|
Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming DECATUR ISD agenda. There are 5 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9) |
|
Property Tax Increase Set for Approval
The school board is voting to adopt a property tax rate of $0.9188, which is a 4.36% increase over the no-new-revenue rate. This rate is the maximum the district can adopt without triggering an automatic election. This action will increase the district’s total tax collection from property owners to fund a budget that projects a $2.5 million deficit, spending down the district’s savings.
Response
PACK THE ROOM: This is the vote that raises your property tax bill. Attend the public hearing on August 27th at 5:00 PM. Email the Decatur ISD Board of Trustees: ‘Vote for the No-New-Revenue Rate of $0.880365. Do not pass a 4.36% tax increase without voter approval. Taxpayers cannot afford it.’ Verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: A 4.36% increase in the total property tax levy.
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
|
Vote on Secret ‘Defender Program’
The board is scheduled to take action on a ‘Defender Program’ under Item 7.D, but has not provided any public documents explaining what the program is, what it will cost, or what policy changes it involves. Voting on undisclosed items prevents taxpayers from understanding the financial and policy implications before a decision is made.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Email the Decatur ISD Board of Trustees: ‘Postpone the vote on Item 7.D, the “Defender Program,” until the administration provides the public with all relevant documents, including costs, liability, and program details. Do not vote on secret programs.’ Verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Unknown financial cost and policy implications.
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
|
‘Trauma-Informed’ Language Added to District Plan
The board is voting to update the District Improvement Plan to add ‘grief-informed and trauma-informed practices’ and ‘Comprehensive School Mental Health Services.’ While sounding helpful, these terms are often used to introduce social-emotional learning (SEL) programs that can shift focus from academics to psychological programming and student data collection.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Decatur ISD Board of Trustees: ‘Regarding Item 7.A, what specific curriculum, training, and vendors will be used for “trauma-informed practices”? Will parents have the right to review all materials and opt their children out of any related surveys or instruction?’ Verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Mission creep away from academic instruction and potential for future spending on non-academic consultants.
|
| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
|
Administration Seeks Blank Check for Budget Transfers
Under Item 7.J, the administration is asking the board to delegate authority to transfer up to $150,000 between budget categories without further board approval. While presented as a year-end accounting tool, this practice reduces transparency and allows money to be moved after the budget has been publicly approved, weakening board oversight.
Response
DEMAND OVERSIGHT: Email the Decatur ISD Board of Trustees: ‘Regarding Item 7.J, please reject the request to delegate authority for $150,000 in budget transfers. All significant fund transfers should require a specific, public vote by the board to ensure accountability.’ Verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Reduced transparency and accountability for how taxpayer money is spent.
|
| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
|
Vote on Employee Insurance Costs with No Details
The agenda includes Item 7.K, ‘Consideration of Employee Medical Insurance Contribution,’ but provides no backup documentation. Taxpayers do not know if this action will increase the district’s contribution, which would be a direct cost to them, or change employee benefits. This lack of information makes public oversight impossible.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Decatur ISD Board of Trustees: ‘Regarding Item 7.K, what is the proposed change to the employee medical insurance contribution and what is the total fiscal impact on the budget? Please provide these details to the public before any vote is taken.’ Verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Unknown impact on the district budget and taxpayer liability.
|
|
|
“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
Powered by Sentinel Engine |