Documents shared by Belton Independent School District (ISD) leadership suggest the district may have tacitly encouraged staff to vote for a ballot bond, potentially violating state law.
In February, the Belton ISD school board unanimously voted to put a pair of bond propositions on the May 7 ballot.
Literature from community meetings, reportedly presented by the deputy superintendent ahead of election day, lists several benefits and no downsides to passing the bonds. It also says the district would route funds away from salaries if the bonds failed.
The first bond, which will fund the construction of two new elementary schools and other building repairs, passed by 41 votes. The second bond, which will fund technology purchases, passed by two votes.
An implied promise of salary hikes if the bond passes — or threat of salary cuts if the bond fails — might count as encouragement to vote for the bond, which could violate the Texas Election Code.
Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the state would investigate another school district, Northside ISD, for similar conduct. However, unlike Belton ISD leaders, a principal at Northside ISD explicitly told staff that they were expected to vote for the bond.
Any communication supporting or opposing a ballot measure counts as political advertising under state law. Public employees are forbidden from spending public money on political advertising.
The district communications were obtained and publicized by Corey DeAngelis, a school...
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