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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming FORT BEND ISD agenda and found 5 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
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15 Failing Schools Bundled on Consent Agenda
The board is set to approve state-mandated improvement plans for 15 different schools that are underperforming. Bundling this massive academic crisis into a single ‘consent agenda’ item prevents public discussion and scrutiny of why so many schools are failing.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for contact details): ‘Pull the ‘Targeted and Local Improvement Plans’ item from the Consent Agenda. Approving plans for 15 struggling schools in one vote without discussion is an abdication of oversight. Each school’s plan deserves a separate discussion and vote.’
💰 Impact: Systemic Academic Failure
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| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
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Waivers Sought for Overcrowded K-4 Classrooms
The district is asking for state waivers to exceed the legal 22-to-1 student-teacher ratio in PreK-4 classrooms. The administration admits the final data on which schools will be impacted will not be provided to the public until the day of the vote, preventing meaningful parent feedback.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for contact details): ‘Pull the ‘Maximum Class Size Exceptions’ item from the Consent Agenda. Parents deserve to know which schools will have overcrowded classrooms, and you must not vote on a plan when the final data is withheld until the meeting itself.’
💰 Impact: Overcrowded Classrooms
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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Committee Appointed to Plan Next Major Bond
The board is appointing members to the Bond Advisory Committee, the group that will shape the next major bond proposal and its cost to taxpayers. The composition of this committee is critical to determining whether it serves as a true citizen oversight body or a rubber stamp for the district’s spending wish list.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Review the list of appointees in the agenda packet. Email the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for contact details): ‘The Bond Advisory Committee must represent taxpayers, not just serve as a rubber stamp for future debt. What steps were taken to ensure this committee includes fiscal conservatives skeptical of more spending?’
💰 Impact: Future Bond Debt
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Consultant Hired for Failing School ‘Turnaround’
As part of a state-mandated ‘Turnaround Plan’ for chronically underperforming Hightower High School, the district is partnering with ‘Education Elements’ to create a new K-12 Literacy Framework. This vendor should be vetted to ensure its focus is on academic fundamentals, not ideological content.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for contact details): ‘Regarding the Turnaround Plan, what is the cost and scope of the contract with Education Elements? Please publish the contract and ensure this new Literacy Framework focuses on core academics, not ideological agendas.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Consultant Fees
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✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Win (LEVEL 6) |
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District Moves to Reduce Student Screen Time
The administration is presenting a review of technology use with a stated goal of ‘reducing unnecessary student screen time.’ This plan acknowledges the need to balance digital tools with hands-on activities and other non-digital learning, a direct response to a major concern for parents.
How to Lock It In
Show up to thank the Board for addressing excessive screen time. Email the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees (see the Official Agenda link for contact details): ‘Thank you for reviewing technology usage. Please commit to a clear policy with measurable goals for reducing non-instructional screen time and re-investing in hands-on learning.’
✅ Why It Matters: Improved Learning Environment
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