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Trustees adopt local policy opting out of homeschool/private student participation in extracurriculars
Summary
After extended discussion about eligibility, liability and funding, Brenham ISD trustees voted to adopt revised FD and FM local policy language to opt out of allowing private and homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities.
The board considered updated local policy language in response to recent state law changes and lengthy discussion about operational and fiscal implications. Staff explained that Senate Bill 4401 changed the default—districts are presumed to allow private and homeschool participation unless they adopt an opt‑out policy—and that the district needed to decide whether to opt out.
Trustees debated the practical effects: staff warned about administrative workflow, SIS integration, transportation, facility agreements and liability when non‑enrolled students participate. One trustee urged caution, saying the state and UIL guidance still contained "a lot of gray" and recommended more study before rushing a decision. Others argued for inclusion and suggested the $1,500 stipend per participating student could offset costs.
After discussion, Bonnie Brakemeyer made a motion, seconded by Justin Colley, to adopt revised language in FD local and FM local affirming that private and homeschooled students are not eligible for concurrent enrollment or participation in extracurricular activities as presented. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.
Staff noted the district may update the policy annually before August 1 as more TEA/UIL guidance becomes available and said they will follow up on implementation details if the board chooses to revisit the policy in the future.
