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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming KENNARD ISD agenda. There are 5 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9) |
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Major Renovation Project Could Hide Debt Without a Vote
The board is set to approve an agreement with McKinstry Essention, LLC for a ‘primary renovation project.’ These types of ‘performance contracts’ are often complex, long-term lease-purchase deals that function like debt but are never put before voters. The board is also considering delegating authority to the superintendent, reducing public oversight on a potentially multi-million dollar project.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Kennard ISD board. Ask: ‘What is the total cost and financing structure of the McKinstry agreement under Item V.L? Is this a lease-purchase or another form of non-voter-approved debt? Taxpayers deserve to see the full contract and vote on any long-term debt.’
💰 Impact: Potential multi-million dollar debt obligation without voter approval.
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Using Tax Dollars to Pay Austin Lobbyists
The board is voting to approve an insurance payment to the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). While presented as a routine insurance purchase, a portion of all funds paid to TASB supports their extensive lobbying operations in Austin. TASB’s lobbyists frequently work to oppose property tax relief, parental rights, and educational freedom. This means local tax dollars are being used to lobby against taxpayer interests.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Kennard ISD board. Ask: ‘Please provide a breakdown of how much of our payment to TASB under Item V.G goes to lobbying versus services. We demand a recorded vote to see which trustees support sending our local tax dollars to Austin lobbyists.’
💰 Impact: Funding for Austin lobbyists who oppose property tax relief and parental rights.
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 6) |
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Secret Policy Changes from Austin Lobby Group
The board is voting to approve ‘TASB Update 127,’ a package of policy changes recommended by the Texas Association of School Boards. The agenda provides no details on what these changes are. These updates can impact everything from student discipline and library book policies to parental notification rules, but they are being voted on without the actual text being made public in the agenda.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the Kennard ISD board. Ask: ‘Before you vote on Item V.B, please post the full text of TASB Update 127 online. Parents and taxpayers have a right to read the policies you are adopting for our schools before they become official.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed policy changes affecting parental rights and curriculum.
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| Monitoring (LEVEL 4) |
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Consultant Creep
The board is approving a $5,342.50 payment to ‘EGA Consultants, LLC’ from the district’s savings account (fund balance). The agenda offers no explanation for what services are being provided or what taxpayers are getting for this money. This is an example of ‘consultant creep,’ where taxpayer money is spent on vague services with no clear deliverables or public justification.
Response
ASK FOR THE INVOICE: Contact the Kennard ISD board. Ask: ‘Regarding Item V.K, what specific services did EGA Consultants provide to justify this $5,342.50 payment? Please make the contract or invoice public.’
💰 Impact: $5,342.50 for unspecified ‘consulting’ services.
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| Monitoring (LEVEL 4) |
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Renewing Online Curriculum Contract
The board is renewing its contract with Edgenuity, an online curriculum provider. While often used for credit recovery, parents should be aware of the content and quality of third-party digital curriculum. It’s important to ask if this material aligns with community values and academic standards, and whether parents can easily review the lessons their children are being taught through this platform.
Response
DEMAND CURRICULUM ACCESS: Contact the Kennard ISD board. Ask: ‘Regarding Item V.I, how does the district ensure the academic quality and content of Edgenuity’s curriculum? Is there a simple process for parents to review all the online materials their children will be assigned?’
💰 Impact: Potential for low-quality or misaligned curriculum being taught to students.
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