|
Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming VAN ALSTYNE ISD agenda. There are 7 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
|
District Adopts $1.35M Deficit Budget
August meeting minutes show the board approved a budget with a $1.35 million deficit. While the tax rate was slightly lowered, the budget includes an 8.76% increase in M&O spending and an 18% increase in debt service spending, meaning the overall tax burden is growing.
Response
DEMAND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Contact the Board (see official agenda for contact info): ‘A tax rate “cut” is meaningless when you pass a $1.35M deficit budget. How will this shortfall be covered without future tax hikes?’
💰 Impact: $1.35M Deficit
|
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
|
New Rules Limit Public Comment at Board Meetings
The district’s public comment policy requires speakers to address a specific agenda item, preventing general comments. It also limits individuals to one speaking opportunity per meeting, regardless of the number of topics they wish to address.
Response
DEFEND YOUR VOICE: Contact the Board (see official agenda for contact info): ‘The public comment rules in Attachment 5 are too restrictive. Restore the public’s right to address the board on general matters and on multiple agenda items.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
|
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
|
District Adopting Policy from Taxpayer-Funded Lobby Group
Meeting minutes from August 17 (Item 13) confirm the board adopted “Policy Update 127” as provided by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). TASB actively lobbies the legislature against taxpayer interests like property tax relief and parental rights.
Response
DEMAND INDEPENDENCE: Contact the Board (see official agenda for contact info): ‘Regarding Item 13 from the August 17 meeting, why is the district adopting policy wholesale from TASB, a lobby group that works against taxpayers? The board should develop its own policies.’
💰 Impact: Entrenching Lobbyist Policies
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
|
District Legislative Agenda Influenced by “Equity Center”
The CFO’s report notes the district is being “encouraged by the Equity Center” to identify legislative priorities. This external organization lobbies for increased school spending, which can lead to higher property taxes for local residents.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Board (see official agenda for contact info): ‘Who is the Equity Center and what is their full legislative platform? The board’s legislative priorities should come from Van Alstyne taxpayers, not outside lobby groups.’
💰 Impact: Lobbying for Higher Taxes
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
|
Teacher Training Calendar Filled with SEL-Related Topics
The 2026-27 Professional Development calendar mandates teacher training on “Trauma-Informed Care,” “Mental Health and Substance Abuse,” and “Positive Relationships.” These topics are often used to introduce controversial Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) concepts into the classroom.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Board (see official agenda for contact info): ‘Regarding the Professional Development Calendar, please provide the specific curriculum and materials for the “Trauma-Informed Care” and “Mental Health” trainings to ensure they are evidence-based and not ideological.’
💰 Impact: Politicizing Teacher Training
|
| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
|
Vague Title — Manual Review Required
The “Investment Resolution” item references two attachments, “CBA Local – Other Revenues, Investments” and “CDA – Legal – Other Revenues, Investments,” which contain board policy. The text of these policy documents was not available for analysis.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the files ‘CBA Local’ and ‘CDA – Legal’ attached to the ‘Investment Resolution’ item in the Official Agenda (linked above) to confirm they do not contain ESG criteria or other non-fiduciary investment policies.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Policy Details
|
|
✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
|
| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
|
District Confirms Compliance with State Anti-DEI Law
The district presented its plan to comply with Senate Bill 12, which prohibits Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices in schools. The plan explicitly eliminates DEI-specific roles, preferential hiring, and DEI-focused training and student activities.
How to Secure It
SECURE THE WIN: Show up to the SB 12 Compliance Public Hearing to thank the board for fully implementing the law. Ask them to remain vigilant against any attempts to re-introduce DEI under new names.
✅ Why It Matters: Protects Against Mission Creep
|
|
|
“Freedom, Prosperity &
Opportunity”
TPPF is a conservative think tank whose mission is to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation.
Contribute to the mission
Powered by Sentinel Engine |