Deer Park Independent School District, one of two school districts which told state leaders they did not hire lobbyists, is pushing back against allegations that they did not provide full information to a request about lobbying activities on behalf of the school. 

Deer Park ISD's claim that they do not contract with lobbyists prompted a challenge from state Rep. Mayes Middleton (R-Wallisville) who in February told Texas Business Coalition that the district was not being truthful. In that piece Middleton said he had information that Deer Park ISD had contracts with lobbyists. 

“This is just a basic taxpayer rights thing,” Middleton said. “It’s their money. Unfortunately, we see governments hiring lobbyists to fight against taxpayers.”

A section of Senate Bill 65, enacted in 2019, requires government entities, including school districts, to disclose their lobbying activity.

In response to Middleton's allegations Matt Lucas, Deer Park ISD Director of Communications, told Texas Business Coalition that Middleton is mistaken.

“The district does not have any contracts with lobbyists," Lucas said. "However, we support the rights of school districts and local governments to represent the needs of their communities."

Deer Park ISD has partnerships with other governmental organizations, such as the Texas Association of School Boards that may or may not have agreements with lobbyists, said Lucas. 

"But, such agreements, if they exist, are between the lobbyists and those organizations, not Deer Park ISD,” Lucas said.

Middleton sent thousands of letters to counties, cities, and school districts to identify how much they spend in contracts with lobbyists, what lobbying firms they work with, and what legislation they support or oppose. Middleton said that although Deer Park ISD said they had no contact with lobbyists, he had received other information that indicated they had indeed worked with a lobbyist.

“It is important to note that, at that time (Feb. 3), Deer Park ISD had not responded to Rep. Middleton’s request," Lucas said. "Thus, I think the initial story was confusing. How could he comment on our response when, at the time, we had not provided it?"

Middleton may have been referring to the City of Deer Park instead of the school district, Lucas said.

"I assume the city was also among the entities that received his letter,” Lucas said.