SB 232, characterized by GOP Bill Sponsor Steve West as an aspirational bill, establishes guidelines for part-time students. West told committee members part-time students would be subject to the same eligibility requirements and could participate in school sports. He said it’s aim is two-fold.
“More choice in the public system and the removal of any barriers for economically disadvantaged students that may be in the system,” said West.
West said school districts could charge tuition. He said still be worked out would be how many classes equate to part-time. Three school superintendents testified with concerns including that non-resident students might have more flexibility than current students.
Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker also said there are questions about class load and the potential for nefarious activity.
“Do they just enroll for one class and maybe that’s home room, maybe it’s study hall. There’s also some safety concerns that we didn’t have an opportunity to discuss. There’s worries that perhaps, you know, you have bad actors, again students that come in and use this as an opportunity to come into our schools to push narcotics,” said Parker.
Steve West, the chair of the Education Committee said he’s open to ideas to make the bill better. West said schools would not be required to accept part-time students with disciplinary issues. The legislation includes language to determine capacity for these new students. Parker with the Scott County school system noted there are concerns part-time students could take slots currently used by full-time enrollment. He added the pie is not getting any bigger.
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