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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming RUNGE ISD agenda. There are 4 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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District Authorizes Hunt for New Debt
The board is giving the Superintendent broad authority to ‘secure financing’ to pay the state’s ‘Robin Hood’ recapture payment. This could open the door to taking on new debt, like Certificates of Obligation, without voter approval.
Response
Contact the Runge ISD board (see official agenda for contact info): ‘Regarding Item VI.E, I urge you to require any new debt used to pay recapture be put on the ballot for voter approval. Do not use Certificates of Obligation to bypass taxpayers.’
💰 Impact: New Debt (No Voter Approval)
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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Tax Rate Vote with No Rate Disclosed
The board is scheduled to adopt the final 2026-2027 budget and property tax rate. However, the agenda does not state the proposed rate, preventing the public from knowing if it’s a tax increase above the no-new-revenue rate.
Response
Contact the Runge ISD board (see official agenda for contact info): ‘Before voting on Item VI.B, please state publicly whether the proposed tax rate is above the no-new-revenue rate and what the average tax bill increase will be.’
💰 Impact: Potential Property Tax Increase
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Federal Grant Funds ‘Sensory Room’
The district is using a federal ‘Stronger Connections Grant’ to purchase equipment for a sensory room. These federal grants often come with strings attached, such as data-sharing requirements or creating programs that local taxpayers must fund permanently after the grant money is gone.
Response
Contact the Runge ISD board (see official agenda for contact info): ‘Regarding Item VI.D, what are the long-term obligations and data-sharing requirements attached to the Stronger Connections Grant? Will taxpayers have to fund this program in the future?’
💰 Impact: Federal Strings Attached
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| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
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Vague ‘HR Consultant’ Contract on Agenda
The board is discussing an ‘HR Consultant Contract’ without providing the actual contract or any details on cost, deliverables, or scope of work. This lack of transparency could lead to wasteful spending on vague ‘professional services’.
Response
Contact the Runge ISD board (see official agenda for contact info): ‘Regarding Item V.A, please publish the proposed HR consultant contract for public review before any action is taken. Taxpayers deserve to see the cost and deliverables.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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