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We reviewed the upcoming agenda for CARROLLTON-FARMERS BRANCH ISD and found 8 items with policy significance ahead of the vote.
| PRIORITY (LEVEL 9) |
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District and Campus Improvement Plans Focus on Equity Gaps
The board will approve the 2026-2027 District and Campus Improvement Plans, which serve as the district’s strategic framework. The plans identify performance gaps for specific racial, economic, and Emergent Bilingual student groups as priority problems and mention programs like ‘Restorative Practices’ and ‘Social-Emotional Supports’ as key processes.
Policy Use
BRIEF STATE AFFAIRS: Item 5.H contains the district’s strategic plan, which is built around closing achievement gaps for demographic subgroups using SEL and restorative frameworks. Pull the full DIP and CIP documents and analyze for language that can be used in briefs on how equity initiatives are codified in district policy.
Policy Lever: Equity-Focused Strategic Plan
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| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
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Board to Approve New Vendors for Educational Consulting Services
The board will approve a list of new vendors for a perpetual RFP for ‘Administrative, Educational Consultants, & Professional Development Services.’ This ongoing contract vehicle allows the district to bring in outside consultants with minimal recurring board oversight, creating a potential pathway for DEI, SEL, or other ideological trainings.
Policy Use
TRACK AND DOCUMENT: Item 5.J approves a vendor list for consultants. Request the full vendor list and monitor future purchasing reports for contracts executed under this RFP to identify specific trainings or services that align with DEI or SEL frameworks.
Policy Lever: Consultant Contracts
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| WATCH (LEVEL 6) |
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District to Purchase ‘Safe & Civil Schools’ Training Materials
The purchasing report includes $30,921.93 for training materials from Pacific Northwest Publishing for a ‘Safe & Civil Schools’ program. This program is associated with Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), which can prioritize restorative practices over traditional consequences for student misconduct.
Policy Use
TRACK AND DOCUMENT: Item 5.D shows a purchase for ‘Safe & Civil Schools’ materials. Add the district to the state tracker for restorative discipline practices and request information on how this program alters existing student discipline policies.
Policy Lever: $30,921 Local Funds
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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District to Approve $284k Payment for HMH Curriculum
The board is set to approve the fourth payment of $284,593.85 to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for the ‘HMH TX Into Reading & Arriba La Lectura’ K-5 curriculum. This is part of a total $1.14 million agreement for core English and Spanish language arts resources.
Policy Use
WATCH: Item 5.G represents a significant, ongoing expenditure for curriculum from a major national publisher. Monitor for continued high-cost, long-term contracts that limit local curriculum control.
Policy Lever: $284,593.85 Local/State Funds
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✅ Models to Replicate
Local actions worth capturing as model policy.
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| Model Policy (LEVEL 9) |
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District Details $10.3M in Spending Cuts Due to Declining Enrollment
The board will receive a budget update detailing the district’s response to declining enrollment, which includes $10.3 million in year-over-year spending reductions. The savings are primarily driven by a $6.0 million reduction in payroll costs and the consolidation of four campuses, demonstrating significant fiscal discipline.
How to Capture It
CAPTURE THE MODEL: Item 4.B provides a detailed presentation on how the district is managing declining enrollment through significant spending cuts. Secure the presentation as a case study for fiscally responsible governance to share with state and local officials.
✅ Why It Matters: $10.3M Spending Cut
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| Model Policy (LEVEL 8) |
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Board to Approve Library Books Under State Transparency Law
The board will approve a list of new library books, following a process mandated by Texas Senate Bill 13. The district posted the proposed book list online for public review for 31 days and reports receiving no objections, demonstrating compliance with parental rights and curriculum transparency laws.
How to Capture It
CAPTURE THE MODEL: Item 5.E is a clear example of a district properly implementing a state-mandated library book transparency law. Document the district’s process as a model for other districts to follow and for use in testimony on implementation.
✅ Why It Matters: Curriculum Transparency
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| Model Policy (LEVEL 7) |
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District Reports ‘Superior’ State Financial Accountability Rating
The board will discuss the 2026 State Financial Accountability Rating (FIRST Report), which gives the district a perfect score of 100 and a ‘Superior’ rating. This rating reflects strong financial management practices and transparency, making the district a model for fiscal responsibility.
How to Capture It
CAPTURE THE MODEL: Item 4.A presents a state financial accountability report showing a ‘Superior’ rating. Document this as an example of sound fiscal management for use in policy briefs on district financial health.
✅ Why It Matters: State Financial Rating
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| Aligned (LEVEL 5) |
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District Proposes Tightening Employee Leave Payout Policy
The board will discuss updates to Policy DEC (Local) concerning accumulated leave payouts for retiring employees. A review committee recommends increasing the minimum eligibility to 10 consecutive years of service, a move designed to reward long-term staff and ensure the fiscal sustainability of the benefit.
How to Capture It
CAPTURE THE MODEL: Item 4.C proposes a policy change to tighten employee leave payouts. This is a good example of incremental fiscal reform; add the proposed policy text to the model policy file.
✅ Why It Matters: Employee Benefit Reform
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