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RIO RANCHO, N.M. -- A growing movement seeks to allow home-schooled kids to take some classes at public schools, but not everyone is on board.

However, the objections surround funding, not the concept.

Rio Rancho School Board member Craig Brandt is behind the push to allow home-schooled students to take elective classes in the public schools. He said there are more than 700 home-schooled students there.

“The home schools pay their taxes just like the rest of us do. They're part of the community,” Brandt said. “If they're going to use something like this, it might be one class during a 3- or 4-year period.”

Rio Rancho, however, doesn’t get partial funding for students. State funding is based on how many students actually attend school, not the area’s population.

“That is true. Unless a child attends half time, they aren't funded through Santa Fe,” Brandt said.

Right now, home-schooled children can participate in extra-curricular activities like football, but Brandt’s measure would expand their options.

The issue is expected to be discussed and possibly voted on at next month’s school board meeting.
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