|
Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming PLANO ISD agenda and found 6 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 10) |
|
Massive $15.2M Cost Increase Hidden on Consent Agenda
The board plans to approve a massive $15.2 million cost increase for the Plano West Senior High renovation, hidden on the consent agenda for a single vote. This change order increases the project’s total cost to over $109 million and adds 16 months to the timeline, indicating a significant departure from the original plan.
Response
PACK THE ROOM: Email the Plano ISD Board of Trustees (contact info on the district website): ‘Consent Item 8.11 is a $15.2 million cost increase that must be pulled for a full public discussion and a recorded vote. Why is this project so far over budget and behind schedule?’
💰 Impact: $15.2M Cost Overrun
|
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
|
Board to Authorize Sending $132.5 Million to Austin
The board will authorize sending a staggering $132.5 million in local Plano property tax dollars to the state under the ‘Robin Hood’ school finance system. This massive transfer, known as recapture, diverts funds from Plano students to be redistributed elsewhere.
Response
DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY: Email the Plano ISD Board of Trustees (contact info on the district website): ‘Item 8.15 shows that Plano is sending over $132 million to the state. What is the board doing to fight for legislative changes to the recapture system to keep our tax dollars local?’
💰 Impact: $132.5M in Local Taxes Sent to Austin
|
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
|
District Approving Official Lobbying Platform
The board is voting to approve its official lobbying platform for the upcoming state legislative session. This commits district resources and staff time to influencing state lawmakers, often to advocate for policies that increase spending and oppose taxpayer protections.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The district has not published its proposed ‘Legislative Priorities’ in the agenda packet. Email the Plano ISD Board of Trustees (contact info on the district website): ‘Before voting on Item 9.6, please publicly release the full list of legislative priorities. Taxpayers have a right to know what you will be lobbying for in their name.’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
|
| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
|
$5M Contract Delegates Spending Authority to Superintendent
The board is being asked to approve a $5 million contract for special education services and give the Superintendent a blank check to add new vendors in the future without further board approval. This reduces public oversight on how a significant amount of taxpayer money is spent.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Plano ISD Board of Trustees (contact info on the district website): ‘Pull Consent Item 8.5 for a separate discussion and roll-call vote. Taxpayers deserve to know which vendors will receive this $5 million, and the Superintendent should not have the authority to add new ones without board approval.’
💰 Impact: $5,000,000 (Reduced Oversight)
|
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
|
Policy to Allow Hiring of Uncertified Teachers
Under a proposed policy update, Plano ISD will continue to use its ‘District of Innovation’ status to hire uncertified teachers for ‘difficult-to-fill’ courses. While this may help with staffing, it lowers the minimum qualification standards for educators in some classrooms.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Plano ISD Board of Trustees (contact info on the district website): ‘Regarding Item 10.1, which specific courses are currently taught by uncertified teachers, and what are the district’s standards for issuing a ‘district teaching permit’?’
💰 Impact: Lowered Teacher Certification Standards
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
|
District Takes Position on Federal Regulations
The board is voting on a resolution to take a formal position on a proposed federal rule change affecting the Head Start program. This uses local district resources to influence federal policy, a form of taxpayer-funded lobbying.
Response
Email the Plano ISD Board of Trustees (contact info on the district website): ‘Regarding Item 5.1, the district’s job is to educate Plano students, not lobby the federal government. Please vote NO on this resolution and focus on local issues.’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
|
|
|
“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 |