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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming SMITHVILLE ISD agenda and found 5 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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Tax Dollars Spent on Lobbying, Hidden in Consent Agenda
The district’s October check register, buried within the Consent Agenda under Item G.7, reveals payments explicitly for ‘LOBBYING DUES’ to multiple Austin-based associations, including TASA, TEPSA, and TAMS. These groups often lobby the Legislature for policies that lead to higher taxes and reduced local control, paid for with your money.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Smithville ISD board (see official agenda for contact info) and demand that Item G.7, the Financial Report, be pulled from the Consent Agenda for a separate discussion and a roll-call vote. Ask them: ‘Why are our tax dollars being used to pay lobbyists in Austin?’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
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| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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Board to Plan Its Own Lobbying Efforts
Under Item H.5, the board will discuss its ‘priorities for legislative advocacy’ for the upcoming 90th Texas Legislative Session. This is a plan to use district resources and taxpayer money to lobby state lawmakers, diverting focus and funds from the classroom.
Response
SPEAK UP: Sign up for public comment to address Item H.5. Urge the board to focus 100% of its resources on educating Smithville students, not on lobbying politicians in Austin.
💰 Impact: Diverting Funds from Classrooms
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Vague HVAC Project Could Hide New Debt
Item I.1 is an ‘update on the development of a proposal’ from Schneider Electric for ‘necessary HVAC replacements’ with no dollar amount or funding source specified. Large capital projects like this are often funded with debt instruments like Certificates of Obligation or lease-purchase agreements, which do not require voter approval.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Smithville ISD board (see official agenda for contact info) regarding Item I.1. Ask them to disclose the total estimated cost and confirm that any debt issued for this project will be put before the voters for approval.
💰 Impact: Potential Non-Voter-Approved Debt
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Vague Title — Manual Review Required
Item I.2 is for the ‘Approval of Updates to Board Policy EIC(LOCAL),’ which typically relates to academic achievement and class ranking. The district has not included the text of the proposed changes in the public agenda packet, preventing taxpayers from reviewing it before the vote.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file attached in the Official Agenda (linked above) to confirm whether it contains hidden debt or policy changes. The board should not vote on policies the public hasn’t had a chance to read.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Policy Changes
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✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
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District Earns Top Marks for Financial Health
Smithville ISD received a ‘Superior Achievement’ rating of 98 out of 100 from the state’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). This rating, based on the district’s sound financial management, demonstrates a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility with taxpayer money.
How to Lock It In
SECURE THE WIN: Attend the public hearing for Item E to thank the board for their fiscal stewardship. Ask them to commit to maintaining this ‘Superior’ standard in all future budgeting and debt decisions.
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Dollars Protected
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