Texas Public Policy Foundation Alert: PETTUS ISD – Thursday, August 27, 2026

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming PETTUS ISD agenda. There are 3 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.

⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8)

Final Vote on Property Tax Rate and Budget

📅 Vote Scheduled August 27, 2026

The board is holding a public hearing and then immediately voting to set the 2026 property tax rate and approve the 2026-2027 budget. This is the most important vote of the year for taxpayers, as it determines the total amount of money the district will take from property owners. The agenda does not state the proposed rate or whether it is above the ‘no-new-revenue’ rate, which would constitute a tax increase.

Response

SHOW UP & SPEAK UP: Attend the Public Hearing at 6:00 PM. Sign up to speak and demand the board adopt the ‘No-New-Revenue’ tax rate, which would prevent a tax hike on existing properties. Ask board members to state publicly what the no-new-revenue rate is before they vote.

💰 Impact: Potential tax increase if the adopted rate is higher than the no-new-revenue rate.

🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6)

Requires Verification

Undisclosed Changes to Student Code of Conduct

📅 Vote Scheduled August 27, 2026

The board is scheduled to vote on an amendment to the Student Code of Conduct. However, the text of the proposed changes is not attached to the public agenda. This prevents parents and taxpayers from reviewing what new rules or policies will apply to students before the board votes. Codes of conduct can include significant policies on discipline, speech, and parental notification.

Response

DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Pettus ISD administration office before the meeting. Ask that the full text of the proposed amendment to the Student Code of Conduct be posted online for public review immediately. An informed public is essential for good governance.

💰 Impact: New policies affecting student rights and parental authority could be passed without public scrutiny.

🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5)

School Board Election Canceled

📅 Action Scheduled August 27, 2026

The agenda includes items to officially cancel the school board election and certify the candidates as ‘unopposed.’ This means voters will not have a choice in their elected representatives this cycle. A lack of contested elections can reduce accountability and make the board less responsive to the concerns of parents and taxpayers.

Response

MONITOR & RECRUIT: The lack of candidates is a sign of low civic engagement. Concerned citizens should begin identifying and encouraging qualified, principled candidates to run in the next election cycle to ensure the community has a choice at the ballot box.

💰 Impact: Loss of voter choice and a direct mechanism for holding elected officials accountable.

District Info

Address

500 N MAY ST, PETTUS, TX 78146

“Freedom, Prosperity &
Opportunity”

TPPF is a conservative think tank whose mission is to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation.

Contribute to the mission