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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming HAYS CISD agenda. There are 4 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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Hiring Superintendent Search Firm in Secret
The Board is scheduled to hire a consulting firm to lead the search for a new superintendent, a process that can cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. However, the agenda provides no information about which firms are being considered, what their proposals contain, or how much they will be paid. This vote is happening without any public disclosure of the options, preventing taxpayers from evaluating the cost and approach of this critical hiring decision.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Email the Hays CISD Board of Trustees. ‘Regarding Item J.9, taxpayers deserve to see the proposals and costs for all superintendent search firms before you vote. Postpone this vote until the documents are made public so we can see how you’re planning to spend our money.’ Taxpayers should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed. Search firms typically charge $25,000 to $75,000 or more.
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Ideological Language Embedded in Student Discipline Code
Buried in the consent agenda, the district is adopting its new Student Code of Conduct. The justification for the policy explicitly cites ‘social and emotional learning (SEL)’ as a core belief. The code itself also incorporates ‘restorative practices’ as a discipline management technique. These approaches often shift the focus from consequences for misbehavior to therapeutic interventions, which can undermine classroom authority and parental values.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Hays CISD Board of Trustees. ‘Pull Item I.1, the Student Code of Conduct, from the Consent Agenda for a separate discussion and a recorded vote. Parents are concerned about the inclusion of ‘Social Emotional Learning’ and ‘Restorative Practices’ in student discipline and want to know where each trustee stands.’ Taxpayers should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Potential for future spending on SEL consultants, curriculum, and training.
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Board Adopting Mission and Goals Without Public Review
The Board is voting to adopt its official Mission, Vision, Beliefs, and Goals for the upcoming year. These documents guide every major decision the district makes. However, the actual text of these statements and goals has not been included in the public agenda packet, only blank cover sheets. The public is being asked to trust the board’s direction without being able to see what it is.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Hays CISD Board of Trustees. ‘Regarding Items J.11 and J.12, the public cannot support a mission or goals that they cannot read. Please postpone this vote and publish the full text of the proposed Mission, Vision, Beliefs, and Goals for public review.’ Taxpayers should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Lack of accountability. The goals could commit the district to ideological or fiscally irresponsible paths without public input.
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✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Win (LEVEL 0) |
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District to Save Over $500,000 by Paying Off Debt Early
The district is taking action to pay off a portion of its Series 2018A bonds early. This debt management strategy, known as defeasance, is projected to save taxpayers an estimated $503,931 in future interest payments. This is a positive example of fiscally responsible governance.
How to Secure It
SUPPORT GOOD GOVERNANCE: Consider sending a brief email to the Hays CISD Board of Trustees thanking them for their proactive debt management on Item J.3, which is estimated to save taxpayers over half a million dollars. Taxpayers should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
✅ Why It Matters: N/A (Projected Savings: $503,931)
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