Erath family helps create bill that would let ‘virtual charter’ students play sports

ERATH - Amy Petry is a parent whose three children wished to participate in high school sports at Erath High School, but they were unable to do so due to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) rule that prohibits it.
Petry is not accepting this situation. She is determined to change the state law, compelling the LHSAA to allow her children, as well as other children in Louisiana facing similar challenges as the Petry family, to play.
After connecting with local state officials, the Petry family has spent the last few months getting State Rep. Jacob Landry to draft House Bill 363. This bill would permit “virtual” charter school students in Louisiana, to participate in high school sports at their zoned public school.
In simpler terms, if the House Bill gets the green light from both the House and Senate and is signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, the Petry kids would be able to play sports at Erath High School, bcause that is where they are zoned to attend school.
“If it gets passed, and the Governor signs the bill, the LHSAA has to allow students who attend charter schools to play,” said Amy Petry. “In my opinion, I feel all kids should be able to play sports. Coaches make such a big difference in their lives. My two children would be excited if they could play sports before the school year ends.”
Before it goes to a vote in the House, the Petry children are expected to address members of a House committee to explain why they want to play high school sports.

How did it all began?

The Petry family lives south of Erath, but their children go to an online school. Two of them are high schoolers at University View Academy, a Type II charter school in Baton Rouge.
The academy is accredited by the Louisiana Department of Education.
The children take all their classes from home online.
Three years ago, when Amy’s older daughter was in high school, she wanted to play sports for Erath High. She soon found out she couldn’t because University View Academy is a Type II charter school.
State law lets homeschooled students participate in public school sports. But since University View Academy is a Type II charter school, the LHSAA does not allow its students to play on public school teams.
“It just did not make sense,” said Amy.
Her freshman son made the high school baseball team. But because of the LHSAA rule, he isn’t allowed to play.
Amy’s daughter, a junior, loves running track and cross country. She’s also hoping to become the first female wrestler at EHS.
Like her brother, she is only allowed to attend and watch the track meets.
Amy called the LHSAA, pleading her case, only to be told by a LHSAA official, “If you want your children to play in the LHSAA, enroll them in public schools.”
That response upset Amy and made her even more determined.
She reached out to officials at the virtual school, but they said they had been fighting the LHSAA on this issue for 10 years and nothing had changed.
Feeling desperate, Amy asked her older daughter, who is in college, for advice. Her daughter mentioned a friend in the state legislature’s office, who suggested asking local officials to try to change the law so charter school students could play sports.
After working with Rep. Landry and his office, they wrote a bill that specifically included “charter” schools.
“Jacob’s office has been amazing. Tommy Byler, the superintendent, has also been helpful. They all wanted to help.”

Will anyone oppose the bill?

Amy doesn’t think so. She hopes it will be approved and signed by Gov. Landry before the school year ends.
“If something is not right for our kids, we need to do our best to fix it and make what is best for the kids.”