(Texas Scorecard) – Conroe Independent School District officials have made it clear they are not on board with a state policy change that would let homeschooled students compete in University Interscholastic League events via public schools.
Trustees voiced opposition to allowing homeschooled students to participate in UIL activities within the district at the most recent board meeting. The UIL, operated by The University of Texas at Austin, provides leadership and coordination for public school extracurricular programs. According to its website, UIL sponsors competitions at the district, regional, and state levels across athletics, music, drama, academics, and debate.
The conversation stems from Senate Bill 401, which was passed during the 89th Legislative Session and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott. The law amended the Texas Education Code, granting school districts the authority to adopt a policy declining participation by non-enrolled students in UIL activities. In short, the law gives local school boards the option to opt out of allowing homeschoolers to take part.
Interim Superintendent Ted Landry expressed logistical concerns about the potential impact: “We are not prepared for a huge influx. You have to remember our coaches are teachers first, and that [state] allotment may not allow us to add staffing. If we can’t add staff units to add additional coaches, then we are talking about teachers giving up academic periods to service athletics periods.”
State law would allocate an additional $1,500 in funding per participating homeschool student to districts that opt in.
Trustee Maryanne Horton raised concerns about fairness, stating: “I think it would be unfair to our students who are enrolled to accept students from the outside not held to the same standards.”
The Texas High School Coaches Association and Coaches Education Foundation echoed that concern. As vocal supporters of districts opting out, they argue that homeschool students are not regulated by the Texas Education Agency and are therefore not subject to the same academic standards, teacher certification requirements, or attendance rules as public school students. “This creates an uneven playing field in academic and athletic eligibility,” the organization stated.
Another complication arises from subsection (e-1) of the Education Code, which stipulates that if a student is zoned to a school that has opted out, they may participate in UIL activities at the nearest school that has opted in—potentially increasing enrollment pressures and logistical burdens at nearby campuses.
Board President Misty Odenweller shared broader concerns about Conroe ISD being the outlier: “I am concerned that if we were the only district, and the largest district in the area, what would we be setting ourselves up for?”
She noted that no other Houston-area districts have opted in to allow homeschool participation.
Meanwhile, the Texas Homeschool Coalition is actively encouraging districts to opt in.
According to their website, “THSC will be there every step to encourage school districts to grant UIL access, help families navigate the rules, and advocate for families with UIL and local school districts.” THSC also provides an online form for parents to request assistance in persuading their local district to allow participation.