Sharyland ISD marching bands still perform at the state level despite the UIL’s rebuke

The Sharyland High School and Sharyland Pioneer High School marching bands remain eligible to advance to and perform at the state competition despite being reprimanded for violating UIL practice rules.

The allegations came from Mary Solis, principal of Porter Early College High School. She alleged that both Sharyland high schools took students out of class, in violation of UIL policy, to practice for the UIL Area G Marching Contest and also had students practice for over an hour during the school day.

A virtual meeting to discuss these allegations was held on Tuesday; Sharyland Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Elaine Howard, attended the meeting.

The UIL Area G Executive Committee said it decided to issue a “private reprimand” to both Sharyland ISD marching bands.

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Sharyland ISD released a statement saying the district immediately began a “thorough internal review” of its band practice plans and district procedures.

The statement said, “Although the committee issued a reprimand to Sharyland ISD, it confirmed that our band’s eligibility to advance and perform at the state competition remains valid.”

The state competition is scheduled for Nov. 4 in San Antonio.

“Sharyland ISD maintains its commitment to instruction and academic excellence. We couldn’t be prouder of our talented students and the tremendous effort they put into the many successes during this year’s marching band season. We are deeply grateful for the support of our Sharyland ISD parents and community, especially our band directors and program leaders, who help our programs thrive,” the district’s statement said.

The UIL Area G Executive Committee issued the following statement:

“The UIL Area G Executive Committee is aware of allegations of policy violations involving high school bands within Sharyland ISD. These allegations were discussed at a formal hearing at the local level, at which the Committee reviewed testimony from representatives of Brownsville ISD and Sharyland ISD.” Based on the evidence and testimony presented, the UIL Area G Executive Committee imposed penalties that have been deemed appropriate in accordance with UIL policy and there will be no further comment or action from the UIL Area G Executive Committee.