Adds to GS 115C-407.55(4). Allows for an appeal process through which a student previously found academically ineligible may participate in high school athletics. Requires the State Board of Education's appeals rules to provide for an appeal of the independent appeal board’s decision to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, with the Superintendent's making the final decision on the appeal. Allows for a student who was previously found ineligible to participate for the rest of the semester after eligibility is established. Applies beginning with the 2024-25 school year. Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules for these procedures, consistent with the additional provisions announced in the act.

Beginning January 1, 2023, authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction to make the final decisions about eligibility appeals from the independent appeals board, beginning with the final decisions of the board on or after January 1, 2023. Sets forth the procedure for the Superintendent of Public Instruction for managing appeals. The Superintendent’s decision on appeals is final. Applies to all final decisions made by the independent appeal board between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.