Belton ISD board approves consent agenda amid public calls for discussion and opposition to proposed library cuts

The Belton ISD Board of Trustees approved the consent agenda at its Jan. 27 meeting after a motion by Miss McDonald that was seconded by Miss Norwood; the presiding officer announced the vote passed "6 to 0" and noted Miss Lee would abstain from part of the agenda.

Earlier in the meeting Janet Brown, a resident of Morgan's Point Resort, urged trustees not to treat the consent agenda as a blanket approval and asked that the board discuss items that affect the budget and property in an open forum. "I would ask for you to not just say... a blanket approval on this consent agenda and that you actually do have some discussion on some of these items," Brown said, citing items that can affect district finances and referencing a matter described in public records as related to 'Miller Heights.'

During non‑agenda public comment Brad Thomas, a Belton resident, spoke specifically against phases 2 and 3 of a reduction plan discussed earlier in a budget workshop, arguing the plan would harm library services. "Libraries and librarians are not luxuries. They're an indispensable part of school systems with a proven impact on learning," Thomas said, urging trustees to reconsider reductions that would affect certified librarians and student support.

The presiding officer reminded the public that under the Texas Open Meetings Act the board may not respond to or discuss items not posted on the meeting agenda during the public comment periods. Trustees did not take additional action in response to the comments during the meeting; no items were pulled from the consent agenda prior to the vote.