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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming DENISON ISD agenda. There are 5 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9) |
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District Approves ‘No Change’ Tax Rate, Resulting in Higher Tax Bills
The August 18, 2026, meeting minutes show the board adopted a total tax rate of $1.155, calling it the “same as the 2025 total tax rate.” Because property appraisals have risen, keeping the rate the same is a tax increase that will cost homeowners more.
Response
Contact the Denison ISD Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link): ‘Claiming a “no change” tax rate is a tax increase when appraisals go up. I demand the board adopt the no-new-revenue rate in the future to provide real tax relief.’ (Reference Item No. 20567 from the August 18 minutes).
💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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Board Appoints New Trustee, Bypassing Voters
The August 4, 2026, meeting minutes show the board accepted a trustee’s resignation and immediately appointed a replacement to fill the vacancy. This maneuver avoids a special election, denying voters the right to choose their own representative and giving the appointee the advantage of incumbency.
Response
Contact the Denison ISD Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link): ‘Appointing trustees instead of holding special elections disenfranchises voters. I urge the board to commit to filling all future vacancies via special election as a matter of policy.’ (Reference Items No. 20549-20551 from the August 4 minutes).
💰 Impact: Voter Disenfranchisement
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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District Plan Embeds SEL Curriculum and Student Data Collection
The 2026-2027 District Improvement Plan confirms the use of multiple Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs, including “Second Step,” “Rhithm,” and “School Connect.” The plan also details data collection via a “Communities In Schools Student Survey” to assess student mental health, without mentioning a clear parental opt-out process.
Response
Email the Denison ISD Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link) before the Sept. 15 vote on Item 11.B.1: ‘I am concerned about the SEL programs and student mental health surveys in the District Improvement Plan. What is the parental opt-out process for this curriculum and data collection?’
💰 Impact: Student Data Mining
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Large Payment to ‘New Tech Network’ Lacks Detail
The July 2026 check register includes a payment of $26,642 to “New Tech Network, Inc.” with no corresponding agenda item or contract to explain the purpose or deliverables of this service. This is a significant expenditure for an unexplained “professional service.”
Response
Email the Denison ISD Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link): ‘Regarding the July check register (Item 11.A.2), what services did New Tech Network, Inc. provide for $26,642? Taxpayers deserve to see the contract and deliverables for such a large payment.’
💰 Impact: $26,642 (Unexplained)
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| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
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District Pays Dues to Association That Lobbies Legislature
The July 2026 check register, approved under the consent agenda, includes a $155 payment to TASBO (Texas Association of School Business Officials). This organization engages in legislative advocacy, using taxpayer dollars to lobby against taxpayer interests in Austin.
Response
Email the Denison ISD Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link): ‘Regarding the July check register (Item 11.A.2), why are we paying dues to TASBO, an organization that lobbies the legislature? Please end all payments to associations that lobby against taxpayer interests.’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
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