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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming ABILENE ISD agenda. There are 6 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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District Adopting Policy Package from Lobbying Group
The board is reviewing “Policy Update 127,” a package of pre-written local policies from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). This continues the district’s reliance on a taxpayer-funded lobbying group that often works against taxpayer interests in Austin, influencing local policy behind the scenes.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Abilene ISD Board (verify contacts on the district website): ‘Item II.B involves adopting policy from a lobby group. How much are we paying in TASB dues for these “updates,” and has the board reviewed alternatives that don’t fund lobbyists?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Fees
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Undisclosed Library Book Purchases on Consent Agenda
Agenda item VI.H, “Acquisition of Library Materials,” has no attached list of books, vendors, or costs, and is scheduled for a bundled vote on the Consent Agenda. This prevents any public oversight into what materials are being purchased for students with their tax dollars.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Abilene ISD Board (verify contacts on the district website): ‘Pull Item VI.H from the consent agenda. The public deserves to see a list of library materials and their cost before they are approved for purchase.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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District to Cut Student Instruction Time for Teacher Training
The district is applying for a state waiver to replace up to 2,100 minutes of student instructional time with staff development. This directly reduces the amount of time students spend learning in the classroom in exchange for teacher training with no specified, measurable outcome.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Abilene ISD Board (verify contacts on the district website): ‘Regarding Item VI.G, how will the district ensure that trading 2,100 minutes of student learning for staff training provides a measurable benefit to student achievement?’
💰 Impact: Reduced Student Instruction
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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District Hires Consultant for “Facilities Assessment”
The board will select a “professional service provider” for a district-wide facilities assessment under item VIII.A. These assessments are often the first step toward promoting a large, multi-million dollar bond package, and the chosen consultant can shape the outcome to favor new construction and debt.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Abilene ISD Board (verify contacts on the district website): ‘Regarding Item VIII.A, what is the cost of this facilities assessment contract, and what safeguards are in place to ensure the report is an objective analysis, not a sales pitch for a new bond?’
💰 Impact: Precursor to Major Bond
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Federal Grant Brings Federal Strings and Priorities
The board is reviewing its federally-funded Head Start program, which brings over $6 million into the district. These federal grants impose rigid federal rules on eligibility and program management, shifting focus from local priorities and creating long-term data-sharing and staffing obligations for local taxpayers.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Abilene ISD Board (verify contacts on the district website): ‘Regarding Item II.C, what are the long-term staffing and data-sharing obligations tied to the $6 million Head Start grant after the federal money is spent?’
💰 Impact: Permanent Federal Mandates
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✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
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District Publicly Certifies Compliance with Parental Rights Law
The board is set to formally approve and submit its annual certification of compliance with SB 12, a state law that prohibits DEI activities and instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity. This public action affirms the district’s commitment to parental rights and academic transparency.
How to Secure It
SECURE THE WIN: Show up to thank the Board for publicly certifying compliance with SB 12 (Item VIII.B). This sets a strong example for other districts and puts on the record their commitment to protecting parental rights and removing divisive ideology from the classroom.
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