|
Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming WACO ISD agenda and found 5 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| WARNING (LEVEL 7) |
|
District Considers Approving Taxpayer-Funded Lobby Group for Training
Consent Agenda Item 8.I asks the board to approve a list of training providers for its investment officers, which includes the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). TASB is a taxpayer-funded lobbying organization that frequently works against the interests of parents and taxpayers in the Texas Legislature. Approving them as a vendor legitimizes their organization and opens the door to sending taxpayer dollars to a political lobby.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Please pull Consent Item 8.I for a separate vote. I ask you to amend the list to remove the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), a group that lobbies against taxpayer interests, before approving the remaining training sources.’
💰 Impact: Supports Anti-Taxpayer Lobbying
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
|
Board Proposes Ceding Fee-Setting Power to Superintendent
A proposed change to policy GKD (LOCAL) under Item 8.L would transfer the authority to set fees for the use of district facilities from the elected Board of Trustees to the unelected Superintendent. This reduces public oversight and accountability for how much community groups are charged to use public buildings. The change also eliminates a fee waiver for local nonprofit organizations, potentially increasing costs for community partners.
Response
KEEP OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE: Email the Board (contact info on district website) before the vote on Item 8.L: ‘The authority to set fees for public facilities should remain with the elected Board, not be delegated to staff. Please vote NO on the proposed changes to policy GKD (LOCAL).’
💰 Impact: Reduced Public Accountability
|
|
✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
|
| Major Win (LEVEL 9) |
|
Waco ISD Earns State’s Highest Financial Rating
Waco ISD has received an ‘A – Superior Achievement’ rating, the highest possible, from the Texas Education Agency’s School FIRST financial accountability system. The district scored 94 out of a possible 100 points, demonstrating strong fiscal management and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
How to Lock It In
AMPLIFY THIS WIN: Attend the public hearing on Item 7 to thank the Board and administration for their excellent financial stewardship. Email the Board (contact info on district website): ‘Thank you for earning a Superior rating on the School FIRST report. This is the kind of fiscal responsibility taxpayers expect and appreciate.’
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings
|
| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
|
District Partners with Crime Stoppers to Enhance School Safety
The board will approve a partnership with Waco Crime Stoppers to implement an anonymous tip program for students. This initiative, under Item 8.M, provides a platform for reporting safety concerns like bullying, drugs, or threats at no cost to the district for reward payouts. This is a proactive step to improve campus safety using community resources.
How to Lock It In
SUPPORT SCHOOL SAFETY: Email the Board (contact info on district website) to express support for Item 8.M: ‘Thank you for partnering with Waco Crime Stoppers. This is a smart, no-cost way to empower students to keep their schools safe.’
✅ Why It Matters: Improved Safety at No Cost
|
| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
|
Private Developer to Fund District’s Fuel Tank Upgrades
Under Item 12, a private developer will pay for the complete design and construction of required safety upgrades to the district’s fuel storage tanks. This saves Waco ISD taxpayers the full cost of a necessary capital improvement project. This is a clear financial win for the district.
How to Lock It In
SECURE THE WIN: Email the Board (contact info on district website) to support Item 12: ‘I support the agreement that has a private developer fund the district’s fuel tank upgrades. This is a great example of protecting taxpayers while meeting district needs.’
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Savings on Capital Project
|
|
|
“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 |