Texas Public Policy Foundation Alert: ZAPATA COUNTY ISD – Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming ZAPATA COUNTY ISD agenda. There are 2 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.

🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9)

Public Hearing to Set Your Property Tax Bill

📅 August 25, 2026

The school board is holding its public hearing to set the 2026-2027 budget and property tax rate. With property values rising across Texas, keeping the tax rate the same often results in a significant tax increase for homeowners. This hearing is the primary opportunity for taxpayers to demand the board adopt the ‘no-new-revenue rate,’ which would prevent tax bills from increasing due to higher appraisals.

Response

PACK THE ROOM: This is the most important meeting of the year for your wallet. Show up on August 25th and sign up to speak. Demand the board adopt the ‘no-new-revenue’ tax rate. Tell them: ‘Don’t use rising property values to hide a tax hike.’

💰 Impact: Potential property tax increase if the adopted rate exceeds the no-new-revenue rate.

🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6)

Superintendent Must Pre-Approve Public Handouts

📅 August 25, 2026

According to Board Policy BED, citizens who want to distribute printed materials to the board or audience must submit them to the Superintendent’s office for ‘review’ 24 hours in advance. This policy acts as a form of prior restraint, allowing the administration to vet and potentially block information from being distributed, which could stifle public input and transparency.

Response

DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: While at the budget hearing, ask the board to revise Policy BED. Tell them: ‘The public should not need the Superintendent’s permission 24 hours in advance to share information with their elected officials. This policy chills free speech and should be removed.’

💰 Impact: Reduced transparency and potential censorship of public input.

District Info

Address

1302 GLENN ST, ZAPATA, TX 78076

“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