Home School Participants Could Be Competing Locally in the Future – But Not Yet

Back in May, the Texas House approved House Bill 547, better known as the “Tim Tebow” bill, after the college football player who was the first Heisman Trophy winner to have been homeschooled as a child.

It would allow homeschooled children access to UIL activities, from traditional sports to orchestra and chess. Individual school districts could opt out.

La Grange has opted out of allowing home schoolers to participate this year, said Superintendent Bill Wagner and he said he has heard of no area school that has opted into the new program for this coming school year, but it is something the La Grange school board – as well as many others – will consider going forward.

“There’s a lot logistically to think about to how it would operate and how to make it fair for all,” Wagner said.

Wagner said he has been contacted by one home-school family interested in participating in extracurricular activities. Schulenburg Superintendent Duane Limbaugh said no home school families have contacted his district about participating, but if it does happen, his district would consider it on a case-by-case basis.

La Grange homeschooling mother of four Emily Shaw said when she heard of the passage of the bill earlier this year she felt “excitement and apprehension.”

She said her kids would be interested in participating in golf, baseball, softball, volleyball and UIL chess.

She said she understands why La Grange has opted out of allowing home school participants this year.

“I totally understand that they need to take some time and figure out how this is going to work,” Shaw said. “I hope we can meet in the middle and have some give and take.”