Texas Public Policy Foundation
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📍 Drive to HIGH ISLAND ISD Office   📅 Monday, October 19, 2026 to Calendar
📄 View Official Agenda
Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming HIGH ISLAND ISD agenda and found 5 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
WARNING (LEVEL 6)
Bond Project Cost Overruns
📅 October 19, 2026
The board is being asked to approve $159,568 in change orders for the 2025 bond construction project. This request covers five separate change orders (9-13), which can indicate poor project management and escalating costs that go beyond what voters originally approved.
Response

DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link) and ask for a justification for Change Orders 9-13 under Item 7.H. Why were these costs not included in the original project scope?

💰 Impact: $159,568.63
WATCH (LEVEL 5)
Requires Verification

Vague Title — Manual Review Required
📅 October 19, 2026
The board plans to adopt new operating procedures, but the document detailing these rules is not included in the public agenda packet. These procedures dictate how the board conducts business and can impact public transparency and access.
Response

INVESTIGATE: Open the file for Item 7.C attached in the Official Agenda (linked above) to ensure the new operating procedures do not reduce public comment rights or make it harder for the public to hold the board accountable.

💰 Impact: Potential Governance Changes
WATCH (LEVEL 4)
Requires Verification

Vague Title — Manual Review Required
📅 October 19, 2026
The board is set to approve its goals, but the document outlining these goals has not been included in the public agenda packet. These goals drive district policy and spending, and taxpayers deserve to see them before they are approved.
Response

INVESTIGATE: Open the file for Item 7.A attached in the Official Agenda (linked above) to confirm the proposed Board Goals do not contain ideological language or fiscally irresponsible objectives.

💰 Impact: Undisclosed Policy Directives
WATCH (LEVEL 4)
Requires Verification

Vague Title — Manual Review Required
📅 October 19, 2026
The board is scheduled to approve the district’s Gifted and Talented manual, but the document itself is not provided in the agenda. Parents and taxpayers should have the opportunity to review curriculum-related materials for any hidden ideological content or unfunded program expansions.
Response

INVESTIGATE: Open the file for Item 7.F attached in the Official Agenda (linked above) to review the Gifted and Talented manual for any concerning curriculum or policy changes.

💰 Impact: Undisclosed Curriculum Content
✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
Win (LEVEL 6)
District Protects Public Comment Rights
📅 October 19, 2026
The district’s public comment policy allows speakers a generous five minutes and permits comments on topics not on the current agenda. This strengthens transparency and ensures residents can raise concerns with the board, a practice that is being restricted in other districts.
How to Lock It In

Show up to thank the Board for maintaining a strong public comment policy. This sets a positive example for other districts that are trying to limit public input.

✅ Why It Matters: Enhanced Transparency
Local Officials
Address 2113 6TH ST, HIGH ISLAND, TX 77623
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Opportunity”
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