The Judson ISD Board of Trustees voted Monday to reinstate the high-school powerlifting program for the 2025-26 school year, after hearing several student speakers and trustees argue the sport provides purpose, discipline and opportunities for students who do not connect with traditional athletics.

Trustee Macias brought the item forward, saying he had received appeals and emails from students asking the district to restore the program. "This obviously means something," he told the board. Student speakers at the meeting described powerlifting as a "second home" and a source of confidence and mentorship. One student said the team trains before and after school "by choice" and that losing the program would be "taking away a lifeline for students who don't always connect with traditional sports or clubs."

District staff explained the program had previously been cut because it was not a University Interscholastic League (UIL)-sanctioned activity and because the board earlier sought operating efficiencies; trustees discussed whether the program should be offered as a campus-run club versus a district-supported activity. Trustee Macias proposed reinstating the program for the 2025-26 year and reevaluating funding and structure for 2026-27. That motion passed.

Why this matters: Extracurricular offerings contribute to student engagement and retention; cutting a program that serves a distinct group of students prompted immediate public reaction and a board reversal. Trustees noted reinstatement will require campus or district staffing and budget adjustments and asked staff to report how the program will be operated and funded for the year.

The board approved the reinstatement motion and asked administration to report back on staffing, costs and whether the program will be run as a club or a formally supported district activity for the next school year. The administration will return to the board with a plan for the 2026-27 budget cycle and a recommendation on program structure.