7A Proposal

[fullspeed]

I wonder if the UIL is going to set a number of schools that they will put in 7A, or will they leave us waiting.

I could say there wont be a 7A, but I'll say I don't think there is going to be a 7A.

[arges]

7A is inevitable sooner or later, even if gets moved to 2028. The fast-growing schools, new schools and the districts demanding opt-ups will force the bottom of 6A up to 2500 or more. It will cascade down the classes and will really hurt the smaller classes. Something should happen, though.

[Matt.Stepp]

Thus bypassing a lot of closer schools in the process. This is a main reason why I think most AD's would vote this proposal down.

There won't be an AD vote when it comes to adding a class..it'll be solely at the discretion of the UIL legislative council...

[arges]

There won't be an AD vote when it comes to adding a class..it'll be solely at the discretion of the UIL legislative council...

So when the UIL legislative meets prior to adding an additional class, we should get some idea of what to expect. Is that what U think, Mr. Stepp?

[Matt.Stepp]

So when the UIL legislative meets prior to adding an additional class, we should get some idea of what to expect. Is that what U think, Mr. Stepp?

I think so...I'll be asking about it at coaching school to see if I can get any read from them also

[arges]

So when the UIL legislative meets prior to adding an additional class, we should get some idea of what to expect. Is that what U think, Mr. Stepp?

When is coaching school this year?

[Matt.Stepp]

When is coaching school this year?

July 16-18

[DaveSL]

What is going on El Paso way? Coronado High has 5A numbers in grades 8-11 with feeder schools Don Q. Murphee and Don Haskins. Ysleta High has 4A numbers. Unless sudden growth spurts or they both opt up, there may be some big changes out west.

The El Paso and Permian basin problem for adding 7A. Under a few of the proposals here, EP Coronado would have travel distances for all district games of over 300 miles. ~300 miles to each of the Odessa and Midland schools, ~350 miles to Frenship, and over 400 miles to San Angelo. Without some fair remedy to ease the travel burden, it sounds like a lawsuit against UIL in the making. To me, it's about as fair as having a Katy or Houston area school in a DFW district. Now if UIL would only charter jets for team and band during away games in the "westest" 7A district, no problem. I'm not even addressing the impact on academics for the students. Hey wait, this is still about education isn't it?????

[Matt.Stepp]

The El Paso and Permian basin problem for adding 7A. Under a few of the proposals here, EP Coronado would have travel distances for all district games of over 300 miles. ~300 miles to each of the Odessa and Midland schools, ~350 miles to Frenship, and over 400 miles to San Angelo. Without some fair remedy to ease the travel burden, it sounds like a lawsuit against UIL in the making. To me, it's about as fair as having a Katy or Houston area school in a DFW district. Now if UIL would only charter jets for team and band during away games in the "westest" 7A district, no problem. I'm not even addressing the impact on academics for the students. Hey wait, this is still about education isn't it?????

I cant imagine a lawsuit filed by El Paso ISD would fly against the UIL considering 1) membership is voluntary and the guidelines regarding UIL membership are clearly laid out with realignment being part of it. 2) El Paso ISD could balance out school enrollments to get their schools all under 7A if they wanted to 3) they also have the option to opt schools up to 7A as well

[chhspantherfan]

July 16-18

Will be an interesting session, lots on their plate. Do DECs continue to wield power? This is an interesting time in HS Sports.

[Matt.Stepp]

Will be an interesting session, lots on their plate. Do DECs continue to wield power? This is an interesting time in HS Sports.

DECs only hold power locally....I dont see that changing but they have zero influence on statewide policy

[chhspantherfan]

DECs only hold power locally....I dont see that changing but they have zero influence on statewide policy

Times are changing, will be interesting to see what happens this summer. Thank you for your work, it doesn't go unappreciated.

[SoutheastTX]

The El Paso and Permian basin problem for adding 7A. Under a few of the proposals here, EP Coronado would have travel distances for all district games of over 300 miles. ~300 miles to each of the Odessa and Midland schools, ~350 miles to Frenship, and over 400 miles to San Angelo. Without some fair remedy to ease the travel burden, it sounds like a lawsuit against UIL in the making. To me, it's about as fair as having a Katy or Houston area school in a DFW district. Now if UIL would only charter jets for team and band during away games in the "westest" 7A district, no problem. I'm not even addressing the impact on academics for the students. Hey wait, this is still about education isn't it?????

I feel your pain I really do, I want the best for all concerned and there is no doubt EP and WTX is challenged. What Stepp said is what EP needs to consider. balancing the schools out etc. As much as I care for EP and WTX, they can't be the "tail that wags the dog" for the rest of the state.

I hope for another "football only" division of 6A, at least having 3 divisions in 6A will allow for all the other non football sports to stay compact. Save all the travel we can.

[Matt.Stepp]

I feel your pain I really do, I want the best for all concerned and there is no doubt EP and WTX is challenged. What Stepp said is what EP needs to consider. balancing the schools out etc. As much as I care for EP and WTX, they can't be the "tail that wags the dog" for the rest of the state.

I hope for another "football only" division of 6A, at least having 3 divisions in 6A will allow for all the other non football sports to stay compact. Save all the travel we can.

And the UIL is pretty good about giving remote areas like El Paso a heads up on things....I can promise you before 7A happens EPISD and Socorro ISD will get notice to "get your crap together" from the UIL.....Socorro builds new schools quickly so they are ok...but the two westside HS's in El Paso (Franklin and Coronado) have enrollment differences of over 600 kids...balance those enrollments out and both stay 6A...not to mention EPISD has 5A-D1, 5A-D2 and 4A-D1 HS's as well...plenty of opportunity to creatively balance out enrollments to have no one go 7A

[DaveSL]

I cant imagine a lawsuit filed by El Paso ISD would fly against the UIL considering 1) membership is voluntary and the guidelines regarding UIL membership are clearly laid out with realignment being part of it. 2) El Paso ISD could balance out school enrollments to get their schools all under 7A if they wanted to 3) they also have the option to opt schools up to 7A as well

I've been looking at this the wrong way.... UIL shouldn't implement a 7A class, but should instead implement a 6A ceiling for the enrollments. A Cap. Before implementing this cap, UIL should send notification letters to the schools who would be over this cap. A kind of "get your stuff together" letter. If enrollment isn't brought down below the cap, they would be disqualified from UIL participation after the cap is put in place. Remember, it is a voluntary action to join UIL. I've heard some districts can build new schools "real" fast, so it shouldn't be a problem. If this is not do-able, the monies could be spent on new busses and drivers to transport the excess student body to neighboring districts. The schools can determine which students are designated as "excess". If this isn't workable, UIL could just put the schools into a new super district and maybe call it "Big Tex". Travel won't be a consideration. It may be a huge burden, just not a consideration. It all falls back to the schools shoulda' paid attention to the "get your stuff together "letters. Remember..... UIL participation is voluntary.