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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming ACADEMY ISD agenda and found 4 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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District Leadership Attending Lobbyist Convention
The agenda notes the TASA/TASB convention, confirming the district’s relationship with these taxpayer-funded lobbying organizations. These groups consistently lobby the Texas Legislature for higher taxes and against policies that increase parental rights and educational freedom.
Response
ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS: Contact the Academy ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link for contact info): ‘How much in taxpayer money does AISD pay in annual dues to TASA and TASB? Why are we funding groups that lobby against property tax relief for our families?’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Vague ‘District of Innovation’ Plan Revision
The board will vote on revising its ‘District of Innovation’ (DOI) plan, which allows the district to claim exemptions from state laws. These revisions can be used to weaken teacher certification standards or other rules, and the proposed changes have not been made public.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Contact the Academy ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link) and demand the full text of the proposed DOI plan revision under Item 6.H be posted online for public review immediately. ‘What specific state laws is the district seeking exemption from in this revision?’
💰 Impact: Eroding State Standards
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Public Comment Time Can Be Cut to One Minute
The board’s policy gives the presiding officer the discretion to limit public comment time to as little as one minute per person. This vague rule can be used to silence parents and taxpayers who disagree with the board’s decisions on controversial topics.
Response
DEMAND CLARITY: Contact the Academy ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link) and ask for a clear, consistent time limit for public comment that is no less than three minutes per speaker. ‘Discretionary time limits can chill public speech. Please amend policy BED (LOCAL) to guarantee a reasonable and fixed time for all speakers.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Vague Cooperative Agreement on Consent Agenda
The board is set to approve an interlocal agreement with the ESC6 Cooperative as part of a bundled ‘Consent Agenda’ vote, with no separate discussion. These agreements can lock the district into purchasing programs or services with little public oversight or input.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Academy ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link) and ask that Item 5.E be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate discussion. ‘Taxpayers deserve to know what commitments are in the ESC6 Cooperative agreement before it is approved.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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