ROUND ROCK, Texas – With the slogan "too little for teachers, too much tax," Williamson County Citizens Defending Freedom joins the movement to stop a massive tax hike in the Round Rock Independent School District (ISD).
Proposition A, a VATRE (or voter-approved tax rate election, pronounced “Vader”), is a $19 million tax hike plan that holds teacher pay hostage, offers them very little, and threatens to accelerate declining student enrollment, all while expanding administrative budgets. Much like the famed “Star Wars” villain, this proposal threatens to greatly expand centralized power while putting the burden on the backs of hardworking families and businesses.
Families and businesses are already leaving the district in record numbers. A Gibson Research Group Staffing Evaluation and Analysis study in 2018 described Round Rock ISD as administration-heavy.
“Only the Austin ISD has a more bloated administration than RRISD!” said Marcia Watson, Executive Director of Williamson County Citizens Defending Freedom. “Unfortunately, the Round Rock ISD did nothing to correct this, but doubled-down on the taxpayers. They restricted access to tax rate meetings, arrested parents and taxpayers who wished to attend, and attempted to scuttle sordid accusations against Superintendent Hafdeh Aziez that would instantly disqualify any teacher – making national headlines and embarrassing our district. Fortunately, voters have a chance to correct this dangerous trajectory on the ballot this fall.”
Voters can reject ‘Darth VATRE’ at the ballot box starting Monday, Oct. 23, through Friday, Nov. 3, in early voting. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Learn more at NoVatre.com.
About Citizens Defending Freedom:
Founded in 2021, Citizens Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that strategically operates in counties across America to help citizens defend their faith and freedom, all while fighting for transparency in local government. Currently, Citizens Defending Freedom is established in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, with plans to continue expanding across America. Click here to learn more about Citizens Defending Freedom.