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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD agenda and found 5 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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District Celebrates Leadership in Taxpayer-Funded Lobby Group
The board is formally recognizing a member’s election as President of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). TASB uses local tax dollars from member districts like DSISD to lobby the state legislature, often against property tax relief, school choice, and parental rights.
Response
USE PUBLIC COMMENT: Sign up to speak during Item 8.A. Ask the board: ‘How much in taxpayer money does DSISD pay in dues to TASB each year? Since our district is providing the President for this organization, will the board commit to directing TASB to support property tax elimination and full financial transparency for taxpayers?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Dues
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Secretive Appointment of Bond Advisory Committee
The district is appointing members to a Bond Advisory Committee, which will shape future debt packages put to voters. By placing this on the consent agenda and not listing the appointees, the board avoids public scrutiny of who is on the committee and whether they have conflicts of interest.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Email the Board of Trustees. ‘Pull Item 10.E from the Consent Agenda. Please publish the names and affiliations of the proposed Bond Advisory Committee members so the public can see who is shaping the district’s future debt.’
💰 Impact: Future Bond Debt
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Vague Budget Amendments on Consent Agenda
The board plans to approve unspecified amendments to the 2026-2027 budget as part of a bundled ‘Consent Agenda’ vote. This process limits public discussion and can be used to pass significant spending changes without scrutiny.
Response
INVESTIGATE & DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board of Trustees before the meeting. ‘Please pull Item 10.B from the Consent Agenda for a separate discussion and vote. Taxpayers deserve to know what is in these budget amendments before they are approved.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Vague ‘Possible Action’ After Closed Session
The agenda includes a vague item to take action on matters discussed behind closed doors, including property deals and employee dismissals. This allows the board to vote on significant financial or personnel matters with no specific prior public notice.
Response
MONITOR THE VOTE: Attend the meeting or watch the livestream. If the board emerges from Closed Session to vote on a major land deal or settlement under Item 14.A, demand they explain the full cost and justification to the public before the vote.
💰 Impact: Lack of Transparency
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Undisclosed Legal Fee Report
The Superintendent is presenting a report on legal fees, but no documents or figures are attached to the public agenda. Taxpayers have a right to know how much of their money is being spent on lawyers and for what purposes.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board of Trustees. ‘Regarding Item 12.E.1, please ensure the full report on legal fees, including amounts and the nature of the legal work, is made public as part of the official meeting record.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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