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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming BURNET CISD agenda and found 4 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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$466,000 in Vague Consultant Contracts on Consent Agenda
Item 6.B bundles approval for two contracts with Education Service Center Region 13 totaling $466,000, funded by a state grant. The services are vaguely described as ‘PLC Observations’ and ‘LIFT Provider,’ hiding a massive expenditure for consultants from public discussion.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Pull Item 6.B from the Consent Agenda. Taxpayers deserve a full explanation and a separate, recorded vote on the $466,000 in contracts with ESC Region 13.’
💰 Impact: $466,000 (Grant-Funded Consultants)
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| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Memberships and Travel
Financial reports reveal multiple payments for dues and conference travel to organizations like the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). These groups lobby the state legislature, often for policies that lead to higher taxes and less local control, using taxpayer dollars to do it.
Response
DEMAND AN END TO TAXPAYER-FUNDED LOBBYING: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘The financial reports show our tax dollars are funding political lobbying by groups like TASB and TASA. I demand the district withdraw from these organizations and cease using public funds for their conferences.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Fees
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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$167,750 Bond Consultant Contract on Consent Agenda
Buried in the consent agenda (Item 6.B) is a $167,750 contract with Vermeulens to be a ‘3rd Party Cost Estimator’ for the 2026 Bond. This is a significant expense for a consultant that should be discussed and voted on in the open, not bundled with routine items.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Regarding Item 6.B, why is a $167,750 consultant contract on the consent agenda? Pull this item for a separate discussion and vote.’
💰 Impact: $167,750 (Bond Consultant)
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✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
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District Earns Perfect Score for Financial Management
The district’s recent state Financial Integrity Accountability Rating (FIRST) was a ‘Superior Rating’ with a perfect score of 100. This is a significant achievement demonstrating strong financial stewardship and transparency with taxpayer money.
How to Lock It In
AMPLIFY THE WIN: Attend the meeting or email the Board (contact info on district website) to thank them for their excellent financial management. ‘Thank you for achieving a perfect score on the state’s financial accountability rating. We expect this high standard of fiscal responsibility to continue.’
✅ Why It Matters: Strong Financial Stewardship
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