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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming VAN ALSTYNE ISD agenda and found 6 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 9) |
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Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Dues Hidden in Consent Agenda
Buried within the financial reports on the ‘Consent Agenda’ are payments to organizations like the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). These groups lobby the state legislature for policies that often lead to higher taxes and less local control, working against taxpayer interests.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Pull the Financials from the Consent Agenda for a separate discussion and a roll-call vote. Taxpayers should not be forced to fund lobbyists who work against them in Austin.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Fees
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| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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District to Purchase Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Books
The board is voting to approve a new list of library books, including a large collection from ‘Slumberkins’ and author Julia Cook. These materials are heavily focused on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), which can serve as a vehicle for political and ideological content in the classroom.
Response
Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Regarding the Library Book Purchase, I oppose using taxpayer funds for SEL-focused materials. Please vote NO and direct librarians to purchase books focused on academic excellence, not emotional programming.’
💰 Impact: Politicizing the Library
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| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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Vague Title — Manual Review Required
The board plans to approve a proposal from Gallagher Construction for ‘elementary school #4.’ This is a massive financial commitment, yet the agenda includes no contract, no dollar amount, and no project details for taxpayers to review before the vote.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file attached to the ‘Gallagher Construction Contract’ item in the Official Agenda (linked above) to find the total cost. Email the Board: ‘Do not vote on the Gallagher Construction contract. Major construction contracts must be published with full costs well in advance of any vote.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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Board to Waive State Law for Armed Officers on Campus
The board will vote on a ‘Good Cause Exception’ resolution to avoid complying with a state law requiring an armed officer on every campus during school hours. While the district cites a lack of state funding, this vote formally adopts a lower security standard and relies on an alternative ‘Guardian program.’
Response
Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Regarding the Good Cause Exception Resolution, what specific measures are in place to ensure the ‘alternative standard’ provides the same level of protection as a commissioned peace officer on every campus at all times?’
💰 Impact: Reduced Campus Security
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Vague Title — Manual Review Required
The board is scheduled to approve a proposal from WRA for ‘design services for a new elementary school.’ The agenda provides no copy of the contract, cost, or scope of work, preventing public review of a major capital expense.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file attached to the ‘WRA Contract’ item in the Official Agenda (linked above) to confirm whether it contains hidden costs or unfavorable terms. Email the Board: ‘Please postpone the vote on the WRA contract until the full proposal and cost are made public.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Undisclosed Cost for Project Change Order
The board will vote to ‘add A/C unit to indoor scope of current project.’ This is a change order that will increase the cost of a taxpayer-funded project, but the agenda fails to disclose the price tag.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Regarding the item ‘A/C in Indoor,’ what is the total cost of this change order? This amount must be stated publicly before a vote.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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