Friendship ISD affirms policy excluding private- and home-schooled students from district extracurriculars under new state law

The Friendship Board of Trustees confirmed language in board policy FD-local that students enrolled in private schools, including those who are home-schooled, shall not be eligible for district concurrent enrollment or participation in curricular or extracurricular activities, citing the recent changes enacted by the Texas Legislature. Assistant superintendent/administrator Scott Sims briefed the board, saying the trustees had earlier revised policy FD-local in March 2025 to decline eligibility for non-enrolled students. Sims explained that Senate Bill 401 (2025) added Texas Education Code section 33.0832 and created uncertainty about eligibility; the administration recommended the board confirm the policy language to align local policy with the statutory change. The board moved to confirm the language and the motion carried without recorded opposition. Why it matters: The confirmation clarifies district eligibility rules for extracurricular and concurrent-enrollment programs following recent state legislative action. It affects students enrolled in private schools or taught at home who might otherwise seek to participate in district activities. Next steps: The administration will ensure policy language and operational guidance reflect the board’s confirmation and state statute cited in the recommendation.