SAN ANTONIO — You probably remember as a kid the school year started later in August. We asked the experts about one rumor floating around town surrounding how school start dates are chosen. We all know that the start of the school year coincides with the start of sports and other extracurricular activities.
THE QUESTION
Is it true that the start of the school year has been getting earlier so football can start early as well?
THE SOURCES
- Barry Perez, the Executive Director of Communications with Northside ISD
- University Interscholastic League
THE ANSWER
FALSE
WHAT WE FOUND
Perez told us they're moving the school year up for two reasons. He added, "Number one, we wanted to better align with our local districts, many of which had already started beginning their school year much sooner than us, in some cases two weeks."
The second reason is to be competitive in hiring with other local districts.
"The reality is we are all looking for amazing teachers. We understand that, and this better aligns our calendars so that we remain competitive in our recruitment and hiring efforts," said Perez.
In the UIL Fall Football Practice Regulations page it reads, "In Conferences 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A and all 9th graders in 5A and 6A, practice shall begin no earlier than the date set forth by the UIL calendar. In Conferences 5A and 6A, practice shall begin no earlier than the date set forth by the UIL calendar."
So no, it is false. The start of the school year has not been getting earlier so football can start early as well.
Perez also told us his district, like all others in Texas, must follow the UIL guidelines to the letter.