Texas Public Policy Foundation Alert: DIVIDE ISD – Wednesday, September 30, 2026 [d08a685b]

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming DIVIDE ISD agenda. There are 3 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.

⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8)

Board to Vote on 2026 Property Tax Rate

📅 Scheduled Action

The board will vote to adopt the 2026 property tax rate of $0.61280 per $100 of value. The agenda does not include the ‘no-new-revenue’ rate, making it impossible for taxpayers to know if this vote is a hidden tax increase driven by new spending.

Response

DEMAND TRANSPARENCY ON TAXES: Before the vote on Item 7.A, demand the board state the no-new-revenue rate and the voter-approval rate on the record. Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link) and ask: ‘What is the no-new-revenue rate, and how does the proposed rate of $0.61280 compare?’

💰 Impact: Potential Property Tax Increase

🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5)

District Seeks Waiver to Bypass Private Pre-K Partners

📅 Scheduled Action

The Superintendent is asking for authorization to get a waiver from state requirements to partner with private prekindergarten providers. This allows the district to keep state funds in-house, potentially growing its own bureaucracy instead of using more efficient existing community options.

Response

DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the District Office regarding Item 7.E and ask: ‘Why is the district seeking this waiver? Please provide a financial analysis showing that keeping these funds in-house is a better value for taxpayers than partnering with existing local providers.’

💰 Impact: Inefficient Spending

ALERT (LEVEL 3)

Public Testimony Invited on Curriculum Transparency

📅 Scheduled Action

The board is certifying its compliance with state laws on parental rights and curriculum transparency. The agenda specifically allows for public testimony, giving parents a direct opportunity to question the district’s curriculum and ensure their right to review instructional materials is being honored.

Response

USE YOUR VOICE: Sign up for public comment on Item 7.F. This is your chance to ask the board on the record: ‘Where can parents easily review all curriculum, including supplemental materials, for human sexuality instruction as required by state law?’

💰 Impact: Bypassing Parents

District Info

Address

120 DIVIDE SCHOOL RD, MOUNTAIN HOME, TX 78058

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