Hamilton schools allow home-school athletes registered with system

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.