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Riviera ISD votes to opt out of HB 401 for homeschool student UIL participation
Summary
The board voted to opt out of allowing homeschool students to participate in UIL activities under House Bill 401 for the 2025–26 school year, citing academic accountability, administrative burden, equity, and financial concerns raised by the athletic director and administration.
The Riviera ISD Board of Trustees voted on June 18, 2025, to opt out of allowing homeschool students to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities under House Bill 401 for the 2025–26 school year.
"I move that the Board of Trustees of Rivera ISD formally opt-out of allowing homeschool student participation in UIL activities in accordance with House Bill 401, effective for the 2025-2026 school year and until such time as the board takes further action," Trustee Teresa May stated as she moved the item. The motion passed unanimously (6–0, 1 absent).
Superintendent Tarrah Dobson recommended the opt-out to align Riviera ISD with neighboring districts and reflect a consensus among area superintendents. Athletic Director Mr. Aleman outlined operational concerns that factored into the recommendation, including a perceived lack of academic accountability for homeschool students, no average daily attendance (ADA) funding benefit for the district, increased administrative workload to manage eligibility, and potential equity and financial issues for uniforms, travel, and discipline. The board's approval implements the opt-out for the 2025–26 school year until the trustees choose otherwise.
