AUSTIN, TX – Today, Calallen ISD was unanimously granted membership into District 30-5A at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) District Realignment Committee appeals hearing in Austin. Calallen ISD had previously been placed into District 29, a new placement that would have created an extreme travel hardship by having to play new district opponents three times as far as they do now, as well as less time in the classroom for students, increased safety risks while traveling late at night, and a significant financial burden on families.
Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:
“It is great news that Calallen ISD’s appeal was granted by the UIL and that they will be admitted into District 30-5A. Thank you to the UIL for your consideration and prompt response during the appeals process. Thank you also to State Rep. Abel Herrero and Chairman Todd Hunter for their support and efforts for Calallen ISD.
Our students deserve the best opportunities we can give them to succeed academically. While the demands of balancing academics with athletics is often difficult, the previous realignment would have unnecessarily created an undue burden on students, their parents, and schools administrators and officials.
The UIL has traditionally focused on academics first, and the appeals decision today is consistent with that goal. This is a common sense solution that prioritizes the academic success and safety of our students.”
The granted appeal means that District 30-5A will now consist of 11 teams, which is extremely rare and had only been created once almost 30 years ago. District 30-5A will consist of the six Corpus Christi ISD schools, along with Alice, Calallen, Flour Bluff, Gregory-Portland and Tuloso-Midway.
Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa served as the Senate President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate in the 84th Texas Legislature. Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development, Criminal Justice, Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.