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📍 Drive to HIGHLAND PARK ISD Office   📅 Tuesday, October 20, 2026 to Calendar
📄 View Official Agenda
Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming HIGHLAND PARK ISD agenda and found 2 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
ALERT (LEVEL 8)
District Using Voter-Approved Debt to Fund Operating Costs
📅 October 20, 2026
A bond update presentation reveals the district is using long-term debt, approved by voters for capital projects, to pay for short-term operating expenses like software and textbooks. The district frames this as ‘savings’ that fund salary increases, but it’s a fiscal shell game that hides the true cost of operations by putting recurring expenses on the taxpayer’s credit card.
Response

DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY: Item 10.E is an information item, but the practice it reveals must be challenged. Email the Board (contact info on the district website): ‘Bond debt is for building, not budgeting. Stop using long-term debt to pay for short-term operating costs like software and textbooks. This is fiscally irresponsible and misleads taxpayers.’

💰 Impact: Debt for Operating Costs
WATCH (LEVEL 5)
District Approves $1.6M Deficit Budget Amendment
📅 October 20, 2026
The board will vote on a budget amendment that results in spending $1.6 million more than incoming revenue, drawing down the district’s savings to cover the gap. The largest item is $1.5M for student computers ordered last year, indicating a pattern of pushing costs forward and relying on reserves to balance the books.
Response

DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on the district website): ‘Pull Consent Item 9.G for a separate discussion and roll-call vote. What is the plan to stop deficit spending and ensure the district lives within its means without raiding its savings?’

💰 Impact: $1.6M Deficit Spending
Local Officials
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