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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming ITALY ISD agenda and found 4 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 9) |
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District Pays for ‘Center for Equity’ Membership
The October check register, included in the board packet, reveals an $876 payment for ‘membership fees’ to the ‘Center for Equity.’ This is taxpayer money spent on an ideologically-focused organization promoting ‘equity’ initiatives, which often leads to divisive, politically-charged policies in schools instead of focusing on academic achievement.
Response
PACK THE ROOM: Show up Tuesday and sign up for public comment. Email the Italy ISD Board of Trustees (contact info on district website): ‘The payment to a ‘Center for Equity’ is an unacceptable use of taxpayer funds. What services did the district receive for this fee, and what is this organization’s agenda? The board must end this relationship and focus on academics, not ideology.’
💰 Impact: $876 for Ideological Membership
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| ALERT (LEVEL 9) |
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District Funnels Thousands to Lobbying Groups TASB & TASBO
This board packet reveals multiple financial ties to the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and its affiliates, which lobby against taxpayer interests. The board is set to approve them as training providers (Item 7.A.2), while recent payment reports show the district already pays them for software, insurance, and direct membership dues.
Response
DEMAND AN END TO TAXPAYER-FUNDED LOBBYING: Email the Italy ISD Board of Trustees (contact info on district website). ‘This agenda packet confirms thousands of our tax dollars are being sent to TASB and TASBO for dues, software, and training. The board must end all financial relationships with these political lobbying groups and seek non-political alternatives.’
💰 Impact: Thousands to Lobbyists
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| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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Board Approved Tax Break for Solar Company
Minutes from the November 4 meeting, set for approval under Consent Item 7.A.1, show the board unanimously approved an amendment to a tax limitation agreement for Oystercatcher Solar, LLC. These corporate welfare deals shift the property tax burden from large corporations onto local homeowners and small businesses.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY ON TAX DEALS: Email the Italy ISD Board of Trustees (contact info on district website). ‘The Nov. 4 minutes show a vote to amend a tax deal for a solar company. I demand the district publish the full financial impact of this agreement and commit to opposing all future corporate welfare deals that put homeowners on the hook.’
💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes for Homeowners
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Secret Superintendent Evaluation Criteria to be Approved
The board will vote on the Superintendent’s evaluation tool for the year immediately following a closed session discussion. The evaluation document itself has not been made public, preventing taxpayers from seeing what metrics are being used to judge performance, which could include ideological goals instead of academic outcomes.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Italy ISD Board of Trustees (contact info on district website). ‘Regarding Item 12.A, the Superintendent’s Evaluation Instrument should be public. Please publish the document before the vote so taxpayers can see the metrics for success you are setting for the district’s leader.’
💰 Impact: Lack of Accountability
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