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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming FORT BEND ISD agenda. There are 7 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 10) |
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District Proposes Tax Rate, Hides Size of Tax Increase
The board will vote to adopt a property tax rate of $0.9969 per $100 of valuation. However, the agenda fails to state the “no-new-revenue” rate, preventing taxpayers from seeing how much their total tax levy will increase due to rising property values. This lack of transparency obscures the true size of the tax hike.
Response
PACK THE ROOM: This is the vote that sets your property tax bill. Contact the Board (see district website for contact info): ‘Before voting on the Adoption of 2026 Ad Valorem Tax Rate, I demand you state the no-new-revenue rate and the voter-approval rate from the dais and explain how the proposed $0.9969 rate compares. Vote NO on any rate above the no-new-revenue rate.’
💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
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| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9) |
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Massive Debt Authorization Hidden on Consent Agenda
The board is set to approve an order authorizing hundreds of millions of dollars in new and refinanced debt as part of a single up-or-down “Consent Agenda” vote. This item authorizes fixed-rate bonds for new projects and refinancing, part of a total package up to $723 million. Placing such a massive financial decision on the consent agenda avoids public discussion and a recorded vote.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Board (see district website for contact info): ‘I demand the Fixed Rate Bond Order be pulled from the Consent Agenda for a separate discussion and a roll-call vote. Taxpayers deserve to see where each trustee stands on authorizing up to $723 million in debt.’
💰 Impact: Up to $723M in Debt
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| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9) |
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Second Major Debt Order Hidden on Consent Agenda
In a parallel item to the fixed-rate bond order, the board plans to approve authorizing hundreds of millions in variable-rate debt on the “Consent Agenda.” This item provides another mechanism to issue part of a total $723 million debt package without requiring a separate discussion or recorded vote. This shields a major financial decision from public scrutiny.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Board (see district website for contact info): ‘I demand the Variable Rate Bond Order be pulled from the Consent Agenda for a separate discussion and a roll-call vote. The public deserves transparency on a debt authorization of this magnitude.’
💰 Impact: Up to $723M in Debt
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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Board Asked to Pre-Approve Undefined Gas Contract
This item asks the Board to delegate authority to the Superintendent to sign a multi-year natural gas contract with no price cap or final terms specified. Citing market volatility, the administration is asking for a blank check, bypassing future Board oversight on a major operational expense.
Response
DEMAND OVERSIGHT: Contact the Board (see district website for contact info): ‘Do not delegate your authority on the Natural Gas Procurement item. Vote NO unless a clear “not-to-exceed” dollar amount is established and the final contract is required to come back to the Board for ratification.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Contract Value
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Nearly $200M Debt Restructuring on Consent Agenda
The board plans to approve the restructuring of nearly $200 million in existing variable-rate bonds (Series 2024B) as part of the un-debated consent agenda. This continues a pattern of placing major financial decisions, affecting long-term taxpayer obligations, where they are least likely to receive public scrutiny.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Board (see district website for contact info): ‘Pull the Conversion Order for Series 2024B from the Consent Agenda. A $197 million debt decision deserves a separate discussion and a recorded vote.’
💰 Impact: $196.8M Debt Restructuring
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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District to Spend $57M Now, Issue Debt Later
Buried in the consent agenda, this resolution allows the district to spend up to $57.15 million from its cash reserves on capital projects and then pay itself back later by issuing tax-exempt debt. While a legal financing tool, this “reimbursement” mechanism can obscure the true timeline of debt-funded spending from taxpayers.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Board (see district website for contact info): ‘Regarding the Reimbursement Resolution on the consent agenda, please explain which specific projects will be funded this way and why this spending is not being financed through a direct bond sale. This item should be discussed publicly.’
💰 Impact: $57.15M in Future Debt
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Open-Ended Audit Consultant Contract on Consent Agenda
The district plans to approve a five-year contract with Plante & Moran, PLLC, for “Program Management Consultant” services for the Board’s audit program. The agenda provides no total cost or not-to-exceed amount, creating risk of “consultant creep” where costs can escalate over time without further public approval.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Board (see district website for contact info): ‘Regarding the Program Management Consultant contract with Plante & Moran, what is the total expected cost over the five-year term? Please establish a not-to-exceed cap for this agreement before the vote.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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