Chairman Erickson opened the hearing on SB 514.

Tamera Lawrence, Assistant Revisor, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, gave an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)

Proponent:

Dr. Kimberlee Gill, Superintendent, Maranatha Christian Academy, supports this bill saying this bill promotes fairness and opportunity for students whose families make legitimate educational decisions during the school year. By allowing students to engage fully in school life upon transfer, this bill recognizes that extracurricular activities are an important component of student development and community connection. (Attachment 2)

Jessica Huayaban, Parent, told the committee this is an important bill because it helps move Kansas toward a true student-first policy. Currently policies enforced by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) often punishes students simply for transferring schools. The problem with the current policy is that it does not reflect a student-first approach and also traps students where they are. Families should be able to choose the educational environment that is best for their child without the fear that their student will be penalized by losing the opportunity to participate in activities. (Attachment 3)

Discussion followed.

Opponent:

Chris Asmussen, Director of Athletics, Wichita Public Schools, US 259, agreed students who are involved in extracurricular activities tend to perform better academically and have better school outcomes compared to their peers. By definition in Kansas, extracurricular activities are intended to complement classroom learning and support the development of the whole student. This bill raises serious concerns regarding recruiting pressures, high school activity program long-term stability and viability and imbalances between student opportunity and competitive fairness. Five specific concerns were listed in testimony. (Attachment 4)

Bill Faflick, Executive Director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA), said KSHSAA exists to provide leadership for education-based activities for the 746 member schools of the Association. The rules of the KSHSAA have been written, adopted, and amended by the leaders of those member schools. The lessons learned by students are designed to support accountability while in class, and they teach life-lessons including but not limited to leadership, collaboration, self-discipline, the pursuit of personal/corporate goals, overcoming adversity, respect, honor, integrity, and so many more that ultimately extend learning well beyond the activity. There is a misconception that most transfer students are ineligible for a year after a transfer. A 96% of transfer-eligibility applications are approved. (Attachment 5) (Attachment 6)

Jamie Finkeldei, Associate Superintendent, Catholic Diocese of Wichita, stated that athletics and school activities are valuable, but they are meant to support and enhance the educational mission, not supersede it. This bill risks elevating athletics over education by allowing students to transfer and immediately participate in activities, which may encourage families to choose schools primarily for athletic opportunities rather than educational fit. Continuity matters deeply in education. Research consistently shows that stability in a student's school environment supports academic, social and emotional success. Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson has even described school transfers as a form of trauma for students, something schools should work to minimize whenever possible. (Attachment 7)

Jim Karleskint, United School Administrators, stated this bill would allow students who transfer schools to immediately participate in school activities but the practical impact on school districts and the integrity of interscholastic activities could be significant and could create an enforcement problem. This bill could undermine competitive balance among Kansas schools and weaken the role of KSHSAA and the established eligibility rules that have been developed over decades to maintain fairness.(Attachment 8)

Opponent Written:

Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools, Catholic Diocese of Salina, Executive Board Member, Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) (Attachment 9)

Karen Burrows, Superintendent, Satanta Public Schools, USD507 (Attachment 10)

Dr. Kilah Dunn, PT Board President, Satanta Public Schools, USD507 (Attachment 11)

Leah Fliter, Assistant Executive Director of Advocacy, Kansas Association of School Boards (Attachment 12)

Cale Green, Athletic Director, Royal Valley Public Schools USD337 (Attachment 13)

Chelcie Heitman, School Counselor (Attachment 14)

Cathy Hopkins and Beryl New, Legislative Liaisons, Kansas State Board of Education (Attachment 15)

Brian King, Educator and Coach (Attachment 16)

Brian Sixbury, 6-12 Principal/Activities Director, Onaga-Havensville-Wheaton School District USD 322 (Attachment 17)

Chuck Weber, Kansas Catholic Conference (Attachment 18)

Bret White, Superintendent, Andover Public Schools USD 385 (Attachment 19)

Chairman Erickson closed the hearing on SB 514.