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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming SAN BENITO CISD agenda. There are 5 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 8) |
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District to Pay $91,713 to Anti-Taxpayer Lobby Group
The district plans to renew its Unemployment Compensation service with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) for $91,713. TASB is a taxpayer-funded lobby group that actively works in Austin to oppose property tax relief, parental rights, and educational freedom.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Board (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Please pull Consent Item 7.8 for a separate discussion and a recorded vote. Why are we sending $91,713 to TASB, a group that lobbies against the interests of San Benito taxpayers?’
💰 Impact: $91,713 in Lobbying Dues
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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Board to Rubber-Stamp TASB Policy Manual Update
The board is scheduled to approve ‘Localized Policy Manual Update 127’ provided by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). This allows an outside lobby group to write local district policy on critical issues like employee conduct, financial ethics, and the superintendent’s contract, often without public review of the specific changes.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the Board (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Regarding Item 8.2, please postpone the vote on TASB Policy Update 127 until the board presents a redline version of all changes to the public. The community deserves to know how this outside group is changing our local policies before you vote.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Local Control
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Blank Check for New Scoreboard with Undisclosed Financing
The board is being asked to authorize the administration to award a contract for a new high school gym scoreboard ‘subject to satisfactory financing terms and conditions.’ No contract or financing details are attached, opening the door to lease-purchase schemes or other forms of debt that bypass voter approval.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Board (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Before voting on Item 8.4, please disclose the proposed financing terms for the new scoreboard. Taxpayers deserve to know the full cost and how it will be paid for before the district incurs new debt.’
💰 Impact: Potential Non-Voter-Approved Debt
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| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
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Vague ‘College Advising’ Program on Consent Agenda
The board is set to approve a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with UTRGV for a ‘TX Hybrid College Advising Corps Program’ without any attached documents explaining the program’s cost, purpose, or obligations. This item is on the consent agenda, meaning it could pass without discussion.
Response
INVESTIGATE: Open the file attached in the Official Agenda (linked above) for Item 6.6 to confirm whether it contains hidden costs or policy changes. Email the Board: ‘Please pull Item 6.6 from the consent agenda and publish the full agreement. What are the costs and long-term obligations of the UTRGV Hybrid College Advising Corps Program?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed
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✅ Wins to Defend
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
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District Partners with UTRGV to Offer Free Dual Credit Courses
The district is approving an agreement with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to offer dual credit courses to high school students. According to the agreement, all tuition and fees will be waived for participating students, saving San Benito families thousands in college costs.
How to Secure It
SECURE THE WIN: Contact the Board (see the Official Agenda link for details) to thank them for approving Item 6.5. ‘Thank you for partnering with UTRGV to provide free dual credit courses. This program saves families money and gives our students a head start on their future.’
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings
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