Board approves UIL course exemptions and votes to opt out of homeschool participation for 2025–26

The Dickinson ISD board on July 14 approved two related eligibility items for University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities for the 2025–26 school year.

First, the board approved recommended exemptions to the district’s application of the UIL academic eligibility rule commonly called "no pass, no play." Lindsay Suarez presented the recommendation to exempt specified advanced courses for 2025–26, including Advanced Placement (AP), dual credit and dual enrollment courses, honors classes and similar advanced coursework. A board member moved to approve the exemptions; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Second, the board approved a resolution to opt out of allowing homeschool students to participate in UIL activities for the 2025–26 year. Mr. Cobb presented the item, described it as the resolution related to bill 547 for 2026 (as referenced in the meeting), and the board voted to opt out of allowing homeschool participation in UIL for 2025–26. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Discussion versus action: both items were presented as action items and each was approved by the board. No recorded public comment or extended debate on either item appeared in the transcript.

Authorities referenced: Mr. Cobb referred to a resolution associated with "bill 547 for 2026" as the basis for the homeschool participation decision; the transcript did not include the text of that bill or additional statutory citations.

Implementation notes: the transcript did not include the specific wording of the course-exemption policy or the detailed resolution text; district staff presented the recommendation and the board approved it.