Texas Public Policy Foundation
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📍 Drive to DEVINE ISD Office   📅 Tuesday, October 6, 2026 to Calendar
📄 View Official Agenda
Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming DEVINE ISD agenda and found 2 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
ALERT (LEVEL 8)
Pay Freeze for Current Teachers
📅 October 6, 2026
The district is revising its new teacher hiring schedule because the budget, as stated in agenda documents, provides ‘no pay increase or step increase for current employees’ this year. This pay freeze for veteran teachers risks staff morale and retention, which directly impacts classroom quality and long-term costs.
Response

ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS: Contact the Devine ISD Board. ‘Regarding Item 4, why is the district freezing pay for current teachers? How does the Board plan to retain its experienced educators when they are not being compensated for their continued service?’

💰 Impact: Teacher Pay Freeze
WARNING (LEVEL 6)
Cost Overrun Requires After-the-Fact Approval
📅 October 6, 2026
The water well project, initially estimated below the $50,000 threshold for automatic approval, has a final bill of $56,840. The Board is now being asked to approve this 45% cost increase after the work has already been completed, bypassing the standard oversight process for major expenditures.
Response

DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Devine ISD Board before the meeting. ‘Regarding Item 3, what controls are in place to prevent contractors from exceeding estimates by over 45%? Taxpayers expect projects to be managed within the approved budget and authority levels, not approved after the money is already spent.’

💰 Impact: 45% Cost Overrun
Local Officials
Address 605 W HONDO, DEVINE, TX 78016
“Freedom, Prosperity &
Opportunity”
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