Texas Public Policy Foundation

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📍 Drive to HARLETON ISD Office   📅 Monday, August 31, 2026 to Calendar
📄 View Official Agenda
Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming HARLETON ISD agenda. There are 3 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
🚨 Alert (LEVEL 10)
Requires Verification

Tax Rate Vote Lacks Public Documents
📅 2026-08-31
The board is scheduled to adopt the 2026-2027 property tax rate, but the ordinance containing the proposed rate and its comparison to the no-new-revenue rate was not included in the public-facing text. This prevents taxpayers from easily seeing the impact on their wallets before the public hearing and final vote.
Response

PACK THE ROOM: This is the vote that sets your school property tax bill. Contact the district office (see the Official Agenda link): ‘Post the full tax rate ordinance online immediately. Taxpayers deserve to see the proposed rate, the no-new-revenue rate, and the voter-approval rate before you vote on Item 8.B.’

💰 Impact: Potential Property Tax Increase
⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8)
Massive Spending Hikes in Proposed Budget
📅 2026-08-31
The proposed 2026-2027 budget includes huge spending increases for capital projects, including a 736% increase for the high school auditorium (to $209,000) and a 996% increase for junior high tech equipment (to $66,685). These large capital outlays are being funded through the general budget, driving up spending without a specific voter-approved bond.
Response

DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the district office (see the Official Agenda link) and ask the board: ‘Why are major capital projects like the auditorium and tech upgrades in the general budget instead of a bond? I demand a separate discussion and roll-call vote on Item 8.A.’

💰 Impact: Higher Spending, Higher Taxes
✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
Win (LEVEL 4)
Board Goals Focus on Academics, Not Ideology
📅 2026-08-31
The proposed 2026-2027 board goals are focused on core functions like academic achievement, postsecondary readiness, safety, and financial stewardship. The document is notably free of ideological buzzwords, keeping the district’s mission centered on students and taxpayers.
How to Secure It

AMPLIFY THE WIN: Show up to thank the board for adopting clear, mission-focused goals. Contact the district office (see the Official Agenda link): ‘Thank you for keeping the board goals focused on academic excellence and fiscal responsibility. Please continue to prioritize these core functions.’

District Info
Address 17000 SH 154, HARLETON, TX 75651
“Freedom, Prosperity &
Opportunity”
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