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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming OLTON ISD agenda and found 4 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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‘District of Innovation’ Renewal Could Weaken Accountability
The board is voting to renew its ‘District of Innovation’ (DOI) plan, which allows it to claim exemptions from state laws. While some exemptions can be for scheduling flexibility, DOI plans can also be used to weaken teacher certification standards, reduce transparency, or change grievance policies.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link): ‘Before renewing the District of Innovation plan under Item 7.E, please provide a public, plain-English summary of every state law the district is exempt from and the justification for each exemption.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Accountability
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Campus ‘Improvement’ Plans May Hide SEL/DEI
The board will vote on Campus Targeted Improvement Plans (TIPs). These plans, often created with outside consultants, can be a vehicle for introducing controversial Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming into classrooms without parental review.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The TIP plans for Item 7.D were not included in the agenda packet. Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link): ‘Please postpone the vote on Item 7.D and publicly post the full Campus TIP documents so parents can review them for any SEL or DEI-related consultants and curriculum before approval.’
💰 Impact: Politicized Classrooms
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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‘Blank Check’ to Negotiate Renovation Contract
The board is set to authorize the superintendent to negotiate a contract for architecture and engineering services with MWM of Lubbock for renovation projects. This vote gives the superintendent authority to negotiate terms without a public review of the final price tag or scope before the deal is effectively set.
Response
DEMAND A FINAL VOTE: Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link): ‘Regarding Item 7.H, I urge you to amend the motion to require the final negotiated contract with MWM of Lubbock be brought back to the board for a separate, public vote before it is signed.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Contract Terms
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Using Operating Funds for Bond Projects
The board will discuss using general operating funds, paid for by your annual property taxes, to cover costs for projects from the recent bond election. This could divert money from classroom needs and may indicate the bond amount was not enough to cover the full project costs.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: This is a discussion item, but it’s critical. Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link): ‘Regarding Item 5.A.6, why are general funds needed for bond projects? Please provide a full accounting of bond project costs versus the funds approved by voters before any operating funds are reallocated.’
💰 Impact: Diverted Classroom Funds
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