|
Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming NORTHSIDE ISD agenda and found 4 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 8) |
|
District to Hire Lobby Group for Superintendent Search
Under Item 9.A, the board will vote on a service agreement with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) to conduct its superintendent search. TASB is a taxpayer-funded lobby group that often works against parent and taxpayer interests in Austin. This contract uses local tax dollars to directly fund a political organization’s operations.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Board before Tuesday’s meeting. ‘Regarding Item 9.A, why is the district paying a political lobby group like TASB for this service? I demand this item be subject to a roll-call vote to see which trustees support using our tax dollars to fund TASB.’
💰 Impact: Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
|
| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
|
Major Spending and Policy Hidden in Single Vote
The board has bundled several potentially costly and controversial items into a single ‘Consent Agenda’ vote (Item 7), preventing individual review. These include all purchases over $100,000 (7.C), the new library book list (7.J), and all contract change orders (7.M). This common tactic limits public discussion and scrutiny on items that deserve a separate vote.
Response
DEMAND SEPARATE VOTES: Email the Board. ‘I request that items 7.C, 7.J, and 7.M be pulled from the Consent Agenda for individual discussion and a recorded vote. The public deserves to know the details before they are approved without debate.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Spending & Policy
|
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
|
District to Apply for Undisclosed Federal Grants
Item 8.A announces the district’s intent to apply for unspecified federal grants. These grants often come with ideological strings attached, such as curriculum mandates or data-sharing requirements, creating long-term obligations for local taxpayers after the federal money is gone.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Email the Board regarding Item 8.A. ‘Which specific federal grants is the district applying for, and what are the long-term requirements for curriculum, staffing, and data reporting? Please publish all grant applications for public review before submission.’
💰 Impact: Future Taxpayer Obligations
|
| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
|
Board to Review Public Comment Rules
Under Item 9.B, the Board will review its policy on public participation at meetings. This is often the first step toward reducing public comment time or placing new restrictions on citizens’ ability to hold the board accountable in person.
Response
DEFEND YOUR RIGHT TO SPEAK: Email the Board. ‘Regarding Item 9.B, I urge you to protect and expand, not restrict, the public’s right to participate in board meetings. Please state on the record that you will not support any reduction in public comment time.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
|
|
|
“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 |