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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming MONTE ALTO ISD agenda and found 4 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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District to Appoint Representative to TASB Lobbying Group
The board will nominate a candidate to the board of directors for the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). TASB is a taxpayer-funded lobbying group that frequently opposes legislative reforms aimed at increasing transparency, empowering parents, and controlling property taxes.
Response
OPPOSE ENTANGLEMENT WITH LOBBYISTS: Contact the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Regarding Item 8.A, instead of appointing a representative to the TASB board, Monte Alto ISD should be reconsidering its membership in an organization that lobbies against the interests of our taxpayers and parents.’
💰 Impact: Enabling Anti-Taxpayer Lobbying
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| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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Public Comment Time Severely Limited
The board’s rules cap the total time for all public comments at just 15 minutes per meeting. This policy effectively silences parents and taxpayers, allowing a maximum of only five people to speak, regardless of how many wish to address their elected officials.
Response
DEMAND YOUR RIGHT TO SPEAK: Contact the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘The 15-minute total cap on public comment noted in Item 4 is an unacceptable restriction on taxpayer input. The board works for the public and must be willing to listen to them.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Appraisal District Office Purchase Hidden on Consent Agenda
The board is set to approve a resolution from the Hidalgo County Appraisal District to sell its current office and buy a new one, all without separate discussion. This is a major financial decision for the appraisal district which could impact its budget and the costs passed on to taxpayers, yet it’s bundled with routine items.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Pull Consent Item 7.G for a separate discussion and vote. Taxpayers deserve to know the financial implications of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District’s plan to buy a new facility before you approve it.’
💰 Impact: Potential Taxpayer Cost
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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Over $10,000 for Meta VR Goggles
The district plans to spend over $10,000 on MetaQuest VR/AR Goggles for a STEM program. This is a significant expenditure on a consumer product from a company known for data collection, with no details provided on the educational return on investment or student data privacy protections.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Before approving Item 9.B, please provide the total cost, the number of units, and what specific student data privacy protections are in place for the use of MetaQuest VR goggles in the classroom.’
💰 Impact: Over $10,000
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