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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming STEPHENVILLE ISD agenda. There are 6 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Group Membership
The August 24th meeting minutes, up for approval, confirm the board approved a policy update from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). TASB is a taxpayer-funded lobbying group that consistently opposes property tax relief, parental rights, and educational freedom at the Texas Legislature.
Response
During public comment, ask the board to calculate the total annual cost of its TASB membership and services. Demand the district withdraw from organizations that use local property tax dollars to lobby against taxpayers’ interests.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Fees
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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More Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying in Check Register
A payment of $155 for a membership to the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) is included in the check register on the consent agenda. Like other school associations, TASBO uses taxpayer money to lobby the legislature, often for higher spending and against taxpayer protections.
Response
Email the Board of Trustees: ‘Pull the Check Registry from Consent Agenda Item IV for a separate vote. Taxpayers should not be funding associations like TASBO that lobby against our financial interests in Austin.’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Library Book Purchases Lack Public Review
The Superintendent’s report includes massive lists of newly purchased library books without a clear, public process for review and approval. This lack of transparency prevents parents from having a say in the age-appropriateness and ideological content of materials being given to their children.
Response
Contact the board and ask: ‘Regarding Item VIII, what is the district’s formal policy for reviewing and approving library books? We demand a transparent process that allows for public input before taxpayer money is spent on materials.’
💰 Impact: Bypassing Parents
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Vendor Paid
The district paid $600 to The Flippen Group for “Capturing Kids Hearts Training,” found in the check register. This program is a form of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) that can shift focus from academics to psychological programming and student data collection.
Response
During public comment, ask the board to justify spending on SEL programs like ‘Capturing Kids Hearts’ and to provide the training materials for public review. Urge them to prioritize funding for core academic subjects.
💰 Impact: Mission Creep
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Undisclosed Legal Contract on Consent Agenda
The board plans to approve a contract with the law firm Walsh Gallegos on the consent agenda, hiding it from individual discussion. The cost and scope of work are not disclosed in the agenda, preventing public scrutiny of this legal expense.
Response
Demand that the approval of Walsh Gallegos be pulled from Consent Agenda Item IV for a full discussion. Taxpayers deserve to know the cost and scope of this legal contract before it’s approved without debate.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 9) |
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District Certifies Compliance with Anti-DEI Law
The board is publicly voting to certify its compliance with SB 12, the state law prohibiting taxpayer-funded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and activities. The district has updated numerous local policies to ensure employees and contractors are prohibited from engaging in DEI.
How to Secure It
Show up to thank the Board during public comment on Item VII for taking concrete action to implement the state’s ban on divisive DEI initiatives. This sets a strong standard for fiscal responsibility and academic focus.
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