Texas Public Policy Foundation

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📍 Drive to GREGORY-PORTLAND ISD Office   📅 Monday, August 31, 2026 to Calendar
📄 View Official Agenda
Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming GREGORY-PORTLAND ISD agenda. There are 5 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
🚨 Alert (LEVEL 10)
District Proposes Tax Rate 76% Above No-New-Revenue Level
📅 August 31, 2026
The board will vote on a total tax rate of $1.1037. While this is a fraction of a penny lower than last year’s rate, it is 76% higher than the “no-new-revenue” rate, meaning the district will collect significantly more property tax revenue due to rising appraisals. The legally required notice confirms this will “raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate.”
Response

PACK THE ROOM: Show up Monday and sign up to speak on Item X.C. Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Adopting a tax rate 76% above the no-new-revenue rate is a massive tax increase, no matter how it’s framed. Adopt the no-new-revenue rate and respect the taxpayers.’

💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8)
District Pays $225K to Lobbying Group TASB for Workers’ Comp
📅 August 31, 2026
The board is set to approve a $225,247 contract renewal with the TASB Risk Management Fund for workers’ compensation insurance. This funnels more taxpayer money to TASB, an organization that actively lobbies the Texas Legislature against reforms that would benefit taxpayers and parents.
Response

DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Item IX.E sends over $225,000 to the political lobbyists at TASB. Please pull this from the Consent Agenda and explain why the district can’t find an insurance provider that doesn’t work against taxpayers in Austin.’

💰 Impact: $225,247 to Lobbying Group
⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7)
District Renews Insurance Contract with Lobbying Group TASB
📅 August 31, 2026
The board will consider renewing its liability and auto insurance with the TASB Risk Management Fund for $91,525. TASB is one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in Austin, often working against taxpayer interests like property tax relief and parental rights.
Response

DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘I demand Item IX.F be pulled from the Consent Agenda for a separate discussion and roll-call vote. Why is the district sending taxpayer money to a political lobbying group like TASB?’

💰 Impact: $91,525 to Lobbying Group
ALERT (LEVEL 2)
District Belief Statements Include ‘Embrace Diversity’ Language
📅 August 31, 2026
The district’s official belief statements, which are read at meetings, include the phrase “embrace diversity.” While not a policy, this language is often associated with DEI initiatives that can lead to divisive, politically-charged curricula.
Response

MONITOR: This is currently just language in a mission statement. Taxpayers should monitor how this ‘belief’ is translated into future curriculum, hiring, and spending decisions.

💰 Impact: Mission Creep
✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
Major Win (LEVEL 9)
District to Prepay $15.4M in Debt, Saving Taxpayers $5.3M
📅 August 31, 2026
The board is set to approve a resolution to prepay $15.4 million in existing bonds. This fiscally responsible move is projected to save taxpayers an estimated $5.33 million in future interest costs.
How to Secure It

SECURE THE WIN: Show up to thank the Board for Item X.D. Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Thank you for your fiscal leadership in prepaying district debt. Saving taxpayers over $5 million in interest is exactly the kind of stewardship we need.’

✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings: $5.3M
District Info
Address 1200 BROADWAY BLVD, PORTLAND, TX 78374
“Freedom, Prosperity &
Opportunity”
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