Sharyland HS marching band withdraws from UIL competition due to eligibility violation

SHARYLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) —  The Sharyland Independent School District announced Monday it has identified an eligibility violation involving the Sharyland High School Marching Band.

According to a statement from the district, the administration has filed a formal report to the University Interscholastic League (UIL).

Additionally, the district has voluntarily withdrawn Sharyland High School from advancing to the UIL Area G Competition.

"While this outcome is difficult, Sharyland ISD believes it is essential to uphold the integrity of the UIL regulations and the values we strive to instill in our students," the statement reads.

The district added they are immensely proud of their band's achievements and hard work, as well as thankful for the support from the parents and the community of their students.

"This incident should not overshadow the tremendous talents and gifts of our children. We acknowledge the significance and heartache placed upon our fine arts community, and we stand united," Sharyland ISD stated.

The Sharyland High School Marching Band was scheduled to perform at the competition this weekend.

The announcement comes nearly a year after Sharyland ISD marching bands faced accusations for violating UIL practice rules.

On Oct. 29, 2024, Mary Solis, principal of Brownsville Porter Early College High School, made allegations against Sharyland High School and Sharyland Pioneer.

She claimed both marching bands pulled students out of class and were taken to Tiger Stadium in Mercedes to practice for the UIL Area G Marching Contest, which was held on the same field.

On Oct. 26, 2024, both schools advanced to the state level.

In an emergency public meeting, Solis provided photos of the Sharyland band trailer parked at the Tiger Stadium four days before the UIL Area G Marching Contest.

^{Images and timestamps of a Sharyland band trailer that were provided at the public meeting.}

Sharyland ISD Superintendent Elaine Howard attended the meeting and represented the district and both schools in question. She stated that the UIL Executive Committee learned of the accusations on Oct. 22, before the UIL Area G Marching Contest.

Additionally, she acknowledged that Sharyland High School marching band did hold a practice at Mercedes for approximately 73 minutes, but did not go over the allowed time.

Solis cited a TEA and UIL guideline that states practices to one hour during the school day. She also cited that UIL rules state that students may not miss other classes for practice for extracurricular academic, fine art or athletic activities.

TEA-UIL guidelines submitted during emergency meeting.

However, Howard rebutted by stating that the language used in the guidelines discourages these practices but does not prohibit them.

Following more than 30 minutes of executive session, the Region 15 UIL Executive Committee decided to issue a reprimand to both Sharyland schools; however, they did not specify what the reprimand would consist of.

In the meeting, Solis added that she will be taking her complaint to the state level for the committee's decision.

On Oct. 31, the UIL committee closed the case against the allegations against both schools and issued the following statement.

The UIL Area G Executive Committee is aware of the rule violation allegations involving high school bands within the Sharyland ISD. These allegations were addressed in a formal hearing at the local level, where the Committee reviewed testimonies provided by representatives from Brownsville ISD and Sharyland ISD. Based on the evidence and testimonies presented, the UIL Area G Executive Committee issued penalties deemed appropriate under UIL guidelines. This case is now considered closed, and there will be no further comment or action from the UIL Area G Executive Committee.

- UIL Area G Executive Committee

Both schools were able to perform at the 5A Preliminary Round at the UIL State Marching Band Contest in San Antonio.