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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming CELESTE ISD agenda and found 6 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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Undisclosed Superintendent Resignation Payout
The board will vote to approve a ‘Voluntary Resignation Agreement’ for the outgoing superintendent. These agreements often include significant taxpayer-funded payouts or settlements, but the cost to taxpayers is not disclosed on the agenda.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the Celeste ISD board before the meeting. Ask: ‘What is the total cost to taxpayers for the Superintendent’s Voluntary Resignation Agreement in Item 12? Taxpayers deserve to know the full cost before you vote.’
💰 Impact: Potential Taxpayer-Funded Buyout
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| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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Blank Check for New Superintendent Contract
The board plans to hire a new superintendent, Dr. Juan Solis, without disclosing the proposed contract’s salary, benefits, or length. This is a major financial commitment being approved before the public can see the terms.
Response
POSTPONE THE VOTE: Contact the Celeste ISD board. Ask them to ‘Postpone the vote on Item 13 until the proposed superintendent contract is made public for at least 72 hours. Taxpayers must be able to review this major financial commitment.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Multi-Year Salary
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| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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Key Vote on Appraisal District Board
The school board will cast its votes for the Hunt County Appraisal District (HCAD) board of directors. The HCAD board oversees the entity that appraises property values, directly impacting every property owner’s tax bill.
Response
DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY: Contact the Celeste ISD board and ask: ‘For Item 11, which candidates for the Hunt County Appraisal District board have pledged to prioritize taxpayer protection and accurate, fair appraisals? Please state your intended votes publicly before the meeting.’
💰 Impact: Higher Property Appraisals
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Vague ‘Improvement Plans’ Need Scrutiny
The board is set to approve the District and Campus Improvement Plans (DIP/CIP). These lengthy documents can be used to introduce controversial curricula, SEL programs, or DEI initiatives without specific board discussion.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The District and Campus Improvement Plans for Item 8 must be reviewed. Open the file attached to the official agenda online and search for terms like ‘equity,’ ‘SEL,’ ‘social-emotional,’ and ‘Panorama’ to see what is hidden in these plans.
💰 Impact: Politicized Classrooms
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Undisclosed Cost for Major Facility Projects
The board will vote to approve a new AC/Heating system and elementary roof repairs with no disclosed cost or funding source. These are likely major expenses that could be funded through debt or reserve funds, but taxpayers are left in the dark about the price tag.
Response
DEMAND THE PRICE TAG: Contact the Celeste ISD board. Ask: ‘What is the total cost for Items 9 and 10, and how will they be funded? This information should be public before any vote is taken.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Cost
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Budget Changes Hidden on Consent Agenda
The board plans to pass ‘Budget Amendments’ as part of the consent agenda, a bundle of items passed with a single vote and no discussion. This practice can be used to approve significant spending changes without public scrutiny.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the ‘Budget Amendments’ file attached to Item 6.C on the official agenda. If there are any large or unusual fund transfers, email the board and demand it be pulled from the consent agenda for a separate discussion and vote.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Spending
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