A state bill passed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in late May (SB 401) allows homeschool students to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities, unless the local school district opts out. At last week’s WISD School Board meeting, none of the trustees voted to opt out of the bill.
The legislative intent according to those who authored the bill was to give rural homeschoolers more opportunities. While larger cities have options for co-ops and sports leagues, rural towns are limited in these areas.
Whitesboro residents and homeschoolers Colby and Rebecca Meals (with their 11-year-old son, Josh), Andi Watson and Matt Cain all appeared before the Board of Trustees at their meeting on July 11 to voice their support of including homeschoolers in UIL activities.
“This is not about politics. This is not about competition between public school and homeschool. This is about community, belonging and giving every child in WISD a chance to represent their hometown,” Rebecca Meals said to the board. “Our kids are already a part this town – they are your neighbors, your Sunday school students, your teammates. Let’s not bench them for life because of where they learn during the day.”
Although Superintendent Ryan Harper recommended the board opt-out of the bill “for multiple reasons,” the trustees made no motion and no action was taken.
As a result, homeschool students who reside within the Whitesboro school district and would like to participate in any UIL-sanctioned activity – from sports and academics to extracurriculars – are now allowed to enroll in these activities through WISD. These students must meet the same eligibility requirements as public-school students, including age, residency, academic performance and conduct.
While the audience members who addressed the board were happy with the outcome, nobody was more pleased than Josh Meals.
“I’ve lived here my whole life,” he said to the board. “I have played sports these last several years, and I’ve enjoyed meeting new people, making friends and getting to know the coaches. I feel like these sports have helped me become a better person and a better teammate. I would like to continue these sports with my friends, my teammates, and I would like the opportunity to try other things like band, eventually golf – heck, I even hear you have a fishing team! I understand that tonight this board will make a decision as to whether or not kids like myself will be able to participate. All I ask is that you give us this chance to be included.”
School districts have until Sept. 1 to decide if they will opt out, and those who participate will receive $1,500 for each participating homeschool student who meets the criteria. According to the bill, if a district opts out, homeschool students can participate in the nearest district that allows it. Additionally, schools that allow homeschool participation are not required to allow homeschool students from outside of their school district to participate in UIL activities for their schools. The law allows it but does not require it.
The policy goes into effect Sept. 1. Interested parties can learn more or complete a participation packet by visiting www.whitesboroisd.org > Departments > UIL > UIL Homeschool
At this time, Collinsville ISD and S&S CISD are not allowing homeschoolers to participate in their UIL activities.