A United High School senior and his father urged the United Independent School District Board of Trustees on a September evening in 2025 to fund a districtwide esports program that would include equipment, staff, use of facilities and possible academic credit.

David O'Hassan Desaiyah, identified himself as a senior and the president of the United High School gaming club, told trustees, "Esports gives these students a place to shine." He asked the board to "fund an official esports program across UISD," including investment in equipment, access to facilities, personnel to coach and the option to offer video-game–related coursework for academic credit.

The student's father, David Vasquez, said the program could generate local economic activity from tournaments and create career pathways for students. "I humbly ask that the board put forward an agenda item" to develop a district plan for esports, Vasquez said, asking trustees to support the idea even though he acknowledged many details remain to be worked out.

Board members did not discuss or act on the request during the public-comment period. The record shows staff thanked the speakers and reminded the public that trustees do not respond during public comment; there was no motion from the board to schedule an agenda item at that time.

Why it matters: Esports programs in other Texas districts have produced scholarship opportunities, cross-district events and, in some places, local tournaments that generate hotel and restaurant business. The speakers positioned the proposal both as an education and economic-development opportunity for Laredo.

What was said and what happened: Desaiyah emphasized academic and teamwork benefits and noted that competitive titles would be industry-rated for age-appropriateness. Vasquez urged the board to coordinate with administration to prepare a formal proposal. The board’s public-comment rules limited immediate response, and no formal direction or motion to study or place the item on a future agenda is recorded in the minutes.

Next steps (not directed by the board at the meeting): The speakers requested an agenda item; any future action would require the board or superintendent to place the item on a future agenda for discussion and potential funding decisions.