|
Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming DOUGLASS ISD agenda. There are 4 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 9) |
|
Approving Budget and Tax Rate Without Disclosing Numbers
The board is scheduled to approve the 2026-2027 budget and set both the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) and Interest & Sinking (I&S) property tax rates. The agenda fails to state the proposed rates or compare them to the no-new-revenue rate, preventing taxpayers from knowing if this constitutes a tax increase before the vote.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Douglass ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Before voting on Items 17, 18, and 19, please publicly post the proposed budget, the proposed tax rates, and how those rates compare to the no-new-revenue and voter-approval rates. Taxpayers deserve to know the financial impact before you vote.’
💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
|
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
|
Canceling the November Trustee Election
The board is voting to cancel the upcoming November 2026 election for its trustees. While this is legally allowed if all candidates are running unopposed, it prevents voters from participating and can be a sign of an unhealthy civic environment where incumbents are not challenged.
Response
ASK WHY: Contact the Douglass ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Why is the November election being canceled? While legal if candidates are unopposed, we should be encouraging more candidates to run, not celebrating canceled elections.’
💰 Impact: Denies Voter Participation
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
|
Using State Law to Delay Public Information Requests
The board is considering a resolution under HB 3033 to designate certain days as ‘non-business days.’ This is a legal maneuver that allows the district to slow down its response times to Texas Public Information Act requests, making it harder for parents and taxpayers to get timely information.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the Douglass ISD Board (see the Official Agenda link for contact info). ‘Regarding Item 8, please vote NO on designating non-business days under HB 3033. The Public Information Act is a cornerstone of accountability and should not be weakened by creating unnecessary delays.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
|
Vague Title — Manual Review Required
The board is voting to approve a new list of library books for purchase. The specific titles on this list are not disclosed in the agenda, preventing public review of potentially controversial or age-inappropriate materials being purchased with taxpayer funds.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The ‘recommended Library Book Acquisition list’ for Item 12 should be a public document. Contact the District Office and demand a copy of the list be posted online before the board votes to approve it.
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Content
|
|
|
“Freedom, Prosperity &
Opportunity”
TPPF is a conservative think tank whose mission is to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation.
Contribute to the mission
Powered by Sentinel Engine |