Transfer students entering Katy ISD through its new High School Limited Open Enrollment program will be eligible to try out for athletics at Katy, Seven Lakes, Tompkins, Fulshear and the district's six other high schools, but earning a roster spot is not guaranteed and UIL paperwork could delay varsity competition.

The district addressed the question directly in a community FAQ published Sunday, Aug. 9, three days before the Aug. 12 first day of school and with fall sports preseason already in full swing. Each of the 10 campuses can accept up to 100 transfer students from outside the district at no cost to families.

Once accepted, those students become full Katy ISD enrollees and face the same tryout standards as every other athlete, the district said. A spot is not guaranteed.

Superintendent Ken Gregorski said the program gives more students access to the academics and extracurriculars that have made Katy ISD a destination district. The program is also driven by budget pressures: the Texas Legislature did not increase ongoing school funding for 2026-27, and the district is operating with a deficit.

The UIL catch

What the district's answer did not spell out: any transfer student in grades 9-12 who previously competed in UIL sports at another school must file a Previous Athletic Participation Form before playing varsity at the new campus. Under UIL rules, a District Executive Committee then determines whether the student changed schools for athletic purposes. If the committee rules the move was athletically motivated, the student is limited to sub-varsity competition.

That process applies regardless of whether a student transfers through open enrollment or any other route. Students who have never competed in UIL athletics at another school are not subject to the PAPF requirement.

No extracurricular-only access

The program does not allow students to remain enrolled elsewhere and simply join a Katy ISD team. Board policy requires full-time enrollment. Students from private, charter or home schools must enroll full-time in the district to participate in athletics or fine arts.

Budget math behind the program

Vacant seats generate no state revenue. Filling them with transfer students brings new attendance funding without diverting local property tax dollars from in-district students, the district said. Approximately 15,000 students already participate in athletics across Katy ISD's junior high and high school campuses each year.

Campus assignments are based on Extended Attendance Zones, not student preference, meaning incoming transfers cannot shop for a specific program. The Katy ISD Board of Trustees meets next on Monday, Aug. 17.