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Heads up, taxpayers and parents: We’ve audited the upcoming SOUTHWEST ISD agenda. There are 6 items targeting parental consent and taxpayer funds that need your immediate attention before the gavel falls.
| ⚠️ Warning (LEVEL 7) |
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District Adopts Policy from Anti-Taxpayer Lobby Group
The district is reviewing policy updates provided by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). Continuing to pay TASB for services uses local tax dollars to fund an organization that actively lobbies in Austin for higher taxes and against parental rights and school choice.
Response
ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS: Sign up for public comment regarding Item VI.J. Ask the board: ‘How much in taxpayer money did we pay TASB last year for dues and services? Why are we funding an organization that lobbies against the interests of our district’s taxpayers?’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Lobbying Fees
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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Vague $142k Budget Amendment on Consent Agenda
The board is set to approve a $142,331 budget amendment hidden on the consent agenda for unspecified ‘Rollover items’. The key document detailing the spending, ‘BA #1 9.15.26’, is referenced but its text was not provided, preventing public scrutiny before the vote.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Contact the Board (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘I demand Consent Item V.C be pulled for separate discussion and a roll-call vote. The public deserves to see the details of this $142,331 amendment before it is approved.’
💰 Impact: $142,331
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 6) |
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District Plan May Weaken Grievance Process
As part of its ‘District of Innovation’ plan, the administration is proposing changes to the grievance process for parents, students, and employees. These amendments alter timelines and reduce the number of appeal levels, which could make it harder for families and staff to hold the district accountable.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Contact the Board (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Regarding Item VII.B, please explain how reducing appeal levels and changing timelines in the grievance process benefits parents and taxpayers. We need more accountability, not less.’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Access
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| 🚩Watchlist (LEVEL 5) |
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Consultant Takes Percentage of District Funds
The district is approving a contract with ‘Onward Learning,’ a consultant for Medicaid billing, on the consent agenda. Instead of a flat fee, the consultant will be paid 5% of all Medicaid funds the district receives, creating an open-ended financial commitment with no clear cap on taxpayer cost.
Response
DEMAND THE DETAILS: Contact the Board (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Pull Consent Item V.D. What was the total cost of the Onward Learning contract last year, and what is the projected cost for this year? Taxpayers deserve a fixed-fee contract, not a percentage-based payout.’
💰 Impact: Undisclosed Percentage-Based Fee
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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 to Certify Compliance with State DEI Ban
The Board will vote to formally certify that Southwest ISD is in compliance with state law prohibiting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities and duties. This is a positive step to ensure the district remains focused on academics and merit, not political agendas.
How to Secure It
SECURE THE WIN: Show up to thank the Board for taking this proactive step. Contact the Board (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Thank you for approving Item VII.A and certifying the district’s compliance with the state’s DEI ban. This protects our schools’ focus on academic excellence.’
✅ Why It Matters: Protecting Academic Focus
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| Major Win (LEVEL 7) |
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District Restores Annual Teacher Appraisals
The Board is amending its ‘District of Innovation’ plan to eliminate a provision that allowed for less-than-annual appraisals of some teachers. By requiring annual appraisals for all professional employees, the district is increasing accountability and ensuring performance is consistently monitored.
How to Secure It
AMPLIFY THE WIN: Contact the Board (see the Official Agenda link for details): ‘Thank you for amending the DOI plan under Item VII.B to restore annual teacher appraisals. This is a crucial step for accountability and academic excellence.’
✅ Why It Matters: Increased Accountability
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