Highlights from Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees Meeting October 16, 2023

Rockwall, TX (October 17, 2023) – 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 Dyslexia Awareness Month and the Dyslexia Teacher Training Center:
o October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and a time to recognize the unique gifts and talents of all Rockwall ISD students with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a neurological condition that impacts the ability to read and spell. Because dyslexia is the most common learning disability, it is important to recognize the signs early in order to provide the necessary support and encourage each child’s
individual strengths.
o New Rockwall ISD Dyslexia Teacher Training Center: The Special Programs Team has developed a Dyslexia Training Center for teachers aspiring to become Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT). Rockwall ISD is one of a few districts in the North Texas area that provides a “grow your own’’ program. The Rockwall ISD Dyslexia Training Center is led by the lead dyslexia therapist, Susan Jett. Ms. Jett is a 25-year educator and has been a dyslexia therapist in Rockwall ISD for the past 15 years. Ms. Jett trained over the course of two summers at Scottish Rite to become a Qualified Instructor of Dyslexia Therapy through ALTA (Academic Learning Therapist Association). Rockwall ISD is proud to recognize Lead Dyslexia Therapist Ms. Susan Jett and our teachers who participated in Rockwall ISD’s Dyslexia Teacher Training Center Program.

Bilingual/English as a Second Language Program Evaluation
District leadership provided an update on Rockwall ISD’s Bilingual/English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Information included the extent to which students are becoming proficient in English, state assessment data, reclassification history of the students, teacher professional learning, and a description of parental involvement activities. Emergent Bilingual students speak 58 different languages.

Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School Ninth Grade Campus Update
Principals Shanon Zais and Dr. Jeff Chandler presented an update of the Ninth Grade Campuses for Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School. They reviewed progress in construction, modifying the Academic Planning Guide, defining 9th grade courses and electives, developing and refining talent and working with the PTA and PTO of both schools. Both principals also reported their outreach to current 8th graders. View all 2021 Bond Project updates here.

Approval of District and Campus Improvement Plans
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.

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.

2023 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) Report and
In compliance with the applicable Board policies and Administrative Code, District leaders presented the 2023 FIRST report in a public hearing to the Board of Trustees. A digital copy of the FIRST report can be found on the Rockwall ISD Business and Finance department webpage.

The following is a summary of the 2023 FIRST report:
· Rockwall ISD received a “Superior” rating – the highest rating available,
· Rockwall ISD’s “District score” equaled 98 – 2 points shy of the highest possible score, and
· The data that the 2023 FIRST report is based upon data from the 2021-2022 school year.

A digital copy of the FIRST report will be posted this week on the Rockwall ISD Business and Finance department webpage at the following link: https://www.rockwallisd.com/Page/375

Facilities Bond Planning
The Board of Trustees discussed developing a charge for the 2024 Facilities Bond Committee. At the September 18th meeting, the Board directed Administration to form a 2024 Facilities Bond Committee comprised of parents, staff, local governments, and community members for the collaborative development of recommendations to meet the demands of continued student enrollment growth and capital improvement needs of the District. The ultimate goal is to develop solutions to be presented to the Board of Trustees at a later date for possible consideration.

Approval of a Resolution for Procedures for Armed Security Officers as a School District Employee
The Board of Trustees approved the Resolution for Procedures for Armed Security Officers as a School District Employee. House Bill 3, passed during the 88th Legislature, requires the Board of Trustees to ensure that at least one armed security officer is present during regular school hours at each campus.

Submitted press release

  board of trustees meeting, feature, Rockwall