Chairman Erickson opened the hearing on SB 515.

Tamera Lawrence, Assistant Revisor, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, gave an overview of the bill. (Attachment 20)

Proponent:

Dr. Kimberlee Gill, Superintendent, Maranatha Christian Academy, said this legislation recognizes the diverse educational paths that Kansas Families choose and allows students from smaller or independent educational settings to access valuable extracurricular opportunities within the broader nonpublic school community which promotes collaboration, strengthens educational communities, and expands opportunities for young people across Kansas. (Attachment 21)

Proponent Written:

Dr. John Walker, Superintendent, Central Christian School (Attachment 22)

Opponent:

Bill Faflick, Executive Director, Kansas State High School Activities Association, stated that as written, this bill provides homeschool students and other students in any non-accredited private school, the opportunity to participate in activities administered by the KSHSAA at KSHSAA member private schools. As private schools have no defined attendance boundaries, the ability to create an "elite" team at a private school becomes a reality. At private schools in metropolitan areas where the density of private schools is amplified, families would have the opportunity to choose between the one public school or multiple private schools athletic/activity programs. This is a shift to a club or elite team mentality which does not align with the educational mission of the KSHSAA.This bill introduces the option to "pick a team". (Attachment 23)

Opponent Written:

Michelle Dombrosky, Parent and Athletic Director, DeSoto High School, USD 232  (Attachment 24)

Discussion followed.

Chairman Erickson closed the hearing on SB 515.