With the start of the new school year now just a month away, some Conroe ISD officials have made it clear that they do not support homeschoolers being allowed to participate in UIL activities, including sports.
It's because the recently passed Senate Bill 401 now gives local school boards the option to say no, to homeschool kids.
"So, Conroe's fear is, what if all of the other districts opt out, all of the students come to us, and we have an influx that we can't handle?" "Both from a logistical perspective, and I think a financial perspective as well" said Jeremy Newman, vice president of policy with the Texas Home School Coalition, "It seems to be making the case that you shouldn't let homeschoolers participate because it won't work logistically, or it won't be fair."
The two arguments really don't fly, especially since homeschool kids have been legally allowed to participate.
"The fairness argument strikes me pretty poorly" Newman told KTRH, "These are people who live in the district, who are paying the taxes to the district. They don't get to opt out of the taxes, and in many situations they have no alternatives."
Despite the discussion at Conroe, Newman believes that most other districts will accept homeschoolers.