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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming RUSK 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 Considers Hiring Lobbying Group for ‘Facilities Study’
Under Item VI.C, the board will vote on hiring the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) to conduct a ‘Facilities Study.’ TASB is a taxpayer-funded lobbying organization that often works against taxpayer interests in Austin. This study will likely be used to justify a large bond package, creating a conflict of interest where a political group is paid to recommend more spending.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Rusk ISD Board (contact info on district website): ‘Pull Item VI.C for a separate, recorded vote. Taxpayers should not be forced to fund a political lobbying group like TASB to conduct a study that will inevitably recommend more debt.’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Board Discussing New Bond Debt
Item V.A.4 places a ‘possible bond’ on the agenda for discussion. This is the first step toward asking voters to approve millions in new long-term debt, which will be paid back through property taxes for decades. Early engagement is critical to ensure any potential bond focuses on essential needs, not wants.
Response
GET INVOLVED EARLY: Email the Rusk ISD Board (contact info on district website): ‘Regarding Item V.A.4, please commit to a transparent process with ample community input before finalizing any bond package. Prioritize maintenance and classroom needs over luxuries.’
💰 Impact: New Long-Term Debt
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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District Discussing Property Tax Hike Election (VATRE)
The board is holding a discussion with financial firm SAMCO about a possible Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) under Item V.A.2. A VATRE is a mechanism to raise the district’s maintenance and operations property tax rate above the state-allowed threshold, resulting in higher tax bills for homeowners and businesses.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Rusk ISD Board (contact info on district website): ‘Regarding Item V.A.2, what is the proposed tax rate increase being discussed with SAMCO, and what specific district needs justify this potential VATRE? Taxpayers deserve full transparency.’
💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Board to Approve Undisclosed ‘Community Survey’
Item VI.D is a vote to approve a ‘Community Survey’ without disclosing the vendor, cost, or survey questions. These surveys are often used as push-polls to manufacture public support for pre-planned tax increases or bond debt, rather than to gather genuine feedback.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Email the Rusk ISD Board (contact info on district website): ‘Regarding Item VI.D, please publish the vendor, cost, and full list of questions for the Community Survey before any vote is taken.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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