Seguin ISD board opts out of allowing homeschool students in UIL activities; homeschool parents urged inclusion

The Seguin Independent School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to opt out of allowing homeschool students to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities for the 2025 school year.

Three speakers during the audience participation period urged the board to allow homeschool participation. Jason Biesenbach, who identified himself as a Seguin City Council member, told trustees the legislature has created a framework that allows districts to permit homeschool students to compete and that nearby Lockhart ISD permits homeschoolers under clear eligibility rules. "Do the benefits of allowing homeschool students to participate in Seguin ISD extracurricular activities outweigh the challenges? I believe the answer is yes," Biesenbach said.

Jackie Biesenbach and Jennifer McDevitt also urged the board to open activities to homeschool students, describing local homeschoolers' participation in community arts and volunteer events and offering a proposed operational plan for how participation could work.

Superintendent Doctor Lee recommended the district continue its prior practice and opt out for the current year, citing a responsibility to the students enrolled full time in Seguin ISD and operational priorities. "My recommendation is that we continue to operate as we did last school year and we opt out of allowing homeschool students to participate in UIL events," Lee said.

Trustee Dwyer moved to adopt the resolution as presented; Trustee Guerra seconded. The motion passed with a 7'0 vote.

Ending: Board members said they were open to continued conversations; several trustees suggested revisiting the question during the school year to examine possible operational models for future years.