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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming JACKSONVILLE ISD agenda. There are 5 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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District to Adopt 2026-27 Property Tax Rate
The board will vote to adopt a Maintenance & Operations tax rate of $0.6669 and an Interest & Sinking rate of $0.3950. The agenda references a “Taxpayer Impact Statement,” but the document is not provided, making it impossible to see if this rate is higher than the no-new-revenue rate, which would trigger a tax increase.
Response
INVESTIGATE & SPEAK UP: The district must post the ‘Taxpayer Impact Statement’ (Item 2.J.1). Find it on the official agenda and demand the board adopt the No-New-Revenue Rate during the public hearing (Item 2.E).
💰 Impact: Potential Property Tax Increase
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Public Comment Limited to Two Minutes
The district’s policy, noted in the agenda, restricts public comments to a maximum of two minutes per person. This short time limit can prevent taxpayers and parents from fully addressing the board on complex issues like the annual budget or district policies.
Response
DEMAND MORE TIME: Contact the JISD Board: ‘Two minutes is not enough time to discuss the budget. Please extend public comment time to allow for meaningful community feedback on how our tax dollars are spent.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Board Citing “Good Cause Exception” for Security Audit
The board will vote on a resolution to claim a “Good Cause Exception” related to its Safety and Security Audit, which was discussed in a closed session. While security matters can be sensitive, using exceptions can reduce transparency and public oversight of district safety plans and spending.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the JISD Board: ‘Regarding Item 2.C.1, please explain to the public the justification for using a ‘Good Cause Exception’ and what alternate standards are being adopted for the security audit.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Transparency
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| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
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Report on Purchases Over $50,000 Lacks Detail
The agenda includes a discussion item for “Purchases Exceeding $50,000” but provides no attachments or details about what these purchases are for. This lack of upfront information prevents public scrutiny of significant district spending.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the JISD Board: ‘Regarding Item 2.F.2, please provide a detailed list of the purchases over $50,000 for public review before the meeting.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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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 Moving to Pay Down Existing Bonds
The board is considering an order for the “defeasance and/or redemption” of outstanding district bonds. This is a positive fiscal move, as paying off debt early saves taxpayers significant money in future interest payments.
How to Secure It
AMPLIFY THE WIN: Show up to thank the Board for taking proactive steps to pay down debt. Email the Board: ‘Thank you for considering Item 2.G.1 to pay down district debt. This is responsible fiscal management that saves taxpayer money.’
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings
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