Texas Public Policy Foundation Alert: NEWCASTLE ISD – Monday, August 31, 2026 [a42373b5]

Texas Public Policy Foundation

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

⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8)

District to Adopt 2026 Property Tax Rate

📅 2026-08-31

The board will vote to adopt a total tax rate of $1.2264 per $100 valuation. The agenda does not disclose the ‘no-new-revenue’ rate, which is the rate that would raise the same amount of money as last year, preventing a hidden tax increase from rising property values.

Response

DEMAND TRANSPARENCY ON TAXES: Contact the Newcastle ISD board before the meeting. Ask them: ‘What is the no-new-revenue tax rate, and why are you not adopting it? Vote NO on any tax rate higher than the no-new-revenue rate.’

💰 Impact: Potential Property Tax Increase

⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7)

Requires Verification

Final Budget Approval Without Public Documents

📅 2026-08-31

The board is scheduled to approve the entire budget for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. However, the proposed budget document is not attached or summarized in the agenda, making it impossible for taxpayers to review the spending plan they are about to fund.

Response

INVESTIGATE: The full budget document should be publicly available. Check the district website or the official agenda link for attachments. Email the board: ‘Taxpayers have a right to see the full proposed budget for 2026-2027 before you vote on Item 6.B. Please postpone the vote until the document is published.’

💰 Impact: Undisclosed Spending Priorities

🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5)

Requires Verification

Vague Last-Minute Budget Amendments

📅 2026-08-31

The board will vote on amendments to last year’s budget. The agenda provides no details or attachments explaining what money is being moved or why, preventing public scrutiny of last-minute spending changes before the vote.

Response

INVESTIGATE: Open the file attached in the Official Agenda (linked above) to confirm whether it contains hidden spending. Email the board: ‘Please publish the full details of the 2025-26 budget amendments online before the vote on Item 6.A.’

💰 Impact: Undisclosed Spending

District Info

Address

505 WASHINGTON AVE, NEWCASTLE, TX 76372

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