Bill would help private-school athletes

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A measure aimed at allowing private schools to field teams for state and district athletic events is headed to its final hurdle in the Idaho Legislature. The House Education Committee signed off on the measure this morning, sending it to the House floor. The bill directs the state Department of Education to outline new accreditation requirements for schools to be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities. Currently, some private schools can’t compete at district- and state-level competitions regulated by the Idaho High School Activities Association. That’s because they’re only considered associate members of this nonprofit, member-run group. Republican Sen. Russ Fulcher of Meridian wants to change that and give more students a chance to compete. Fulcher’s legislation, SB 1301, passed the Senate last week on a 26-6 vote.