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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming COPPERAS COVE ISD agenda and found 7 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 10) |
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Board to Vote on Issuing New Bonds Without Final Documents
The Board is scheduled to vote on Action Item 8.B to authorize the issuance of ‘Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds’ and levy a new property tax to pay for them. However, the official agenda packet admits the legal order detailing the bond has not been provided, meaning the Board and the public cannot review the terms of the debt before the vote.
Response
PACK THE ROOM: Show up Tuesday and demand the Board table Item 8.B until the full bond order is published for public review. Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Voting to issue debt and levy taxes without the final legal document is a violation of public trust. Table Item 8.B until the public can review the full bond order.’
💰 Impact: New Property Tax Debt
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| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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Vote on Undisclosed Construction Price for New School
Under Action Item 8.C, the Board will vote to approve a ‘Guaranteed Maximum Price’ (GMP) for the Fairview/Jewell Elementary School construction project, funded by the 2025 bond. The agenda packet does not state the dollar amount of the GMP, preventing taxpayers from knowing the cost of the project before it is approved.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Before voting on Item 8.C, the Guaranteed Maximum Price for the FJE project must be stated publicly. What is the total cost taxpayers are being asked to approve?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Construction Cost
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| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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$1.6M Spending from Savings Hidden on Consent Agenda
Hidden in the Consent Agenda, Item 7.M is a budget amendment that authorizes $1.63 million in spending for an LED lighting project. This major expenditure will be drawn directly from the district’s fund balance (its savings account), bypassing the standard budget approval process.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘I demand Consent Item 7.M, the budget amendment for the $1.6M lighting project, be pulled for a separate discussion and roll-call vote. Major expenditures from the fund balance deserve full public discussion, not a rubber stamp.’
💰 Impact: $1.6M from Fund Balance
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| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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Massive Library Book Purchase on Consent Agenda
The district plans to approve a massive list of new library books for all grade levels (K-12) by placing it on the consent agenda, which is designed for non-controversial items to be passed without discussion. The list includes numerous titles that have been subjects of parental concern in other districts regarding age-appropriateness and content.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘I demand Consent Item 7.C, the purchase of new library books, be pulled for a separate discussion and a roll-call vote. Parents deserve transparency on what books are being purchased with taxpayer money for our children.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Book Purchase Cost
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Board Training by Anti-Taxpayer Lobbying Group
Board documents show trustees receive continuing education credits from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). TASB is a taxpayer-funded lobbying group that consistently opposes legislative reforms for property tax relief, transparency, and parental rights.
Response
ASK THE BOARD: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Why does the Board use TASB for training when their lobbying efforts in Austin often work against the interests of local taxpayers and parents? Please seek training from organizations that support fiscal responsibility and parental rights.’
💰 Impact: Influence from Lobbyists
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Social-Emotional Learning Program Pervasive Across District
The district is heavily invested in the ‘Capturing Kids’ Hearts’ program, a form of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Multiple campus reports confirm its use to create ‘Social Contracts’ and focus on relationship-building, which can shift focus from core academics to subjective emotional instruction.
Response
ASK THE BOARD: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘What is the total cost of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program, including training and materials? How does the district measure its academic impact and ensure it doesn’t replace core instruction?’
💰 Impact: Mission Drift from Academics
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✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Win (LEVEL 6) |
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District Adopts Transparent Process for Foreclosed Properties
The Board is set to approve a uniform and transparent procedure for selling tax-foreclosed properties. This new process, detailed in Item 7.J, requires public notice and a competitive offer period, which helps ensure taxpayers get the best price and properties are returned to the tax rolls efficiently.
How to Lock It In
SECURE THE WIN: Show up to thank the Board for adopting the transparent procedure in Item 7.J. Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Thank you for supporting Item 7.J. This uniform process for handling tax-foreclosed property protects taxpayers and is a model for good governance.’
✅ Why It Matters: Improved Governance
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