David Thompson, 14, stands on the Walker Valley High School football field in Cleveland, Tenn. David, who is home-schooled, has been denied permission to play football with Walker Valley Schools. Last December the TSSAA ruled that home-schooled children are allowed to play in public school athletics.CLEVELAND, Tenn.-The Bradley County school board decided Thursday to not change its policy that prevents home-schooled students from trying out for the county’s public school athletic teams.
Board member Vicki Beaty made the motion that the board change its policy and allow independent home-schooled students who are registered with the county school system and meet Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association requirements to play in county secondary school athletics.
Beaty’s motion was that the change be for one year. Then, she said, the board could evaluate whether to reject or keep the policy change.
The change would have affected only independent home-schooled students and would not have applied to those affiliated with home-school associations.
The motion, seconded by David Kelley and supported by Charlie Rose, failed on a 4-3 vote.