KISD’s board approved the new policy in a 4-3 vote during a regular board meeting Aug. 28.
Board trustees John Birt, Heather Washington, Chris Coker and Charles Randklev voted in support of the motion, while trustees Randy Campbell, Jennifer Erickson and Chelsea Kelly voted against it.
The gist
UIL is a program created by The University of Texas at Austin to provide educational extracurricular academic, athletic and music contests for public schools in Texas, according to its website.
Trustees who voted in support of the updated policy update said it welcomes more people into the community and would not burden the district.
“[Homeschooled students are] a very small segment of our community. I think at the end of the day, we talk about trying to expand our programs, introduce people to fine arts and athletics,” Randklev said. “What greater way to open the door, and showcase all the great things that Keller ISD does?”
Trustees who voted against the updated policy said the district needed more time to consider what the updated policy would entail.
“It’s one thing to just say athletics, it’s another thing to open up all UIL extracurriculars,” Kelly said. “While I understand that the district has made a statement that it is not going to put an extra burden on our teachers, we still don’t know what that looks like.”
During discussion, the board considered an amendment to allow homeschooled students to participate only in UIL athletics, which failed to pass after a 3-4 vote.
District Superintendent Cory Wilson said homeschooled students will be allowed to participate in all UIL activities with the goals of:
- Minimal additional administrative burden on staff
- Minimal additional workload
- Minimal additions to class sizes
- Options to opt in to certain activities during regular enrollment periods and before certain try-outs and all other regulations as determined necessary by district administration
The background
Randklev said Keller ISD voted unanimously to allow students to participate in UIL athletics last year.
House Bill 547 from the 87th legislative session allowed schools to allow home-schooled students within district borders to participate in UIL activities, according to state documents.
Senate Bill 401 from this year’s 89th legislative session changed the process so that districts must opt-out of permitting homeschooled students to participate in UIL activities.
