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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming PONDER ISD agenda. There are 5 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9) |
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Adopting the 2026-27 Property Tax Rate
The board is holding a public hearing and then voting to set the new property tax rate for the district. With property values rising across Texas, even an unchanged or so-called ‘lower’ tax rate can result in a significant tax increase on homeowners’ bills. Taxpayers should demand the board adopt the ‘no-new-revenue’ rate, which is the rate that keeps the average tax bill from increasing.
Response
SHOW UP FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING: Sign up to speak at the public hearing on the tax rate. Email the Ponder ISD Board: ‘With property values soaring, I urge you to adopt the no-new-revenue tax rate for 2026-27. Do not vote to raise our taxes.’ Taxpayers should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Potential property tax increase above the no-new-revenue rate.
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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Undisclosed Cost for New Multipurpose Facility
The board is voting to approve a contract with Hellas Construction for a new ‘multipurpose facility.’ The agenda provides no details on the total cost, the funding source (e.g., voter-approved bonds, debt without a vote), or the specific purpose of the facility. This is a major spending decision being made without basic financial transparency for taxpayers.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Ponder ISD Board: ‘Before you vote on the Hellas Construction contract, please publicly state the total cost of the multipurpose facility and confirm the funding source. Taxpayers deserve to know the price tag before you approve the deal.’ Taxpayers should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Unknown. Could be millions of dollars in new debt or from existing funds.
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Appointing a New Trustee, Bypassing Voters
The board is planning to appoint a replacement for a vacant trustee seat in Place 7. While legal, this process bypasses voters, who will not get to choose their own representative. The appointed individual will have full voting power and the advantage of incumbency in the next election, making it harder for a challenger to win.
Response
DEMAND A SPECIAL ELECTION: Email the Ponder ISD Board: ‘The voters of Place 7 deserve to choose their own representative. Please call a special election to fill the trustee vacancy instead of making a political appointment.’ Taxpayers should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: The loss of a direct vote on a local representative.
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Secret Changes to Student Academic Policy
The board is considering an update to policy EIC(LOCAL), which typically governs academic achievement and class ranking. The agenda provides no draft of the proposed changes, leaving parents and students in the dark about how grading, ranking, or academic requirements might be altered. Policy should not be made in secret.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Email the Ponder ISD Board: ‘Please postpone the vote on policy EIC(LOCAL) and publish the proposed changes online for public review and comment before any action is taken.’ Taxpayers should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Potential negative changes to academic standards or student rankings.
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✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Win (LEVEL 0) |
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District Affirms Compliance with Parental Rights Law
The board is considering a resolution and certification related to Senate Bill 12, a state law designed to keep sexually explicit materials out of school libraries. This action indicates the district is formally complying with a key parental rights law passed by the Texas Legislature.
How to Secure It
SHOW SUPPORT: Email the Ponder ISD Board: ‘Thank you for taking action to certify compliance with SB 12 and for passing a resolution that affirms parental rights. We appreciate you upholding state law designed to protect students.’ Taxpayers should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
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