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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming MISSION CISD agenda. There are 7 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9) |
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District Proposes Tax Rate Higher Than No-New-Revenue Rate
The district is considering a tax rate of $1.11300, which is higher than the no-new-revenue rate of $1.0977. This is driven by a proposal to nearly double the debt service (I&S) tax rate above the minimum required, from $0.1785 to $0.32900, which requires a supermajority board vote. This will increase the overall tax burden on property owners.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Vote NO on the proposed tax rate in Item 8.F. Adopt the no-new-revenue rate of $1.0977 to prevent a tax increase on Mission families and businesses.’
💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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District to Renew $116,500 Contract with TASB
The consent agenda includes a $116,500 renewal for the Unemployment Compensation Program administered by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). TASB is a taxpayer-funded lobbying organization that frequently works against taxpayer interests, such as property tax relief and parental rights, in the Texas Legislature.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Pull Consent Item 9.I.5 for a separate discussion and roll-call vote. Mission CISD should not be funding TASB’s political lobbying with our property tax dollars.’
💰 Impact: $116,500 for Lobbying
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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District Seeks Waivers for Larger Class Sizes
Hidden on the consent agenda, the district is requesting approval to apply for waivers from the state’s maximum class size limit of 22 students for grades Pre-K through 4. This means the district is planning for or already has overcrowded elementary classrooms, which can impact the quality of instruction for young students.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Email the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Pull Consent Item 9.F for discussion. Which specific campuses and grade levels will exceed the 22-to-1 student-teacher ratio, and what is the plan to address the overcrowding?’
💰 Impact: Overcrowded Classrooms
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Board to Shift $2.2M in Budget on Consent Agenda
A budget amendment on the consent agenda (Item 9.K) increases total expenditures by $2,209,500. This spending is funded by “uncommitting” money from the district’s fund balance previously set aside for specific capital projects, reducing district savings with little transparency.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Pull Consent Item 9.K for a separate discussion and roll-call vote. Why is the district moving $2.2 million from committed savings to general expenditures, and how does this impact the district’s long-term financial health?’
💰 Impact: $2.2M Shift from Savings
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Board to Double No-Bid Purchasing Threshold to $100,000
The board is voting to amend its policy to increase the threshold for purchases requiring formal competitive procurement from $50,000 to $100,000. While this aligns with a change in state law, it reduces the level of formal oversight and competition for a significant range of district contracts.
Response
DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY: Email the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Regarding Item 8.C, what specific internal controls will replace the formal competitive bidding process for contracts between $50,000 and $100,000 to ensure taxpayers are still getting the best value?’
💰 Impact: Reduced Transparency
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| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
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District to Award $50,000 ‘Data Analysis’ Consulting Contract
The district plans to award a $50,000 contract to Rivera Educational Consulting for “Professional Development for Data Analysis and Progress Monitoring.” The description is filled with vague jargon about “meaningful opportunities for academic growth” but lacks specific, measurable deliverables for taxpayers.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Regarding Consent Item 9.I.1, please provide the specific deliverables and performance metrics for the $50,000 contract with Rivera Educational Consulting before the vote.’
💰 Impact: $50,000 (Consultant)
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✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
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District to Pay Down $5.1M in Debt Early
The board will vote on using approximately $5.1 million in available funds to pay off a portion of its outstanding bonds early. This responsible fiscal action will reduce future interest expenses, saving taxpayers money over the long term.
How to Secure It
SECURE AND AMPLIFY: Show up to thank the Board for Item 8.E. Email the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Thank you for your fiscal leadership on Item 8.E. Paying down debt early is a responsible use of taxpayer money and should be the standard for all Texas school districts.’
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings
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