|
Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming COPPERAS COVE ISD agenda and found 10 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
|
SEL Programs Mandated in Campus Plans
Item 9.L on the Consent Agenda asks for a single vote to approve multiple campus improvement plans. Buried inside these documents are mandates for specific Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs like ‘Capturing Kids’ Hearts’ and ‘Everyday Speech,’ and even a dedicated daily ‘SEL block’ at Hettie Halstead Elementary. This represents a significant shift in focus from academics to psychological programming, approved without a standalone discussion.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘I demand Item 9.L be pulled from the Consent Agenda for a separate discussion and roll-call vote. Parents deserve to know where you stand on dedicating instructional time to SEL programs like Capturing Kids’ Hearts.’
💰 Impact: Politicized Classrooms
|
| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
|
Approval of Age-Inappropriate Library Books
The board plans to approve a long list of new library books under Consent Agenda Item 9.C. The provided list includes titles like Toni Morrison’s ‘Beloved,’ which is known for graphic content and mature themes often considered inappropriate for a general K-12 school library audience. Approving this list in a block vote prevents public discussion on individual, controversial books.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Pull Item 9.C from the consent agenda. Parents deserve a public discussion and a recorded vote on the purchase of books with highly mature and graphic content like ‘Beloved’ for our school libraries.’
💰 Impact: Age-Inappropriate Content
|
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
|
Secret Policy Changes on Consent Agenda
Item 9.K on the consent agenda asks the board to approve updates to local policies on personnel (DGBA) and public complaints (GF). The district has not included the text of these proposed changes in the public agenda, preventing taxpayers from seeing how rules for public input or staff hiring might be altered before the vote.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Before voting on Item 9.K, please publish the full text of the proposed changes to policies DGBA and GF. The public has a right to see these changes before they are approved.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
|
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
|
Blank Check Budget Amendment Vote
Under Consent Agenda Item 9.M, the board is scheduled to vote on unspecified budget amendments. The agenda references an Excel file with the details, but the document itself was not made public, leaving taxpayers in the dark about what money is being moved and for what purpose.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file for Item 9.M attached in the Official Agenda (linked above) to confirm whether it contains hidden spending or financial shell games. Email the Board: ‘Postpone the vote on Item 9.M until the budget amendment spreadsheet is made public.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Spending
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
|
Large Contract Hidden on Consent Agenda
Item 9.N is a vote to approve a $95,920 contract for pest management services, bundled into the consent agenda. The actual contract, which would detail the scope of work and terms, is not attached to the public agenda. This prevents public scrutiny of a significant expenditure before it is approved.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Regarding Item 9.N, please pull this $95,920 contract from the consent agenda and publish the full contract for public review before any vote is taken.’
💰 Impact: $95,920.00
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
|
Report on ‘Capturing Kids Hearts’ Program
Item 7.K is an informational report on ‘Capturing Kids Hearts,’ a program often associated with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). The agenda does not include the actual report, preventing parents from seeing the data and survey results related to this program’s implementation in their schools.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file for Item 7.K in the Official Agenda (linked above) to review the survey results. Ask the Board: ‘What is the total cost of the Capturing Kids Hearts program, and how can parents opt their children out of associated surveys and data collection?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Student Data
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
|
Vague Consultant Report on ‘Demographic Data’
Item 8.A features a presentation from an outside consultant, Bob Templeton, on ‘Strive Demographic Data.’ The agenda provides no information on the purpose of this data collection, the cost of the consultant, or how this information will be used by the district, which could be a precursor to a DEI or ‘equity’ initiative.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Regarding Item 8.A, what is the purpose of this demographic data analysis, what is the cost of the consultant, and will the full report be made public?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Consultant Fees
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
|
Approval of Unbudgeted Student Trip
The board is set to approve an out-of-state trip for the CCHS Wind Ensemble under Item 9.O. The agenda item is explicitly marked ‘None Budgeted,’ raising questions about where the money will come from. Approving unbudgeted expenses without a clear funding plan is poor fiscal management.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Regarding Item 9.O, please clarify the funding source for this unbudgeted trip before it is approved. Taxpayers deserve to know how unbudgeted expenses are being paid for.’
💰 Impact: Unbudgeted Travel
|
|
✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
|
| Win (LEVEL 6) |
|
Practical Career Training for School Safety
Item 9.G approves a partnership between the district’s Criminal Justice program and its School Marshal Program. This gives high school students hands-on, supervised experience in a public safety career while strengthening the district’s overall security culture. The agreement includes clear safety protocols preventing students from being placed in dangerous situations.
How to Lock It In
Show up to thank the Board for approving Item 9.G. This is a common-sense program that provides valuable career training and promotes a culture of safety in our schools.
✅ Why It Matters: Enhanced School Safety
|
| Win (LEVEL 6) |
|
Transparent Process for Selling Public Property
Item 9.J establishes a uniform and transparent procedure for selling tax-foreclosed properties held by the district. The new rules require public notice and a competitive offer period, ensuring properties are returned to the tax rolls fairly and openly. This is a solid good-governance measure that protects taxpayer assets.
How to Lock It In
SECURE THE WIN: Email the Board (contact info on district website) to thank them for adopting the resolution in Item 9.J. This transparent process protects taxpayer interests and should be the standard for all local governments.
✅ Why It Matters: Good Governance
|
|
|
“Freedom, Prosperity &
Opportunity”
TPPF is a conservative think tank whose mission is to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation.
Contribute to the mission
Powered by Sentinel Engine |