PAC forms to promote passage of Rockwall ISD bond program

Rockwall County leaders rally around RISD students and teachers

(ROCKWALL, TX – August 18, 2015) Today, the formation of Better Schools Brighter Future was announced to serve as the political action committee (PAC) to promote passage of the November 3 Rockwall ISD bond referendum.

Better Schools Brighter Future is a diverse coalition of business leaders, parents, educators, elected officials, community activists and many others who have come together in support of the Rockwall ISD $256,820,000 bond program. Lesli Johnson and Travis King will lead the PAC as Co-Chairs.

“The most important thing we can do for our community is maintain our schools of excellence,” said Lesli Johnson, PAC Co-Chair. “By providing our teachers, students and parents with the tools they need to succeed today, we are giving our next generation a better chance to solve the problems of tomorrow. Simply put, better schools provide for a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”

The bond program was developed by a volunteer citizens committee of Rockwall ISD citizens, parents, grandparents, teachers and business owners who met for five months to develop the priority needs of the district. As part of their due diligence, the 60 members of the committee analyzed the district’s financial data, reviewed trends in student population growth, and studied modern academic trends including technology, and the need for security upgrades.
“We have one of the fastest growing school districts in North Texas,” said Travis King, PAC Co-Chair. “By voting yes on November 3, we can better manage our growth while also benefitting the quality of education for every student in every school in Rockwall ISD.”

Highlights of the $256,820,000 bond package developed by the citizens committee and unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees include:

• Construction of new schools and renovations to existing schools to assist with our growth.
• Maintenance and improvements across the entire district including electrical systems, flooring, kitchen equipment and roofing.
• Technology upgrades including new computers for teachers and students.
• Safety and security improvements.
• New or improved sports fields and field turf for middle school and high schools.
• A paved practice lot for the Rockwall High School marching band.
• Safer and more modern buses.
(Partial listing of bond package projects)

The bond package will also fund the construction of the College & Career Academy, which will be a part of the STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The Academy will provide students with career options and certifications with studies in a wide range of professions including culinary arts, computer maintenance and repair, criminal justice, graphic design, robotics, audio/video production, graphic design, architecture and engineering, medical and nursing, biotechnology, and video game design (partial listing). The Academy will also be utilized by Collin College and Texas A&M Commerce for college course work.

With Rockwall ISD’s current tax rate at the lowest it’s been in two decades, the Board of Trustees and Administration have been responsible stewards of our tax dollars. They are continuing with their tradition of fiscal responsibility by using existing district funds to pay for technology initiatives requested by the citizens committee.

With voters most likely approving the November constitutional amendment providing for a larger homestead exemption, the Board’s smart planning means the tax impact of the bond package will be less than $10 per month on a $250,000 home. This increase that will be gradually phased in over a 4-year period and homeowners 65 years of age and over will see no increase in their property taxes because of the existing senior citizen homestead exemption.
“This wise and affordable investment in our schools will help provide the educated workforce our community needs, leading to higher salaries for local families and new business and jobs coming to our community Rockwall County,” said King.

Early voting for the Rockwall ISD bond referendum begins Monday, October 19th and continues through Friday, October 30th. Election day is November 3rd. For more information, contact Andrea Coker at 214-997-3738.

Submitted by Andrea Coker.