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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming LA VEGA ISD agenda. There are 4 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9) |
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Tax Increase Framed as ‘No Change’
The board is voting on a tax ordinance that explicitly states it ‘WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR’S TAX RATE.’ However, the same document claims the rate will ‘effectively be raised by 0 percent.’ This is confusing language designed to mislead taxpayers. Due to rising property values, keeping the same tax rate results in a higher tax bill for homeowners and a significant revenue increase for the district.
Response
PACK THE ROOM: This is the public hearing on the budget and tax rate. Sign up to speak on Item X.C. Ask the board to state the total dollar amount of new taxes they will collect under this rate. Demand they adopt the ‘no-new-revenue’ tax rate, which would lower the rate to offset rising property values.
💰 Impact: An increased property tax levy on every homeowner and business in the district.
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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Paying a Lobby Group for Policy Services
The board is voting on policy updates provided by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). School districts pay significant taxpayer-funded dues and fees to TASB, which is one of the most powerful lobby groups in Austin. TASB consistently lobbies against property tax relief, parental rights, and educational freedom. This agenda item confirms the district is using local tax dollars to fund an organization that lobbies against the interests of its own taxpayers.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the La Vega ISD Board of Trustees. ‘Regarding Item IX.J, how much in total taxpayer money did the district pay to TASB last year for all dues, fees, and services? Taxpayers have a right to know how much of their money is being sent to a political lobby group in Austin.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed annual dues and fees paid to TASB for lobbying and other services.
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Budgeting Tax Dollars for Lobbying
The proposed 2026-2027 budget includes an explicit line item for ‘Lobbying’ to be used for ‘influencing or attempting to influence the outcome of legislation or administrative action.’ While the amount is small ($500), it codifies the use of public funds for political activity and sets a precedent for future increases. Taxpayer money should fund classrooms, not political influence in Austin.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the board. ‘Regarding the budget (Item X.B), I demand the $500 line item for Lobbying be removed. Public funds should not be used for political influence. Please pull this item for a separate discussion and a roll-call vote.’
💰 Impact: $500 in direct lobbying expenses, with the potential for future growth.
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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23% Budget Increase for ‘Social Work Services’
The proposed budget increases spending on ‘Social Work Services’ by over 22%, from $167,579 to $205,593. This is a significant jump in a non-academic support area. This function can often be a vehicle for implementing Social Emotional Learning (SEL), mental health screenings, or other programs that fall outside the core academic mission and can infringe on parental rights. Taxpayers deserve to know what this new spending is for.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the board regarding the budget (Item X.B). ‘What specific programs or new staff does the 23% budget increase for Social Work Services fund? Will any of this money be used for student mental health screenings or surveys, and can parents opt their children out?’
💰 Impact: $38,014 increase in spending on non-core-academic services.
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