Texas Public Policy Foundation Alert: GRAND PRAIRIE ISD – Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming GRAND PRAIRIE ISD agenda. There are 4 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.

🚨 Alert (LEVEL 10)

Using an Old Disaster to Raise Taxes Without an Election

📅 August 25, 2026

The board is voting on a resolution to use the “Disaster Pennies” provision in the Texas Tax Code. This allows them to raise property taxes above the voter-approval limit by citing a disaster declaration from March 2025—over 17 months ago. This is a legal loophole used to bypass taxpayers and raise taxes without putting it on the ballot for a vote.

Response

PACK THE ROOM: This is a tax hike without your vote. Sign up for public comment on Item 5.D. Email the Board of Trustees: ‘Using a 17-month-old disaster declaration to raise taxes with ‘Disaster Pennies’ is an abuse of taxpayer trust. Vote NO on this resolution and respect the voter-approval tax rate.’ Taxpayers can find board contact information on the district’s official website.

💰 Impact: A tax hike that bypasses the voter-approval election process.

🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9)

Board to Vote on 5.95% Property Tax Rate Increase

📅 August 25, 2026

The board is scheduled to vote on a new total property tax rate of $1.003119. The district’s own agenda documents explicitly state this is “effectively a 5.95% increase in the tax rate.” This will directly increase the property tax bills for homeowners and businesses in Grand Prairie ISD.

Response

DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Sign up to speak on Item 5.E. Email the Board of Trustees: ‘A 5.95% tax rate increase is unsustainable for families and businesses. I demand a roll-call vote on the tax rate so taxpayers can see where each trustee stands. Vote NO on this tax increase.’ Taxpayers can find board contact information on the district’s official website.

💰 Impact: A 5.95% increase in the district’s property tax rate.

⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8)

District Plans to Spend $18.3 Million More Than It Takes In

📅 August 25, 2026

The proposed 2026-2027 General Fund budget shows the district plans to spend $309.1 million while only bringing in $290.8 million in revenue and transfers. This creates an $18.3 million deficit that will be covered by draining the district’s savings (fund balance). This is not a sustainable financial plan and could lead to future tax hikes or painful cuts.

Response

DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board of Trustees regarding Item 5.B: ‘Why is the district proposing an $18.3 million deficit? What is the plan to return to a balanced budget without further burdening taxpayers? This level of deficit spending is irresponsible.’ Taxpayers can find board contact information on the district’s official website.

💰 Impact: $18.3 Million deficit, draining district savings.

🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6)

Board to Appoint New Trustee, Bypassing Voters

📅 August 25, 2026

The board will meet in a closed session and then take action to appoint a person to fill a vacant trustee position for District 7. Appointing a trustee, rather than holding a special election, denies citizens the right to choose their own representative on the board.

Response

DEMAND A SPECIAL ELECTION: Email the Board of Trustees regarding Item 8.A: ‘The citizens of District 7 deserve to elect their representative, not have one appointed for them. Please consider holding a special election to fill this vacancy instead of making an appointment.’ Taxpayers can find board contact information on the district’s official website.

💰 Impact: The loss of a direct vote for a local representative.

District Info

Address

2602 S BELT LINE RD, GRAND PRAIRIE, TX 75052

“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