Highlights from Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees Oct. 18 meeting

ROCKWALL, TX (Oct. 24, 2022) The following is a Rockwall ISD press release summarizing the (10/18/2022) RISD Board of Trustees Meeting. NOTE: Board meeting summaries highlight different agenda items. Board meeting videos are available for viewing within 24-hours of the meeting at www.rockwallisd.com.

Recognitions

The Board of Trustees recognized outstanding individuals for the following accomplishments:

Lean Leadership Certification – Rockwall ISD administrators participated in a Lean Leadership certification program in the spring of 2022. The Lean Leadership Green Belt and Black Belt Programs are designed for those leaders who desire to extend, enrich or establish leadership knowledge, skills and abilities through mastery of Lean tenets, tools and competencies. The participants completed their Lead Leadership learning with an improvement project for the duration of the program. The following leaders earned a Lean Leadership certification:

Alison Belliveau, Green and Black Belt

Dr. Jeff Chandler, Green and Black Belt

Jill Ebeling, Green Belt

Dr. Megan Gist, Green Belt

Karen Hunter, Green Belt

Dr. Mary Johnston, Green Belt

Patrick Just, Green Belt

Kristin Marceau, Green Belt

Dr. Mary Pugh, Green Belt

Dr. Matt Redman, Green Belt

Dane Steinberger, Green Belt

Paige White, Green Belt

Brittney Zabojnick, Green and Black Belt

Shannon Zais, Green and Black Belt

District and Campus Improvement Plans Approved

As required each year, the Board of Trustees approved the District Improvement Plan to guide district and campus staff in improving student performance for all student groups at all schools. The District will post the approved plans on www.rockwallisd.org and campus websites by the end of the week.

Advanced Academics Update

District leadership presented information about Advanced Academic offerings for students through the Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Credit, and University of Texas OnRamps programs. Information presented included student achievement and enrollment for each program.

Annual Comprehensive Financial Audit Approved

The Board of Trustees approved the annual audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. A representative from the auditing firm presented the report. Audit results included an unmodified opinion issued on the financial statements – the highest level of assurance – and no material weaknesses in internal controls.

Schematic Design Review and Presentation for the Middle School #4 Construction Project

District leadership presented the project design planning for the Middle School #4 Construction Project to the Board of Trustees for their review. The schematic design is the first phase of basic services for project design.

Schematic Design Review and Presentation for the Amanda Rochell Elementary School Construction Project

District leadership presented the project design planning for the Amanda Rochell Elementary School Construction Project to the Board of Trustees for their review. The schematic design is the first phase of basic services for project design.

Approval for Aquatics Center Duct Strap Hanger Replacement Project Completion

The Board of Trustees approved the completion of the Aquatics Center duct strap re placement project. The 2015 bond program funded the project.

Approval for Competitive Sealed Proposal for Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School Performing Arts Center(s) Audio, Visual and Lighting Replacement Projects

The Board of Trustees approved a contract award to Infinity Sound of $1,708,237.00 for the Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School Performing Arts Center(s) audio, visual and lighting replacement projects funded by the 2021 bond program.

Approval for the Intermediate Guaranteed Maximum Price (IGMP) for the Linda Lyon Elementary School Classroom Addition Construction Project

The Board of Trustees approved the Intermediate Guaranteed Maximum Price (IGMP) for the Linda Lyon Elementary School classroom project for $396,990.00, funded by the 2015 bond program.

Approval for the Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (FGMP) for the Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School Ninth-Grade Centers

The Board of Trustees approved the Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (FGMP) for the Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School Ninth-Grade Centers in the amount of $183,912,578.00, funded by the 2021 bond program. A 40-year historically high inflation rate added to the amount initially budgeted in November 2021 when the bond passed.

As partners with Rockwall ISD and the Board of Trustees, the Rockwall City Council has worked to provide cost reduction efforts in engineering fees and infrastructure costs, including roadways like the Stable Glen Road extension. District leadership appreciated the Rockwall City Council and their good faith efforts in collaborating for the benefit of students and teachers who need these Ninth-Grade Centers to address student growth. The effort to partner and reach a consensus exemplifies the spirit of the community and the working relationships among elected officials. The reduction of costs provided by the City of Rockwall means taxpayer monies directly go to the much-needed classrooms for schools.

Approval of the 2022 Certified Tax Rolls as Certified by the Rockwall, Kaufman and Collin Central Appraisal Districts

The Board of Trustees approved the 2022 certified tax rolls as certified by the Rockwall, Kaufman and Collin Central Appraisal Districts. District leaders noted that the local taxpayer is now funding approximately 80% of the Rockwall ISD budget while the state of Texas contributes less in the amount of approximately 20%. Ten years ago, the state funded 40% of the District’s general budget.

Submitted press release by Rockwall ISD.