The Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD Board voted Aug. 7 to opt out of a state change that would have made nonresident (including homeschool) students automatically eligible to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities unless a district recorded an opt-out vote by Sept. 1.
Athletics director Preston Moore (presentation) reviewed Senate Bill 401 and summarized input from athletic directors in neighboring districts. Moore told trustees that the key operational concerns are academic eligibility monitoring (no-pass/no-play), behavioral accountability and enforcement of UIL'imposed restrictions on outside training and participation in private leagues. He said UIL and many North Texas districts have expressed concern about the administrative burden and equity issues that would arise if nonresident students participate without the district's daily oversight.
A map in the presentation showed most nearby districts intending to opt out; Moore said administrators polled more than 20 athletic directors and that only a small number statewide planned to accept the automatic opt-in. The recommendation to the board was to opt out and preserve current policy (FD local and FM local) that disallows non-enrolled students in UIL activities.
Board action: Trustees voted 6'00 to opt out; the motion was made by Trustee Kim Brady and seconded by Trustee Paul Gilmore.
Why it matters: The opt-out preserves current eligibility and disciplinary processes for district students and avoids a situation where surrounding-district nonresident students could seek participation without CFBISD oversight. Moore and board members cited concerns about equitable application of no-pass/no-play rules and the ability to monitor behavior and training restrictions.
Next steps: Administration will file the opt-out notice per statutory deadlines and continue to monitor UIL and legislative clarifications that may affect eligibility policy.