Texas Public Policy Foundation

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📍 Drive to ERA ISD Office   📅 Monday, September 21, 2026 to Calendar
📄 View Official Agenda
Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming ERA ISD agenda. There are 5 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8)
District to Vote on New Property Tax Rate
📅 Scheduled Action
The board will hold a public hearing and then vote to set the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) and Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rates for the 2026-2027 school year. The proposed rates total $0.7420 per $100 of valuation. Without knowing the ‘no-new-revenue’ rate, taxpayers cannot know if this is a net tax increase driven by rising appraisals.
Response

ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING: Show up for the hearing (Item IV.A) and the vote (Items VIII.D & VIII.E). Ask the board one question before they vote: ‘How does the proposed total tax rate of $0.7420 compare to the no-new-revenue rate?’

💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7)
District Forming Committee to Plan New Bond Debt
📅 Scheduled Action
The board is approving a ‘bond steering committee,’ which is the first step in planning a new bond election to ask voters for more debt. Taxpayers need to get involved now to ensure the committee prioritizes fiscal responsibility and classroom needs over gold-plated wants.
Response

GET INVOLVED NOW: Email the board regarding Item VIII.M: ‘How can a taxpayer join the bond steering committee? The process must be transparent and prioritize needs over wants to protect taxpayers from unnecessary debt.’

💰 Impact: Future Bond Debt
🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6)
Requires Verification

Approval of Gym Construction Price Without Stating Funding Source
📅 Scheduled Action
The board is set to approve a ‘Guaranteed Maximum Price’ (GMP) for a new gym project and issue a ‘Notice to Proceed.’ However, the agenda does not state the total cost or confirm that the project is being paid for with voter-approved bonds, leaving the funding source unclear.
Response

DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the board before the meeting regarding Items VIII.A and VIII.B: ‘What is the total Guaranteed Maximum Price for the gym project, and what is the funding source? Please confirm this project is funded by a previously voter-approved bond.’

💰 Impact: Undisclosed Project Funding
🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5)
Requires Verification

Vote on Federal Title I Plan with Potential Strings Attached
📅 Scheduled Action
The board will vote to approve the district’s annual Title 1A plan, a federal program. These plans often come with federal mandates on data collection, curriculum, and spending that can limit local control and create future costs for taxpayers after the grant money is gone.
Response

INVESTIGATE: The text for the Title 1A plan in Item VIII.J is not attached to the agenda. Ask the board to publish the full plan online and explain any new data reporting or curriculum requirements before the vote.

💰 Impact: Federal Strings Attached
✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
Major Win (LEVEL 8)
District Paying Down Existing Debt Early
📅 Scheduled Action
The board is considering an order to authorize the ‘Redemption of Outstanding Bonds.’ This means the district is paying off existing debt ahead of schedule, which saves taxpayers significant money in future interest payments.
How to Secure It

AMPLIFY THE WIN: Contact the board to thank them for their fiscal responsibility on Item VIII.C. This action saves taxpayer money and should be the standard for all school districts.

✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings
District Info
Address 108 HARGROVE ST, ERA, TX 76238
“Freedom, Prosperity &
Opportunity”
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