Embattled North Forest ISD has taken another hit, according to the Houston Chronicle, losing its bid for a massive tax increase. The measure failed by a 4-1 margin – thanks in large part to ACORN. North Forest ISD has been making headlines in the past year for falsifying attendance records, ignoring state auditors warnings to cut their budget, and having 5 of 11 schools in the unacceptable ranks. During this tax election North Forest ISD taxpayers found a valuable (some conservatives might add “surprising”) ally in the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN. ACORN worked to defeat the proposed 13 cent tax increase. Joe Lewis, chairman of ACORN North Forest, pointed to several factors leading to his objection of the tax increase including a general distrust of the district administration, quality of education concerns and increased tax burden. Mr. Lewis and ACORN of North Forest should be commended for their work against this tax, their call for greater government accountability and lower taxes for North Forest ISD residents .
