Board narrows 'stay‑put' transfer exception for students who establish athletic eligibility; measure passes amid debate

The Board of Trustees approved an amendment to FDB local on July 28 that creates a narrow "stay‑put" transfer exception for students who have established athletic eligibility at their zoned high school and then move within Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD boundaries.

What the amendment says: The amendment allows an enrolled student who has been on their zoned high school campus for a full year and has established UIL eligibility to apply one time for an in‑district transfer to remain at their current high school campus. The stay‑put transfer, if granted, permits the student to continue to participate in athletics at that campus, provided the student meets the district’s attendance and discipline criteria and signs a written transfer agreement.

Why it matters: Administration said the change is intended to avoid disrupting students who develop long-term campus and team ties after moving residences within the district, and to align the district’s handling of these cases with UIL rules about where a student establishes eligibility. Presenters emphasized the exception is intended to be narrow and not to create new avenues for “gaming” the system.

Board debate: The amendment prompted extended discussion. Supporters framed the policy as “kid friendly,” noting it prevents students from being penalized after families move for legitimate reasons such as housing. Critics warned exceptions could erode attendance-zone stability and that the policy might create capacity and equity issues — for example, if a campus is at or near capacity. Trustees asked administrators to make sure the administrative regulations make clear how non‑athlete activities should be handled and to ensure the rule does not favor athletes over other students.

Administrative clarifications: Staff said the stay‑put request would be subject to the district’s transfer process and any capacity constraints and that administrative regulations could be drafted to extend similar treatment to non‑athlete students who had established program participation. Staff also noted the policy does not apply retroactively to moves that occurred before the policy is adopted.

Board action: After debate, the board approved the amendment to FDB local. The motion carried 5–1.

Next steps: Administration will draft and publish administrative regulations explaining the application process, capacity considerations and whether the same principles will be made available to non‑athlete students who have established program participation.