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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming CANUTILLO ISD agenda. There are 9 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 10) |
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Tax Rate ‘Cut’ Hides 14% Levy Hike
The district is proposing a tax rate of $1.1468, which they present as a small rate reduction. However, due to rising property appraisals, this rate will increase the property tax bill on the average home by $268, a 13.95% jump.
Response
PACK THE ROOM: Attend the Public Hearing for Item 4.C.1 and tell the Board to adopt the No-New-Revenue Rate. Email the Board: ‘A tax rate that increases my bill by 14% is not a tax cut. Vote NO on the proposed tax rate in Item 4.D and adopt a rate that respects taxpayers.’
💰 Impact: 13.95% Tax Levy Increase
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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District Seeks Retroactive Approval for Over-Budget Contract
The administration is asking the Board to “ratify” a payment that pushed a consultant contract with Deutser over the $100,000 threshold for required Board approval. This retroactive approval sidesteps proper purchasing controls and transparency for how bond money is spent.
Response
DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY: Contact the Board regarding Item 4.G. Ask: ‘Why was this commitment allowed to exceed the $100,000 purchasing threshold without prior Board approval? Vote NO on ratification until the process breakdown is explained and fixed.’
💰 Impact: Bypassed Spending Controls
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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District Faces $2.1M Health Insurance Cost Hike
The district is set to award its employee health insurance contract, with the recommended plan projected to increase annual costs by over $2.1 million. This massive jump in healthcare expense puts significant pressure on the district’s operating budget, which is funded by local property taxes.
Response
MONITOR THE BUDGET: Note the significant healthcare cost increase in Item 4.H. This will impact future budget decisions and could be used to justify future tax increases.
💰 Impact: $2.1M Budget Pressure
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Vague ‘Employee Climate Survey’ Proposed
The board is considering a “District-Wide Confidential Employee Climate Survey” with no details provided about the vendor, cost, or content. These surveys can be used to introduce controversial DEI or SEL-related programming and data collection.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board regarding Item 4.I: ‘Who is the vendor for the proposed climate survey, what is the cost, and will the board please publish the full survey for public review before any vote?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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$48,750 Consultant Contract for Facilities Study
The district plans to pay consultant PROCEDEO $48,750 for a “Facilities Condition Assessment.” While planning is necessary, this is a significant expense for a study that is a “revision” of one completed just a few years ago in 2020.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the District Office regarding Item 4.E. Ask: ‘Why is a new facilities assessment needed so soon after the 2020 study, and what specific, actionable data will this $48,750 contract produce that we don’t already have?’
💰 Impact: $48,750 Consultant Fee
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| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
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Vague Title — Manual Review Required
The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is presenting its annual report under Item 4.A. These reports can sometimes contain recommendations for controversial health or sex education curricula that parents should be aware of.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file ‘Shac Report (1)’ attached to Item 4.A in the Official Agenda (linked above) to confirm whether it contains controversial curriculum recommendations.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Curriculum Changes
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| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
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Federal Grant for ‘Marginalized Learners’ Program
The district is accepting a federal grant from the U.S. Dept. of Education to partner with a UT Austin center on a “family engagement” program for “marginalized learners.” While supporting students with disabilities is crucial, federal grants can come with ideological strings and create programs that local taxpayers must fund permanently after the grant money disappears.
Response
ASK ABOUT THE STRINGS: Contact the Board regarding Consent Item 5.B.1. Ask: ‘What are the long-term obligations for the district after this federal grant ends? Will local taxpayers be expected to fund the “family coaches” or other new positions created by this program?’
💰 Impact: Potential Future Mandates
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✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
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District Paying Down Debt Early
The Board is taking action to pay off at least $1.458 million of existing 2017 bonds early. This is a fiscally responsible move that will reduce the district’s total debt service payments, saving taxpayer money over the long term.
How to Secure It
SECURE THE WIN: Show up to thank the Board for taking proactive steps in Item 4.B to pay down debt and save taxpayer money. Ask them to make this a regular practice for managing the district’s finances.
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings
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| Major Win (LEVEL 7) |
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District Certifies Compliance with Anti-DEI Law
The Board is formally certifying its compliance with state law prohibiting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and activities. This action ensures the district remains focused on academics and avoids spending taxpayer money on divisive political agendas.
How to Secure It
SECURE THE WIN: Attend the public hearing for Item 4.F.1 to thank the Board for complying with the state’s anti-DEI law. This sets a standard for accountability and a focus on core education.
✅ Why It Matters: Protects Against Ideological Spending
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