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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming BIG SANDY ISD agenda and found 4 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Major Capital Projects with Undisclosed Funding
The board plans to approve a bus purchase, HVAC improvements, and roofing improvements without disclosing the cost or funding source. These types of major projects are often funded with debt, such as Certificates of Obligation, which bypasses required voter approval.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link) regarding Items 10, 11, and 12. Ask: ‘What is the total cost for these projects, and how will they be funded? Taxpayers must be informed if the district plans to issue new debt without voter approval.’
💰 Impact: Potential Non-Voter-Approved Debt
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Vague ‘District Improvement Plan’ Up for Vote
The board is set to approve a ‘district improvement plan’ without providing the plan itself for public review on the agenda. These plans can be used to introduce controversial programs related to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) without specific public debate.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The ‘district improvement plan’ for Item 13 is not attached to the public agenda. Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link) and demand a copy of the plan be posted online for public review before the board votes.
💰 Impact: Mission Creep on Taxpayer’s Dime
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Undisclosed Legal Retainer with TASB-Aligned Firm
The board is voting to approve a retainer with the law firm Walsh Gallegos. The cost to taxpayers is not disclosed, and this firm is a member of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), an organization that actively lobbies against taxpayer interests in Austin.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link) regarding Item 9. Ask: ‘What is the annual cost of the retainer for Walsh Gallegos, and will any taxpayer funds support activities or advice that aligns with TASB’s legislative agenda?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Influence
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Vague ‘Board Alignment’ Vote Scheduled
The agenda includes a vote on ‘Board alignment’ with no explanation of what this means. This could involve adopting new operating procedures or a governance model, such as those promoted by TASB, that could be used to limit transparency or individual board member accountability.
Response
DEMAND CLARITY: Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link) and ask for a public explanation of Item 8, ‘Board alignment,’ before the meeting. Ask: ‘What specific policies, training, or changes are being considered under this item?’
💰 Impact: Reduced Board Accountability
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