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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming ARLINGTON ISD agenda. There are 5 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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$1.5M Consultant Contract Includes Lobbying Firm
Buried in a bid approval is RFP 27-06b, a $1.5 million pre-approved list of “Academic Educational Consultants.” This list includes Strive Public Policy Resources, a registered lobbyist firm, confirming the district is using taxpayer money for political influence in Austin. This “qualifying bid” structure allows the district to hire these firms throughout the year with minimal public scrutiny.
Response
PULL THE POISON PILL: Contact the Arlington ISD Board (see district website for contact info) and demand that vendor ‘Strive Public Policy Resources, LLC’ be removed from the approved list in RFP 27-06b under Consent Agenda Item 12.C before any vote. ‘Taxpayer dollars should fund classrooms, not lobbyists. Remove Strive Public Policy from this contract.’
💰 Impact: $1.5M (Lobbying & Consulting)
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Contract with Chamber of Commerce
The Board is set to approve a contract with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, a group that lobbies the state legislature. This uses local property tax dollars to pay for political advocacy that may not align with taxpayer interests, such as pushing for corporate welfare deals that shift the tax burden. The cost of this contract is not specified on the agenda.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Arlington ISD Board (see district website for contact info) and demand Item 12.E be pulled from the Consent Agenda for a separate discussion and roll-call vote. ‘How much are we paying the Chamber of Commerce, and what specific legislation will they lobby for with our money? Taxpayers deserve to see where each trustee stands on funding political lobbying.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Fees
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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District to Spend $160,000 on ‘Brand Redesign’
The district plans to award a $160,000 contract to CEL Public Relations for a “Districtwide Brand Redesign and Launch.” This is a significant expenditure on marketing and public relations services. Taxpayers should question whether this is the most effective use of funds that could otherwise be directed toward classroom instruction or teacher pay.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Arlington ISD Board (see district website for contact info) regarding RFP 27-21 in Consent Item 12.C. ‘What is the specific, measurable return on investment for a $160,000 brand redesign? Taxpayers expect funds to be prioritized for academic outcomes, not marketing campaigns.’
💰 Impact: $160,000
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✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 9) |
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District Adopts Policies to Ban DEI, Protect Parental Rights
The Board is voting to approve Policy Update 127, which incorporates new state laws to prohibit Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) duties, instruction on social transitioning, and the use of race or ethnicity in selecting students for Gifted & Talented programs. This action codifies protections for students from ideological instruction and ensures merit-based criteria for advanced academics.
How to Secure It
SUPPORT THIS VOTE: Contact the Arlington ISD Board (see district website for contact info) to thank them for approving Item 11.A. ‘Thank you for adopting Policy Update 127 and ensuring our district policies align with state law to protect students from divisive ideologies and uphold merit in our schools.’
✅ Why It Matters: Protects Against Ideological Spending
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| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
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District Secures 25% Decrease in Property Insurance Costs
The district’s new property insurance contract under RFP 27-04 represents a 25.1% decrease in cost from the previous year, saving taxpayers over $1.8 million. This demonstrates effective fiscal management and a commitment to finding the best value for taxpayers.
How to Secure It
AMPLIFY THE WIN: Contact the Arlington ISD Board (see district website for contact info) to thank them for the excellent work on RFP 27-04 in Consent Item 12.C. ‘Thank you for securing a $1.8M savings on property insurance. This is the kind of fiscal responsibility we expect and appreciate.’
✅ Why It Matters: $1.84M Savings
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