public school athletics after previously turning down the same issue.

In July, the school board voted 6-2 against letting in home-schoolers, after a poll of principals showed little support for the issue. But administrators have changed their minds and their recommendation.

Board members voted 7-1 Thursday, with Everett Fairchild casting the only dissenting vote. Board member Chip Baker was absent.

Read tomorrow's Times Free Press for full details.