[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6162783,"mediaKeyId","5437579-13c0cf7224476209b2b29f9799a90617","parentId",5437579,"title","Board declines to opt into Senate Bill 401 provision allowing non‑enrolled students UIL participation","audioSeconds",1863,"startMs",2892000,"endMs",4755000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5437579-13c0cf7224476209b2b29f9799a90617&start=2892&end=4755","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5437579-13c0cf7224476209b2b29f9799a90617/thumbnail_2892000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6162783/Texas/Board-declines-to-opt-into-Senate-Bill-401-provision-allowing-nonenrolled-students-UIL-participation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162783-119a10ec7a36bb0fd919c5ba1d78c489/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563754&Signature=HWFvcXdEiq-oHtvHtRUaALWjbJYCz6Ew3AfHWu~JUhOFlD5NT7fgcK~oTPah0uvgFMVxnWfcgqfCHzjSuYcseBJxEenNPWZe9JbE4BpT05OmfN-7mnuHeuDGZ5T-bEIKstWSunf1Zxdv6NwS1q95y8HoBrPaA3rIq6NZB8hH8rzmowtZ160Z1gld-tpCP89Bvu8Bu7CkOWIC~0I9Y0ODu69gBCJKxByrBjgYNxfQeCrxhb4OmOKF4eLDY0fUP-rvtQpERhWLcjTqemP4nyI1CGwVvuvktcfv~3cD2V6DzvVPFsxQHaznj2Lysrhnz5wT9ZkL9Uo4bx4qALy6wmy1lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Godley ISD","date","2025-07-22T07:38:09.277Z","article","Godley ISD trustees discussed whether to permit non‑enrolled students — including homeschool and private‑school students — to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities under recently passed state law. The district ultimately did not adopt the proposed FM and FD local policies and will maintain an opt‑out stance for now.

Public commenters urged the board to allow participation, noting legislative funding provisions and arguing the move would promote community engagement. One speaker summarized recent bills, including HB547 (authorizing ISDs to extend UIL options to non‑enrolled students), HB3708 (allocating $1,500 per student per UIL event) and Senate Bill 401 (requiring districts to opt out to decline participation). That commenter argued that allowing non‑enrolled students would be equitable and could bring state funds to the district.

District administration and trustees expressed concerns about equity and verification. Superintendent and administrators said the district needs reliable academic and behavioral documentation to ensure visiting students meet the same eligibility standards as enrolled students. \"We would need some things in place,\" an administrator said, citing uncertainty about how homeschool programs document grades or standardized testing. Administrators invited homeschool and private‑school stakeholders to share records and said the district was open to future changes if reliable verification mechanisms could be developed.

Trustees asked for more information from nearby districts and athletic and activity directors on how implementation would work. Administration noted that Cleburne ISD allows participation and that Senate Bill 401 permits students to attend the nearest district that offers participation if a student's home district does not. Administrators also said the opt‑out decision can be revisited; the immediate deadline for the district to opt out this year was noted as September 1, and subsequent annual decisions are possible.

A motion to approve the adoption of revised FM and FD local policies to allow non‑enrolled students to participate was made and seconded but failed on a 3–3 tie. Trustees acknowledged that the failure to adopt does not preclude the district from crafting its own approach in the future.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Godley ISD Board of Trustees Meeting- July21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees debated Senate Bill 401 and local policy FM/FD regarding participation of non‑enrolled (homeschool/private) students in UIL; administration recommended opting out to preserve equity and verification processes, and a motion to adopt the policies failed on a 3–3 split.","taxTitle","GODLEY ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",49726,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6162788,"Trustees lower local graduation requirement to state minimum for narrow group of seniors",929,3256000,4185000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5437579-13c0cf7224476209b2b29f9799a90617&start=3256&end=4185","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5437579-13c0cf7224476209b2b29f9799a90617/thumbnail_3256000.jpg","/articles/6162788/Texas/Trustees-lower-local-graduation-requirement-to-state-minimum-for-narrow-group-of-seniors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162788-bf7ec46bfc559975f685ff841be1a3ae/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563754&Signature=KZP0t9sj-ugs19LKYt3POCHh3EQx7cIPPRISKb384PKE9sOVuo7-rN0UZaF9dc0lCQzg6j2vLW9Gz9Y54Eao1bpP3fuw3cbcMBF0W1lDcsf~xuNxAhLBWWW6jwbVCAkb0V4MAoBv1pkuVg2p7u~iEvUcvIn5gY0f4IR7SHGyycvps60HhJgr0zCWFNA0UA6wk6r0A~zIQzt03eDJYxiNK79N5HeISKZT4w21b6FiuJAoRe3cPLcEJfaubZpow1EySBhRzjXfczMG6d-CatXULc0kVE27eF-cHJAGuW3HjLFPUQExUFIEGMsZIJ2RSEmsDKlEEzFUGE71SN04kMn3vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Godley ISD trustees voted to revise the local graduation policy (EIF local) to require the state minimum of 22 credits rather than the district's previous 24‑credit requirement.

District administrators said the change is intended to accommodate a very small number of students — primarily seniors who move into the district late or who face circumstances that leave them short of the two additional local credits. \"We are just trying to get them to graduate and across the finish line,\" said a district administrator. The administration said the district still encourages and pushes students toward the higher endorsement plan (typically 26 credits) and that counselors do not allow students to drop below endorsement requirements until after sophomore year, with parent consent required.

Administrators described how some earlier local required credits (for example, a tech/BIM credit) have been affected by statewide changes to career and technical education calculations, and that dollar‑and‑cents and character/employability units are managed within elective slots under the state foundation plan. \"This is a just a small population that we don't want to tell kids they can't graduate because of this little loophole,\" an administrator said.

Trustees raised concerns about lowering local standards. One trustee expressed a preference for maintaining the district's higher requirement, but the motion to adopt the 22‑credit minimum passed on a 5–1 vote. Administrators said the district will track how many students graduate under the lower requirement and continue to monitor placement in endorsements and CCMR (college, career, and military readiness) measures.

The administration said alternative credit options, credit recovery and links programs are available to at‑risk students; counselors will continue to place new students on the endorsement pathway where possible.

","The board voted to remove two locally required credits so students who enroll late or face life disruptions can graduate under the state 22‑credit minimum; administration said the change targets a small number of seniors and counselors will continue to push endorsements.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6162792,"Godley ISD administrators propose clear‑bag and venue rules; trustees debate privacy and enforcement",395,1731000,2126000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5437579-13c0cf7224476209b2b29f9799a90617&start=1731&end=2126","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5437579-13c0cf7224476209b2b29f9799a90617/thumbnail_1731000.jpg","/articles/6162792/Texas/Godley-ISD-administrators-propose-clearbag-and-venue-rules-trustees-debate-privacy-and-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162792-6eadf9e4a012de88228d19068b7d388e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563754&Signature=CCmZE3GOc8zsPxyPlS6nkAs~Ns4OYLP2zDJoVfPcPr3rglB4Cc6c8yQNHk48zpMvAv-F5iEdIoxZjcL~KQvqNLQIMOOCra2B2430JfmwCHEnQofB6h67pG3ih3Huoyn2xSgrmliSfkkVC-tVUxD~t7uhd2pE5rR6tPjczvauOdQwn8O0m8xfQYz-Ux2Kg6JEMQ5eovMJZZbdGrGrjpebQmFJQ4qBxNbhNWAN6nE~rJmnEtORxVMku6aNFX84y~tpleyXrwcdd3LMCt2X11-V1k8KipUNZsJ8XdsJaMiGDC5jA25pK8kljVGklr1aHiyJ1CbUJppEQp3hTNvn9KRPEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Godley Independent School District administrators presented proposed facility regulations that would require clear bags or small clutches at district events and prohibit outside food and drink, with additional event rules and behavior standards.

Assistant administrators and facilities staff told the board the proposal aligns with practices in other North Texas districts and lays out permitted bags (clear PVC or 12x6x12 vinyl, one‑gallon resealable bags, small clutches) and exceptions for diaper bags, medically necessary items and credentialed media. The proposed regulations would also prohibit coolers, backpacks and similar items and enumerate prohibited conduct including abusive language, fighting, taunting, intoxication and solicitation.

\"These standards are aligning with what we're seeing across the nation, the state, the region,\" said the presenter, listing nearby districts with similar rules. The presentation proposed that middle‑school students be required to attend high‑school events with an accompanying adult and that high‑school students present ID at some events.

Trustee questions focused on communication and equitable enforcement. One trustee asked how the district will notify parents; administration said the policy would be communicated via ticketing, ParentSquare, the district website, social media and signage, and that ticket links would include the requirements. Another trustee asked about enforcement at lower‑attendance events such as baseball and softball; administration said moving to a paid‑gate model for those sports would allow staffing at gates to check bags.

A trustee during public comment argued that clear‑bag policies are \"a violation of privacy\" and cited a court challenge (Doe v. Little Rock) and research questioning their effectiveness. That speaker asked for documentation of the studies; a district representative said she would email studies to trustees.

Administrators said the regulation is being introduced as an administrative practice and does not require board action; they recommended adoption of the clear‑bag approach as an administrative regulation. The board did not vote on a policy change at the meeting. Administration also noted that exceptions would be made for medical and special‑needs accommodations and for credentialed media.

The district indicated the regulation would apply across venues — football stadium, arena, baseball, softball, soccer, theater and extracurricular events — and that the goal is consistency across facilities.

","Administrators recommended a districtwide clear‑bag policy and event rules to tighten safety and consistency across venues. Trustees discussed enforcement, exceptions for medical needs and media, and a public speaker cited studies and a court case challenging clear‑bag policies.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6162797,"Godley ISD to launch Mentors Care at high school to support at‑risk students",1255,297000,1552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5437579-13c0cf7224476209b2b29f9799a90617&start=297&end=1552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5437579-13c0cf7224476209b2b29f9799a90617/thumbnail_297000.jpg","/articles/6162797/Texas/Godley-ISD-to-launch-Mentors-Care-at-high-school-to-support-atrisk-students","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162797-ba7bb097f6fa13cddb909cb3ed8d88a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770563754&Signature=RhHhCM6OJYILvLkFqfRdye4id8p39hy1xrB0xQCkxV1r~wweGCJbzrRzZIIXwDkvQmB87DZkM1B4o~A00OugByqSH2WIUvWb5vhq02dADuFUNrliOA2OA78Hc8eICbUAAp4x8B1CNGBBh~lDLkG1DaWzEts5vLm-YdZnK~eyK6B8nTAFGrKJ0I~YEqEt4plUubF4xVKucxAEGirQyNZbhztT3CaJF9d3CmhHXdsQELQXvr-MZyuxLtSVwoiak-lgPTtg86qKEUD-7ltP3DSOn1y4GInndoQWi2Asy4gTAJe0KphRdW0FdlAfndhDiv92HfT62KhYBZfnoWrWRxlJ~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Godley Independent School District trustees heard a presentation from Mentors Care on a plan to place volunteer adult mentors at Godly High School during the 2025–26 school year.

The presentation, given by Brian Blackwell, managing director of Mentors Care, described a model in which vetted volunteers meet with referred high‑school students one hour per week in semi‑private campus spaces during the school day. \"We want your most struggling kids,\" Blackwell said, listing attendance, behavior and credit recovery as common referral reasons.

Blackwell said Mentors Care is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2009 at Midlothian High School and that, across North Texas this year, the nonprofit mentored more than 1,000 students at about 20 high schools. He described program components including staff training for campus personnel, parent permission forms, background checks and a copyrighted curriculum of 24 talking points covering attendance, goals, job readiness and relationship skills. \"The relationship is the most important part of what we do,\" Blackwell said.

District administrators told the board the program will be coordinated by a full‑time Mentors Care coordinator on site, and that the district has identified collaboration spaces and glassed breakout rooms to host meetings. \"Miss Ormsby has already got 30 mentors for Godly High School,\" Blackwell said; the district presentation said the program had exceeded the usual startup target.

Mentors Care staff and two student speakers described outcomes from other districts: Blackwell cited figures from last school year showing a 98 percent senior graduation rate across the nonprofit's partner schools (noting one student who was lost to follow up), an 85 percent rate of meeting a 90 percent attendance standard for participating students, and that 41 percent of mentored students were connected to external resources such as food or counseling. Student testimonials shown in a video and offered in person described improved attendance, a sense of belonging and mental‑health support tied to mentoring relationships.

Board members asked about parent permission and numbers of eligible students. Blackwell said parental opt‑in is required and that refusals are uncommon; he described a typical full caseload as 50–60 students per coordinator but said there is no hard cap. District administrators said the program will be limited to high school students initially and that staff are exploring a peer‑assisted leadership (PAL) model if they pilot middle‑school mentoring later.

No formal board action was recorded on the mentorship presentation; district staff said Mentors Care will return with data after one year of operation and that flyers would be left for community members interested in volunteering.

The presentation included offers of support such as clothing, food and outside counseling referrals when needs exceed what mentors can provide. District staff emphasized coordination with school counselors for cases that require professional services.

The board discussion closed with plans to place the coordinator in a collaborative lab space and move forward with recruiting referred students once the year begins.

Community members interested in volunteering were told the commitment is one hour per week during the school year and that mentors complete a background check and initial face‑to‑face training.

","At a board meeting, Mentors Care presented a plan to place volunteer adult mentors at Godley High School during the school day; the nonprofit described recruitment, training, and expected outcomes and shared program results from other North Texas sites.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board declines to opt into Senate Bill 401 provision allowing non‑enrolled students UIL participation

Trustees lower local graduation requirement to state minimum for narrow group of seniors

Godley ISD administrators propose clear‑bag and venue rules; trustees debate privacy and enforcement

Godley ISD to launch Mentors Care at high school to support at‑risk students