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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD agenda and found 5 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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District Celebrates Board Member’s TASB Presidency
The board will recognize Trustee Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick for her new role as President of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) for 2026-2027. TASB is a taxpayer-funded lobbying group that frequently opposes legislative efforts for property tax relief, parental rights, and educational freedom in Austin.
Response
Use public comment for Item 5.A to ask the board: ‘While we congratulate Dr. Hetrick, does the board agree with TASB’s legislative agenda that often opposes property tax relief and parental rights? Will Dripping Springs ISD reconsider its membership in an organization that lobbies against its own taxpayers?’
💰 Impact: Alignment with Anti-Taxpayer Lobby
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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District Report Highlights SEL-Adjacent Programs
The Learning & Innovation report (Item 12.A) details the district’s use of ‘Leader in Me,’ a program from Franklin Covey that is a form of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). The report also uses buzzwords like ‘equitable access,’ signaling a focus that can sometimes shift from academics to social agendas.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Board of Trustees regarding Item 12.A: ‘What is the total cost of the Franklin Covey ‘Leader in Me’ program, including consultant fees? Please provide parents with a clear opt-out process for any SEL-related surveys or curriculum.’ (Contact info on district website).
💰 Impact: Politicizing the Classroom
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| WATCH (LEVEL 3) |
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District Seeks Waiver for Uncertified ESL Teachers
The district is asking the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for a waiver to place teachers who lack an ESL certification in charge of English as a Second Language classrooms. While this is sometimes necessary, it’s crucial to know the district’s specific plan and timeline for getting these teachers fully certified.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The agenda for Consent Item 10.D references an action plan for uncertified teachers but doesn’t provide it. Contact the Board of Trustees: ‘Please publish the action plan associated with the ESL waiver. What is the timeline for these teachers to become fully certified?’ (Contact info on district website).
💰 Impact: Potential Lower Quality Instruction
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✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 7) |
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Citizen Committee to Oversee Bond Spending
The board is appointing community members to the Bond Advisory Committee, which provides oversight for the 2023 and 2025 bond programs. This citizen-led committee is a crucial mechanism for ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent transparently and as promised to voters.
How to Lock It In
This is a win for accountability. Contact the Board of Trustees to thank them for maintaining a citizen-led Bond Advisory Committee and to encourage the new members to be diligent watchdogs for the taxpayer. (Contact info on district website).
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| Win (LEVEL 6) |
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District Earns High Marks for Financial Management
The district is holding a public hearing on its ‘A – Superior Achievement’ rating on the state’s financial accountability system (FIRST). This high rating, with a score of 98 out of 100, indicates strong financial management and transparency with taxpayer dollars.
How to Lock It In
This is an opportunity to commend the district for sound financial practices. Consider speaking during the public hearing for Item 7.A to thank the board and administration for their stewardship, which resulted in a superior rating.
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