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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming SAN MARCOS CISD agenda. There are 6 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| 🚨 Alert (LEVEL 10) |
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District to Vote on Tax Rate Hike
The board is considering an ordinance (Item VIII.B.1.c) to set the 2026 tax rate at a level that ‘exceeds’ the no-new-revenue rate. This action includes setting the debt service portion higher than the minimum required (Item VIII.B.1.b), guaranteeing higher property tax bills for residents.
Response
PACK THE ROOM: This is the vote to raise your property taxes. Show up to the meeting on September 21st and speak against Items VIII.B.1.b and VIII.B.1.c. Email the board: ‘Vote NO on the proposed 2026 tax rate that exceeds the no-new-revenue rate. Families cannot afford another tax hike.’
💰 Impact: Higher Property Taxes
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| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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District Considers Hiring Taxpayer-Funded Lobby Group
The board is hearing presentations from superintendent search firms, including the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). TASB uses taxpayer money from member districts to lobby the legislature, often for higher taxes and against parental rights and transparency.
Response
Contact the District Office (see the Official Agenda link) and tell the board: ‘Do not hire TASB as the superintendent search firm under Item VI.A.3. TASB lobbies against taxpayer interests. Choose a firm focused on finding the best candidate, not on political influence.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Fees
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Vague ‘Refunding Bonds’ Debt Issuance
The district plans to issue ‘Unlimited Tax Refunding Bonds’ without voter approval. While refunding can save money, it can also be used to push debt further into the future. The total amount and terms of this new debt are not specified in the agenda.
Response
INVESTIGATE: The district has not disclosed the amount or terms of the ‘Refunding Bonds’ in Item VIII.B.1.a. Email the board: ‘Please publish the full details of the Series 2026 refunding bonds before the vote. Taxpayers need to see if this saves money or just kicks the can down the road.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Debt Amount
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Vague ‘Policy Manual Update’ on Consent Agenda
The board is set to approve ‘Localized Policy Manual Update 127’ on the consent agenda without any public description of the changes. These updates can contain significant shifts in policy regarding student discipline, curriculum, or parental rights.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Item VII.C is a policy update with no details. Email the board: ‘Please pull Item VII.C from the consent agenda and explain the changes in Policy Manual Update 127 before any vote is taken.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Policy Changes
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| ALERT (LEVEL 4) |
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New Artificial Intelligence Policy for Students
The district is presenting a new Acceptable Use Policy for Artificial Intelligence. While AI can be a useful tool, these policies must be scrutinized for student data privacy protections and to ensure they do not enable surveillance or data mining without parental consent.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Pay close attention to the AI policy presentation in Item VI.C.1. Email the board: ‘What specific safeguards will be in the AI policy to protect student data and privacy? Parents must have a clear opt-out.’
💰 Impact: Potential Student Data Risk
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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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Opportunity to Adopt No-New-Revenue Tax Rate
The board has an alternative option on the agenda (Item VIII.B.2.b) to adopt a tax rate that does not increase the overall tax levy on existing property. This would be a significant win for taxpayers, providing relief from rising property tax bills.
How to Secure It
SECURE THE WIN: The board is considering two tax rates. Urge them to choose the fiscally responsible one. Email the board: ‘Please vote YES on Item VIII.B.2.b to adopt the no-new-revenue tax rate. Show taxpayers you are committed to fiscal discipline.’
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings
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