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Local woman plans to file grievance over Killeen ISD's $426 million bond

A former Killeen City Council candidate is taking her concerns about the Killeen ISD bond election to the state.

Mellisa Brown, who recently lost her bid for Killeen City Council, has announced she plans to file a grievance with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over voters' passing of Killeen ISD's two-pronged $426 million bond proposal during the May 5 election.

In an email, Brown argued Killeen ISD "willfully misled and manipulated voters." She claimed the district was not forthcoming about its finances and influenced taxpayers through "fear and emotion." She also referenced a concern that was reported by the Killeen Daily Herald, which claimed Killeen ISD school board member Carlyle Walton had, at least previously, been associated with the Killeen Business League, which the newspaper claimed made a $12,500 donation to a pro-bond PAC while Walton was a trustee.

A voicemail message left for Walton was not immediately returned, but Killeen ISD District Spokesperson Terry Abbott said he saw no conflict of interest whatsoever.

"He is an elected representative of the voters of Killeen," Abbott explained in an email. "He is not an employee of the district. Any citizen is free to contribute to causes they support."

Brown, however, said the school bond package should not be approved until the Attorney General's Office could fully investigate the entire election process. She demanded an independent audit of the district's finances and a re-vote following the investigation.

Killeen ISD dismissed Brown's accusations, offering the statement below.

"That is a petition by Melissa Brown, a failed candidate for city council who opposed the bond issue. The voters, by an overwhelming majority in the largest voter turnout in Killeen ISD history, approved the bond program to build new schools, renovate older buildings and provide safety and security improvements for schools. The voters spoke loudly and clearly that they wholeheartedly support the bond program for better schools, and the district is moving quickly to get started with this historic program that will provide our school children wonderful facilities for decades to come."

The Killeen ISD school bond package will build new schools, while improving accessibility and safety.

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