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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming BIG SANDY ISD agenda. There are 4 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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Renewing Contract with Anti-Taxpayer Lobby Group
The board is voting to approve a contract with TASB (Texas Association of School Boards) Risk Management. TASB is a powerful lobbying group that uses taxpayer money to advocate for policies in Austin that often lead to higher taxes and less local control.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Big Sandy ISD Board (see district website for contact info) and ask: ‘Please pull Item 9 for a separate discussion and roll-call vote. Why are we sending taxpayer money to TASB, an organization that lobbies against the interests of those same taxpayers?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Fees
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Undisclosed Board Policy Change
The agenda includes an action item to “update Board Policy” without specifying which policy is being changed or providing the proposed new language. This prevents any public review or comment on potentially significant changes to district governance.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the Big Sandy ISD Board (see district website for contact info): ‘Item 13, “update Board Policy,” is unacceptably vague. Table this item until the specific policy and proposed changes are posted for public review.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Transparency
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Board May Cede Contract Authority to Superintendent
The board is considering giving the Superintendent the power to unilaterally negotiate and sign a contract for a new transportation building. This removes the final contract from public view and a final board vote, reducing transparency on a major construction project.
Response
DEMAND OVERSIGHT: Contact the Big Sandy ISD Board (see district website for contact info): ‘Regarding Item 11, the Board must retain final approval authority for any contract. Do not delegate away your duty to oversee taxpayer money in a public vote.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Oversight
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Vague Budget Amendment Requires Review
The board plans to vote on an unspecified “budget amendment.” Without the attached document, taxpayers cannot see what money is being moved, what programs are being cut or funded, or the impact on the district’s finances.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The agenda does not include the text of the proposed budget amendment for Item 12. Contact the district office and demand the amendment be posted publicly online before the board votes.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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