Texas Public Policy Foundation Alert: SLATON ISD – Thursday, August 27, 2026

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming SLATON ISD agenda. There are 3 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.

🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9)

District to Issue New Bond Debt

📅 August 27, 2026

The board is voting to issue ‘Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds.’ This is new long-term debt that taxpayers will be responsible for paying off, with interest, for decades through their property taxes. The agenda provides no information on the total dollar amount of this new debt, preventing public scrutiny of the financial commitment being made.

Response

DEMAND THE DETAILS: Before the board takes on millions in new debt, they must state the total amount. Contact the Slaton ISD administration and ask: ‘What is the total principal amount of the Series 2026 bonds being issued under Item III.E, and when did voters approve this specific debt?’

💰 Impact: The total principal and interest of the new bonds, which is not disclosed in the agenda.

⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8)

Final Vote on Budget and Property Tax Rate

📅 August 27, 2026

The school board is holding a public meeting and then immediately voting to adopt the 2026-2027 budget and set the new property tax rate. This is the single most important vote of the year determining how much the district will spend and how much it will cost taxpayers. The agenda does not state the proposed tax rate or whether it represents an increase over the ‘no-new-revenue’ rate, which would be a tax hike on property owners.

Response

SHOW UP AND SPEAK UP: This is the final vote on your property tax bill. Attend the 7:00 AM public meeting to demand the board adopt the ‘no-new-revenue’ tax rate. Contact the Slaton ISD administration office to ask for the proposed rate and budget to be posted online well before the meeting.

💰 Impact: A potential property tax increase if the adopted rate is higher than the no-new-revenue rate.

⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7)

Hiring Manager for Major School Construction

📅 August 27, 2026

The district is selecting a ‘Construction Manager at Risk’ (CMAR) to oversee the building of a new elementary school. This is a multi-million dollar project and contract funded by the new bond debt. The CMAR method can sometimes lead to higher costs than traditional bidding if not managed with strict oversight. The cost of the contract is not specified.

Response

WATCH THE SPENDING: Contact the Slaton ISD administration to ask which firms were considered for the CMAR contract and what the selection criteria were. Taxpayers deserve to know that the most qualified, cost-effective manager is being chosen for this multi-million dollar project.

💰 Impact: The total cost of the construction contract and management fees, which are not specified in the agenda.

District Info

Address

140 E PANHANDLE, SLATON, TX 79364

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