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We reviewed the upcoming agenda for PASADENA ISD and found 7 items with policy significance ahead of the vote.
| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
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Vote on District and Campus Improvement Plans Without Public Text
The board will vote to approve the 2026-2027 District Improvement Plan (DIP) and all Campus Improvement Plans (CIPs). These foundational documents dictate strategic priorities on curriculum, staff development, and parental involvement, but the full text of the plans was not included in the public agenda packet.
Policy Use
PULL THE DOCUMENTS: Before the vote on items IX.2 and IX.3, retrieve the full text of the District Improvement Plan and a sample of Campus Improvement Plans. Analyze for inclusion of DEI, SEL, or other ideologically contested frameworks.
Policy Lever: Undisclosed
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| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
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Expenditures on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Program
The district’s financial disclosures list multiple payments in October 2026 to ‘CHARACTERSTRONG LLC,’ a national provider of SEL curriculum and training. Payments totaling $3,998.10 were made from special revenue and other funds, confirming ongoing implementation of this SEL framework.
Policy Use
TRACK AND DOCUMENT: Add Pasadena ISD to the state tracker for SEL implementation. The payments to ‘CHARACTERSTRONG LLC’ in the ‘Finance Consent Informational Pages’ (Item VII.2) confirm the use of this specific vendor.
Policy Lever: $3,998.10 SEL Program
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| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
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District Approves $4.1M Health Insurance Renewal with 38% Premium Increase
The board is asked to approve a renewal of its self-funded health plan’s stop-loss coverage with Aetna for $4,156,669. According to the agenda, this represents a 38% premium increase, a significant fiscal impact on the district’s health fund.
Policy Use
BRIEF FISCAL TEAM: Item VIII.2 details a 38% increase in health insurance premiums. This is a data point on rising operational costs affecting district budgets. Note the rationale that the sole bidder submitted a renewal instead of a competitive proposal.
Policy Lever: $4.1M Contract Renewal
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| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
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Human Resources Contract Awarded to TNTP Inc.
The district’s summary of large purchase orders reveals a $23,110 contract with TNTP Inc. for Human Resources. TNTP is a national education nonprofit involved in teacher training and effectiveness, and the specific services being provided are not detailed in the agenda.
Policy Use
PULL THE DOCUMENT: Submit a records request for the contract and statement of work with TNTP Inc. (PO #27005897, listed under Item VII.3.B) to determine the nature of the HR services or training being provided.
Policy Lever: $23,110 Consultant Contract
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| WATCH (LEVEL 6) |
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Board to Vote on Undisclosed Budget Amendments
The board is scheduled to approve budget amendments for October 2026. While the agenda includes a cover sheet for this item, the specific amendments detailing the movement of funds between accounts are not provided in the public packet.
Policy Use
PULL THE DOCUMENT: Request the full budget amendment report for Item X.2 from the district’s finance office to identify any re-allocation of funds toward or away from programs of interest before the vote.
Policy Lever: Undisclosed
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Presentation on Counseling, Social Work, and Behavior Response
District staff will deliver a ‘spotlight presentation’ on counseling, social work, and the Behavior Response Team. Such presentations often detail the district’s framework for student mental health, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and discipline, which may include restorative practices.
Policy Use
WATCH: This is a discussion item (IX.1) with no vote. Monitor for language indicating a shift toward restorative justice or the adoption of specific SEL curricula, and re-evaluate when operative policy appears.
Policy Lever: SEL Framework
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✅ Models to Replicate
Local actions worth capturing as model policy.
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| Model Policy (LEVEL 8) |
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District Approves Library Books Under State Transparency Law
The board is approving a list of new library materials under the consent agenda. The district followed the process required by Texas Senate Bill 13, including a 30-day public review period, before bringing the list for a vote.
How to Capture It
CAPTURE THE MODEL: Item VII.4 demonstrates successful implementation of a state-level transparency law. Document the district’s process as a model for compliance and use as a data point in testimony on the law’s effectiveness.
✅ Why It Matters: State Law Compliance
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America First Policy Institute |