Bill opens school clubs to charter school students

Georgia students attending charter schools would be able to play on sporting teams and join extracurricular clubs at traditional public schools under a bill the House Education Committee passed Thursday.

Senate Bill 34 would allow students to participate in these activities provided they live in the school's attendance zone and the school principal approves.

Supporters said the bill benefits children who attend charter or virtual schools where these programs aren't offered. Others, such as the Georgia High School Association, opposed the bill, saying athletic programs are a benefit reserved for students who attend the school full-time.