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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming GORDON ISD agenda. There are 4 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 10) |
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Massive Property Tax Hike Proposed
The Board is holding a public hearing to adopt a new budget and tax rate. The proposed rate of $1.0303 is an increase from last year’s $0.9919. Due to soaring property appraisals, this rate hike will cause the tax bill on a median-valued home to jump by over $230 in Palo Pinto County and a staggering $1,271 in Erath County. This represents a major increase in the tax burden on local families and businesses.
Response
PACK THE ROOM: This is the public hearing on your tax bill. Show up on August 26th to speak. Demand the board adopt the ‘no-new-revenue’ tax rate and find savings in the budget instead of sending families a massive tax increase. Note: The district requires you to register to speak 48 hours in advance.
💰 Impact: Tax bills to increase by $230-$1,271 for median homes.
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Using District Resources for Lobby Group Politics
The board is scheduled to vote on endorsing a candidate for the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors. TASB is a taxpayer-funded association that lobbies the state legislature, often against policies that would increase transparency, empower parents, or lower property taxes. This vote uses the district’s official platform to engage in the internal politics of an Austin-based lobby group.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Gordon ISD Board of Trustees. ‘The district should focus on educating children, not playing politics with the TASB lobby. Please vote NO on Item X.B.10 and end the district’s involvement in TASB’s internal elections.’
💰 Impact: Alignment with Austin lobby groups that oppose taxpayer interests.
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Public Comment Restricted by 48-Hour Rule
The district’s public forum policy requires citizens to register to speak at a board meeting a full 48 hours in advance. This rule can prevent busy parents and taxpayers who only see the agenda a day or two before the meeting from addressing their elected officials on critical issues like the proposed tax hike.
Response
DEMAND YOUR RIGHT TO SPEAK: Contact the Gordon ISD Board of Trustees. ‘Your 48-hour advance registration rule for public comment disenfranchises taxpayers. This policy should be changed to allow registration up until the meeting begins, ensuring every voice can be heard.’
💰 Impact: Suppression of last-minute public feedback on agenda items.
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Undisclosed Changes to Library and Student Policies
The board is voting on updates to four local policies (EFB, FD, FM, FNCE), which relate to sensitive topics like library materials, student admissions, and student activities. However, the agenda does not include the text of these proposed changes, making it impossible for parents and taxpayers to know what is being altered before the vote.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Gordon ISD Board of Trustees. ‘Regarding Item X.B.8, the proposed text for the policy updates must be made public before any vote. Postpone this item until the community has had a chance to review the changes.’
💰 Impact: Secret policy changes affecting students and library content.
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