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HEB ISD plans 'BudgetWise' website to explain school finances and support voter engagement
Summary
The district previewed a new BudgetWise communications site designed to explain school finance, show tax‑rate history, clarify funding buckets and provide a two‑way communication channel for stakeholders ahead of any potential tax election.
Hurst‑Euless‑Bedford ISD communications staff showed trustees a prototype of a new BudgetWise website intended to present school‑finance information in plain language and support public engagement.
Diane Hollander, identified as the presenter, said the site will break district revenue into four buckets, explain how state formulas affect local revenue and show the impact of tax‑rate decisions. The site will include an FAQ, a tool for teachers and community members to estimate potential impacts, links to voter registration and volunteer signups, and a contact address that will route questions to business operations and public relations staff.
Hollander told the board the website rollout will begin the next day with a social‑media campaign to direct residents to the site. She said the prototype includes a “teeter‑totter” graphic and additional slides the district will use in PTA presentations and community meetings. The site will also clarify the difference between federal funds (tracked separately) and local maintenance and operations funding.
Trustees suggested minor edits to slides and terminology; staff said the district will add an FAQ about federal funds and adjust labels that reference prior House Bill nomenclature. Hollander said the district plans to use the site whether or not the board ultimately calls a voter‑approval tax‑rate election, noting the goal is transparency and stakeholder education.
