Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sb401 Homeschool Participation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents, student urge board not to opt out of SB401 homeschool participation
Summary
Two members of a homeschooling family urged the San Angelo ISD board to allow non-enrolled students to participate in UIL activities under newly amended Senate Bill 401; the board was briefed and told it will consider the policy next week.
Two residents asked the San Angelo ISD Board of Trustees on Monday not to opt out of allowing homeschool students to participate in UIL activities under Senate Bill 401, and district staff outlined the board’s decision pathway ahead of a vote next week.
Chris Matlock and his daughter, Jerica Matlock, testified during public comment that allowing non-enrolled students to try out for athletics and other University Interscholastic League events would benefit students who live in the district but are educated at home. “I’m here to implore you to vote to not opt out of homeschool participation,” Chris Matlock said, adding he has four children and wants them to be permitted to participate in district activities. His daughter told trustees she has played club and travel soccer for years and said participation in UIL events would help her form friendships and “be a part of something positive.”
District staff reviewed the legal framework. Dr. Moran told trustees that under the revised law, districts that take no action before Sept. 1 will by default permit non-enrolled students to participate in UIL activities at the campus zoned to their residential address. The state has attached an incentive — $1,500 per activity per student — and an explicit opt-out path if the board decides to decline participation.
Dr. Moran said the board’s historical position has been to decline non-enrolled participation out of concern that current students could lose roster spots to outside participants. She also warned trustees that neighboring districts’ choices matter: if San Angelo ISD opts out but a nearby district opts in, homeschool students may enroll in activities at that neighboring campus.
No formal board action was taken Monday. Dr. Moran said the issue will return to the board next week for formal consideration and reminded trustees that by doing nothing before Sept. 1, the district would allow non-enrolled participation by default.
The record shows public comments occurred during the public-comment portion of the meeting. The board did not vote Monday and took no final action.
