The Harlingen CISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously Aug. 12 to continue the district’s practice of declining participation in extracurricular activities by students who are not enrolled in Harlingen CISD, in response to legislative changes under Senate Bill 401.

Doctor Elias Reyes, presenting the item, said the new state law gives local boards clear authority to adopt a policy that declines to allow non‑enrolled students — including many homeschool students — to try out for or participate in University Interscholastic League activities. Under the district’s existing FD(LOCAL) practice, he said, non‑enrolled students living in the attendance zone could seek participation through the closest district that allows it, but Harlingen CISD’s recommendation was to maintain the current policy and decline participation.

Trustee Jaime moved to adopt the administration’s recommendation; Trustee Reininger seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Trustees and the superintendent acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and said it was driven by concerns about administrative complexity, costs and logistical issues associated with allowing non‑enrolled participants.

The board did not change FD(LOCAL) during the meeting; the action was the formal decision to continue the district’s existing approach under guidance provided by the new state law.