Should Homeschool Kids Be Allowed Into Hillsborough HS Sports?

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Board of Education members mulled over the idea of expanding high school sports to include homeschool students. However, no decision was made.

Cheryll Barker, the mother of a homeschooled incoming freshman, called on the board during the Aug. 23 meeting to initiate a change in policy to allow her son and any homeschool students to be able to play school sports.

"Every student in New Jersey should have that opportunity to do so. So I think it's time that we discuss this policy and change it," said Barker.

Barker's son Brendan is a lover of football playing for five years with Hillsborough Dukes Football. However, since he is homeschooled he is not allowed to enroll or participate on the high school team.

"I am sad and a little disappointed he won't be able to play because of this policy. It makes him ineligible. And I don’t think it's fair to call a child or student ineligible when homeschool students do exactly what public school students do. They learn through sports to be better people," said Barker.

After hearing Barker speak, board member Paul Marini made a motion asking for a vote to have homeschooled students who are Hillsborough residents be able to participate in Hillsborough school sports. Board member John Oliver seconded that motion.

Several audience members applauded the motion, however, Board President Jean Trujillo noted that the board previously had a robust discussion on this topic several years ago and opted not to amend it at that time.

Trujillo added this topic should be referred to the education committee to discuss it further. Additionally, before a vote can be made, a first reading with the changes proposed would need to be prepared.

Board member Lisa Maroun said she was open to discussing this topic further.

"I am not saying I am for or against it, but I would like to explore it. I don't think a full-blown discussion into a policy tonight would be helpful because of logistics of not seeing the policy or what will change, could change," said Maroun. "I would like to do my due diligence and do my own research and talk to community members first."

Ultimately, the topic will be discussed further amongst the education committee.

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