|
Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming SNYDER ISD agenda. There are 8 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 10) |
|
Tax Rate Hike Disguised as a ‘Cut’
The board is voting on a new property tax rate of $0.7047. While this rate is lower than last year’s, rising property values mean the tax bill on the average home will still increase by $25. The proposed rate is the maximum the district can adopt without voter approval.
Response
PACK THE ROOM: This is the most important vote of the year for your wallet. Sign up for public comment on Item 11.F. Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘A lower rate that raises my tax bill is not a tax cut. Adopt the No-New-Revenue Rate or a rate that provides genuine relief to homeowners.’
💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
|
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
|
District Appointing Lobbyist to TASB
The board is appointing a delegate to the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Delegate Assembly. This assembly sets the lobbying priorities for TASB, an organization that often lobbies the state legislature for policies that increase taxes and reduce local control.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Ask the board to pull Item 11.H for a separate vote. Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Snyder ISD should not use our resources to participate in TASB’s political lobbying. Please vote NO on appointing a delegate and consider withdrawing from TASB.’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
|
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
|
Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Fees in Consent Agenda
The consent agenda includes approval of a check register with payments for memberships in the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) and for board travel to a Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) training event. These organizations lobby the legislature, meaning local tax dollars are being used to fund political advocacy.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘I demand Consent Item 10.B be pulled for a separate discussion and a roll-call vote. Taxpayers deserve to know why we are funding organizations that lobby against our interests.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Fees
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
|
District Adopting Vague ‘Equity Plan’
The board is approving the District Improvement Plan, which is explicitly labeled as an “Equity Plan.” This type of language often serves as a trojan horse for introducing divisive DEI-related policies and curriculum into the district.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board (contact info on district website) regarding Item 11.A: ‘What specific policies, curriculum, or training are associated with the “Equity Plan” designation? The focus should be on academic excellence for all students, not on divisive identity politics.’
💰 Impact: Mission Drift
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
|
District to Implement ‘Leader in Me’ SEL Program
The Campus Improvement Plan for Snyder Intermediate, under consideration in Item 11.C, includes implementing the “Leader in Me” program. This program is a form of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) that can shift focus away from core academics and toward subjective character and emotional training.
Response
ASK FOR TRANSPARENCY: Email the Board (contact info on district website) regarding Item 11.C: ‘What is the total cost of the “Leader in Me” program, and will parents have a clear opt-out for their children? The school’s primary mission is academic instruction.’
💰 Impact: Politicizing the Classroom
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
|
District Slowing Public Information Act Requests
The board is voting to designate 10 additional non-business days for the year, which will delay the district’s response time to Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) requests. While legally permitted, this action reduces transparency by making it take longer for citizens to get public records.
Response
DEFEND TRANSPARENCY: Email the Board (contact info on district website) regarding Item 11.E: ‘Please vote NO on designating extra non-business days for TPIA requests. The district should be committed to providing public information as promptly as possible, not using loopholes to create delays.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
|
|
✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
|
| Major Win (LEVEL 7) |
|
District Earns Perfect Score for Financial Management
Snyder ISD received a perfect score of 100 and a rating of “A – Superior Achievement” on the state’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). This top rating demonstrates strong financial management and accountability with taxpayer dollars.
How to Secure It
AMPLIFY THE WIN: Show up or email the Board (contact info on district website) to thank them for their excellent financial stewardship, as shown in Item 12.A. This sets a high standard for fiscal responsibility that taxpayers appreciate.
|
| Win (LEVEL 4) |
|
District Saves Taxpayer Money on Insurance
The board is approving a property and casualty insurance policy for $701,374, a significant decrease from last year’s cost of $790,643. This is a solid example of responsible stewardship that saves taxpayers nearly $90,000.
How to Secure It
SECURE THE WIN: Email the Board (contact info on district website) to thank them for the diligent work on Item 11.G. Acknowledging these savings encourages more fiscal discipline in the future.
✅ Why It Matters: $89,269 Savings
|
|
|
“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 |