|
Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming NORTH EAST ISD agenda. There are 5 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
|
Policy Updates Sourced from Lobbying Group TASB
The district is adopting “Board Policy Update 127,” which was developed and recommended by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). A portion of the district’s payments to TASB funds lobbying efforts in Austin that often oppose taxpayer-friendly reforms like property tax relief and educational freedom.
Response
DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY: Contact the Board (see district website): ‘Regarding Item XII.A.1, how much in taxpayer money does NEISD pay to TASB annually? We should not be funding an organization that lobbies against taxpayer interests.’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
|
Vague Title — Manual Review Required
Item XII.C.2.b on the Consent Agenda seeks approval for all purchases over $100,000 for the year. While the cover sheet is provided, the actual list of vendors and specific purchases is not included in the public agenda packet, preventing taxpayer review before the vote.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file attached in the Official Agenda (linked above) to confirm whether it contains hidden debt or policy changes. If the vendor list is missing, email the Board: ‘Pull Item XII.C.2.b from the Consent Agenda. The public deserves to see the list of vendors for purchases over $100,000 before they are approved.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
|
| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
|
Vague Agenda Item Could Hide Changes to Public Access
Item XI.A, “Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Board Operating Procedures,” has no explanatory documents attached. This vague title could be used to introduce changes that limit public comment time, restrict who can speak, or reduce overall board transparency.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the Board (see district website) before the meeting: ‘What specific changes are being proposed under Item XI.A, Board Operating Procedures? Any changes to public access rules must be published and discussed in the open, not hidden behind a vague title.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
|
|
✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
|
| Major Win (LEVEL 9) |
|
District Proposes Tax Rate Below No-New-Revenue Level
The board will vote on a total tax rate of $0.9754 per $100 valuation under Item XII.B.5. This is significantly below the calculated no-new-revenue rate of $1.027302, meaning the district is proposing an actual reduction in the tax burden on property owners.
How to Secure It
SECURE THE WIN: Show up to the meeting to thank the Board for proposing a tax rate below the no-new-revenue rate. Ask for a recorded vote on Item XII.B.5 to get every trustee on record supporting this tax cut.
✅ Why It Matters: Lower Property Taxes
|
| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
|
District to Pay Down Debt Early, Saving Future Interest
The board is voting to pay down existing bond debt ahead of schedule. By setting the debt service (I&S) tax rate higher than the minimum required, the district can use the extra revenue to retire bonds early, saving taxpayers money on future interest payments.
How to Secure It
AMPLIFY THIS WIN: Contact the Board (see district website) to praise this fiscally responsible action in Items XII.B.1 and XII.B.3. This sets a great example for other districts on how to manage debt and protect the taxpayer.
✅ Why It Matters: Future Interest Savings
|
|
|
“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 |