|
Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming WICHITA FALLS ISD agenda. There are 6 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
|
District Accepts $14.8M Federal Grant with Hidden Future Costs
The district is accepting a $14.8 million federal grant to build a new 10,000-square-foot auditorium at Sheppard Elementary. While the construction is paid for by the grant, local taxpayers will be responsible for all future maintenance, utility, and staffing costs for this new facility long after the federal money is gone.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the WFISD Board of Trustees regarding Item IV.A. Ask: ‘What is the projected annual operating cost for the new auditorium, and what is the plan to fund it with local property taxes once the federal grant ends in 2031?’
💰 Impact: Future Unfunded Mandates
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
|
$602k Chromebook Purchase Uses Temporary Federal Funds
The district is spending $602,622.85 in ‘Federal Funds’ on new Chromebooks. This creates a future funding cliff, as taxpayers will be expected to pay for the next replacement cycle when these one-time federal dollars are gone.
Response
DEMAND A PLAN: Email the Board regarding Item V.D: ‘Which specific federal grant is funding these Chromebooks? What is the district’s long-term plan to pay for the technology replacement cycle after these temporary funds are exhausted?’
💰 Impact: Future Tech Replacement Costs
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
|
Vague Budget Amendments Obscure Spending
The board is voting on unspecified ‘Budget Amendments.’ This common maneuver can be used to shift funds between accounts or approve new spending with minimal public scrutiny, as the details are not described on the agenda itself.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file ’08-2026 Amendments’ attached to Item V.B in the Official Agenda (linked above) to see what money is being moved and why. Demand the board explain any significant changes in a public session before the vote.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
|
School Board Cancels Election Due to Unopposed Candidates
The board is canceling the November 3rd election because all four candidates are running unopposed. While this is procedurally correct, a lack of contested elections starves voters of choice and can lead to a board that is less accountable to the public.
Response
This is a wake-up call for citizen engagement. If you are concerned about the direction of the district, consider running for the school board in the next election cycle to ensure voters have a choice and officials are held accountable.
💰 Impact: Reduced Voter Choice
|
| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
|
District Incurs 5-Year Debt for Printers Without Voter Approval
The board is approving a 60-month, $34,741 lease for desktop printers. While the amount is small, using multi-year leases is a way for governments to take on long-term debt for routine purchases, bypassing the need for voter approval.
Response
QUESTION THE PROCESS: Email the Board of Trustees regarding Item V.C: ‘Why is the district using long-term debt to lease printers instead of purchasing them outright from the existing budget? This sets a precedent for avoiding voter oversight on spending.’
💰 Impact: $34,741.20 (No Voter Approval)
|
| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
|
District Pays for ‘Lone Star Governance’ Training
The district will pay Region 9 ESC $5,000 for ‘Lone Star Governance Training’ for the board and staff. This is a TEA-promoted framework that can lead to a focus on top-down bureaucratic metrics rather than genuine local accountability and student achievement.
Response
DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY: Email the Board regarding Item VII.A: ‘What specific, measurable student outcomes will be achieved by spending $5,000 on Lone Star Governance training for adults? How does this framework empower parents over bureaucrats?’
💰 Impact: $5,000 for Governance Training
|
|
|
“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 |