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El Campo ISD board votes to opt out of law allowing non‑enrolled students to join UIL activities
Summary
Board members voted unanimously to opt out of Senate Bill 401's default policy that would allow non‑enrolled students to participate in UIL activities, citing concerns about oversight and student supervision.
At its June 25 meeting the El Campo ISD board voted unanimously to opt out of participation by non‑enrolled students in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities under Senate Bill 401.
A staff presenter told the board that the law changed the prior opt‑in process and now requires districts to opt out annually if they do not want non‑enrolled students—such as home‑schooled students—to participate in UIL activities. The district's recommendation, according to staff, is to opt out because the board prefers that students be enrolled and under district supervision throughout the instructional day before participating in district UIL programs.
"The district's existing stance has always been that you had to be enrolled in our schools, walking the halls to participate in our sports," a staff presenter said, referencing prior district practice during the COVID period. The presenter indicated they discussed the recommendation with athletic staff, including Coach Reeve, who was in the audience.
A motion to opt out carried unanimously. The motion was made by Mr. Gortic and seconded by Mr. Dubrat; two trustees were absent at the vote.
Staff noted that the opt‑out decision will likely need to be revisited annually per state law and that the board's action affirms the district's current practice of limiting UIL participation to enrolled students.
