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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming JEFFERSON ISD agenda and found 5 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 9) |
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District Pushes ‘Effective’ Tax Increase After Voters Said No
After voters rejected a tax hike, the district is now proposing a new tax rate under Item 9. While the rate itself is slightly lower than last year’s, the district’s own agenda admits it is ‘effectively a 1.73 percent increase in the tax rate,’ hiding a tax levy increase behind misleading language.
Response
DEMAND HONESTY: Contact the Jefferson ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Regarding Item 9, voters just rejected a tax increase. Do not approve an ‘effective’ tax increase. Adopt the No-New-Revenue Rate and respect the will of the voters.’
💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
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| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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Tax Dollars Sent to Lobbying Group
The district’s expenditure report includes a $525 payment to the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) for a conference registration. TASA is a lobbying organization that often works against taxpayer interests, such as property tax relief and school choice, in Austin.
Response
DEMAND DEFUNDING: Contact the Jefferson ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Regarding the expenditure reports under Item 4.C, why are our tax dollars funding TASA, a group that lobbies against taxpayers? I demand the district withdraw from these associations.’
💰 Impact: $525
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Undisclosed Safety and Security Audit
The board is scheduled to vote on approving a ‘JISD Safety and Security Audit’ under Action Item 13. No report, summary, or cost estimate has been provided to the public, preventing any oversight of what new policies, surveillance, or spending might be involved.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the Jefferson ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Regarding Item 13, the board should not approve an audit the public has not seen. Table this vote until the full ‘Safety and Security Audit’ is published for review.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 10) |
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Taxpayers Victorious: Voters Reject Tax Rate Hike
The board will officially certify the results of the November 3rd election where voters overwhelmingly rejected the district’s proposed tax rate increase (2,264 against to 1,202 for). This is a major victory for taxpayers who made their voices heard at the ballot box.
How to Lock It In
SECURE THE WIN: Show up for Item 8 to ensure the board certifies the election results as required by law. This is a moment to celebrate a grassroots victory and remind the board that voters are watching.
✅ Why It Matters: Tax Increase Prevented
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| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
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Jefferson ISD Earns Perfect Score for Financial Health
The Texas Education Agency has awarded Jefferson ISD its highest financial rating, ‘Superior Achievement,’ with a perfect score of 100. This rating confirms the district is managing taxpayer money responsibly and transparently.
How to Lock It In
AMPLIFY THIS WIN: Attend the public hearing for Item 7 to thank the board and administration for their sound financial stewardship. Ask them to commit to maintaining this standard of excellence in future budgets.
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings
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