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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming LA FERIA ISD agenda. There are 6 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9) |
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Vote on Property Tax Rate Without Key Disclosures
The board is scheduled to adopt the 2026-2027 property tax rate. However, the agenda documents fail to disclose the “no-new-revenue” rate, making it impossible for taxpayers to know if the proposed rate of $1.029236 constitutes a tax increase by raising more total revenue than the previous year.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY ON TAXES: The board will vote on the property tax rate under Item VIII.A. Email the board via the District Office: ‘Before you vote on Item VIII.A, please state for the record the no-new-revenue rate and confirm whether this vote will increase the total tax levy on La Feria ISD taxpayers.’
💰 Impact: Potential Property Tax Hike
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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District to Implement ‘Character Strong’ SEL Curriculum
The district is presenting the implementation of “Character Strong,” a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum. These programs often serve as a vehicle for controversial concepts and shift focus away from core academic subjects, all on the taxpayer’s dime.
Response
ATTEND & QUESTION: Item VI.B is an ‘information item,’ but it signals the district is adopting the ‘Character Strong’ SEL curriculum. Use Public Comment (Item V) to ask the board for the total cost, how parents can review all materials, and what the opt-out process is for their children.
💰 Impact: Politicized Classrooms
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Undisclosed Appointments to Control Health Curriculum
The board is voting to approve members of the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), a powerful committee that recommends health and sex education curriculum. The agenda and its attachments fail to disclose the names of the proposed members, preventing public review of who will influence what children are taught.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Item VII.C is a vote to approve key curriculum advisors, but their names are hidden. Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link) and demand the list of SHAC appointees be published before the vote.
💰 Impact: Bypassing Parents
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Board to Approve $1.6M Contract with Unnamed Vendor
The board is set to approve spending up to $1.6 million in bond funds for an HVAC contract and delegate negotiation authority to the Superintendent. The agenda does not name the vendor being recommended, preventing public scrutiny of this major expenditure before the vote.
Response
DEMAND THE VENDOR’S NAME: Before the board votes on Item VIII.D, they must publicly name the recommended vendor. Email the board via the District Office: ‘Do not approve a $1.6 million contract with an unnamed company. Name the vendor for Item VIII.D before any vote is taken.’
💰 Impact: $1.6M (Bond Funds)
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| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
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District Eyes $100k ‘Environmental Education’ Grant
The district is voting to accept a $100,000 grant from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for an “Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education” program. The term “environmental education” can sometimes be a gateway for politically-charged curricula that go beyond science and conservation.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the board regarding Item VIII.E: ‘Please provide details on the curriculum and any partner organizations involved in the Environmental Education grant before the district accepts the funds.’
💰 Impact: Potential Mission Creep
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✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Win (LEVEL 6) |
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District Offers Discounts for Early Property Tax Payments
The board will vote on a resolution to provide taxpayers with a discount of up to 3% for paying their property taxes early. This is a taxpayer-friendly policy that rewards fiscal responsibility and should be encouraged.
How to Secure It
SECURE THE WIN: Show up or email the board to thank them for considering Item VIII.B. Publicly supporting good policy encourages officials to do the right thing and sets a positive example for other districts.
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings
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