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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming FLORENCE ISD agenda. There are 3 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 8) |
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Budget Proposes Spending More Than District Takes In
The preliminary 2026-2027 budget report under Item VI.A shows the district plans to spend $17.27 million while projecting only $16.99 million in revenue. This creates a deficit of over $277,000. While the district frames the tax rate as a small cut, this unsustainable deficit spending sets the stage for future tax hikes or painful cuts to cover the shortfall.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board. ‘The preliminary budget in Item VI.A projects a deficit of over $277,000. How does the district plan to cover this shortfall? Will you use one-time reserve funds, or is this the first step toward a future tax increase? Taxpayers demand a balanced budget.’ Members of the public should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: A projected $277,844 budget deficit that taxpayers will eventually have to cover.
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| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 8) |
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Adopting Policy from a Taxpayer-Funded Lobby Group
Under Item IX.B, the Board is scheduled to approve a large package of policy updates written by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Policy Service. TASB is one of the most powerful lobby groups in Austin, frequently opposing property tax caps, spending transparency, and parental rights. Paying for and adopting TASB’s policy service uses local tax dollars to support this lobbying infrastructure and embeds their political agenda into local governance.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board. ‘Item IX.B is a vote to adopt policies written by the TASB lobby. I demand this item be discussed publicly, not just rubber-stamped. Taxpayers deserve to know if these policies align with our community’s values or with Austin lobbyists. I request a roll-call vote.’ Members of the public should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: The cost of TASB membership and policy services, which funds lobbying efforts against taxpayer interests.
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Using Staff Time for Lobbying Efforts
In agenda item VI.D, the Superintendent will report on a meeting with the Texas Association of Rural Schools (TARS) to discuss the organization’s ‘legislative priorities.’ This is a clear example of taxpayer-funded staff time being used to coordinate with an association that lobbies the state legislature, often for policies that increase government spending and property taxes.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board. ‘Item VI.D is a report on lobbying. Which TARS legislative priorities does the district support with our tax dollars? Please state for the record if the district supports or opposes property tax relief and school choice, and explain how TARS’s priorities align with the interests of Florence taxpayers.’ Members of the public should verify board contact information on the district’s official website.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed cost of TARS membership dues and staff time spent on political advocacy instead of district operations.
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