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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming LUMBERTON ISD agenda and found 5 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Potential Property Tax Hike Discussion
The board is reviewing a ‘Tax Rate Analysis’ under Item 9.B. This is often the first step toward adopting a property tax rate higher than the ‘no-new-revenue’ rate, which increases the tax burden on homeowners even if appraisals are rising.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open Memo #41 attached to the Official Agenda (linked above). Email the board to demand they commit to adopting the ‘no-new-revenue’ tax rate to protect homeowners from rising appraisals.
💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Major Software Purchase, Details Undisclosed
The district is considering a new software package for student information (SIS), HR, and financial management (ERP) under Item 9.K. These systems can be multi-million dollar contracts and may raise concerns about student data privacy and security.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Open Memo #50 on the district’s agenda portal. Email the board: ‘What is the total cost of this software contract, which vendor has been selected, and what specific protections are in place to safeguard student data?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Contract Cost
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Paving the Way for Future Debt
The district is reviewing a ‘Long Range Facility Planning Committee Report’ in Item 9.C. These reports are frequently used to justify large bond packages or other forms of debt that taxpayers must pay for over decades.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Review Memo #42 on the district’s agenda portal. Email the board and ask for a public commitment that any proposed facility spending will be put before voters in a transparent bond election, not funded through Certificates of Obligation.
💰 Impact: Future Bond Debt
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Weakening Accountability via ‘Innovation’ Plan
The board is amending its ‘District of Innovation’ plan (Items 9.F and 9.G), which allows it to bypass certain state laws. These amendments can be used to lower teacher certification standards or reduce other accountability measures, impacting classroom quality.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Review Memos #45 and #46 on the district’s agenda portal. Email the board to demand a clear explanation of which state laws the district is seeking exemption from and how this will benefit students, not just administrators.
💰 Impact: Reduced Accountability
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Vague ‘Strategic Leadership’ Program
The board is reviewing a report on ‘Texas Strategic Leadership’ (Item 9.D). This TEA-sponsored program often involves hiring outside consultants for strategic planning, which can lead to mission creep and unnecessary spending with little accountability.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Open Memo #43 on the district’s agenda portal. Email the board to ask: ‘Who are the consultants involved in the TSL program, what are their deliverables, and what is the total cost to taxpayers?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Consultant Fees
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