Update from Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees Special Session of Monday, July 29

Rockwall, TX (July 30, 2024) – 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.

Discussion of Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE), Tax Rate Implications, and Priorities, Including Providing Competitive Compensation for Teachers and Staff, Staffing for Student Growth, and Funding for State Requirements
At their July 15 monthly meeting, the Board of Trustees discussed a draft of priorities contingent on the successful passage of a potential Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE). The future adoption of priorities underscores the Board’s commitment to allocating potential VATRE funding to key areas. The draft priorities propose directing future VATRE funds to the following budgetary needs:
COMPETITIVE PAY: RETAINING and RECRUITING QUALITY TEACHERS & STAFF
If voters approve the VATRE, Rockwall ISD will increase teacher and staff salaries with competitive compensation. This focus is crucial for retaining and recruiting quality educators and support staff who play a vital role in student education.
COMPETITIVE PAY: STAFFING FOR GROWTH
Rockwall ISD is experiencing rapid growth, with more families and students moving to Rockwall County. If voters approve the VATRE, the district will use the additional funds to hire more staff to meet the increased classroom demand due to student growth. This will allow Rockwall ISD to maintain high educational standards by having adequate teachers and staff for new schools.
UNFUNDED MANDATES: FUNDING FOR STATE REQUIREMENTS
If voters approve the VATRE, Rockwall ISD will fund state requirements, including unfunded state mandates. This commitment supports a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff.

If approved, a VATRE would allow the district to increase its tax rate—currently the lowest among surrounding or peer districts—to access additional local tax dollars and increase state funding. This additional funding would enable the district to meet the needs of its growing population while maintaining the high level of academic and programmatic excellence the community expects.
Although funding has been frozen since 2019, Rockwall ISD remains one of the most financially efficient and academically high-performing school districts in the state. However, without additional funding, the district will struggle to sustain this high level of excellence amid inflationary pressures, a growing student population, and state required mandates.

Discussion of Reducing Bond Proposal for No Tax Rate Increase to Taxpayers
Considering the current economic landscape and the need to be sensitive to taxpayer concerns, especially in light of a potential VATRE election, the Board of Trustees requested district leaders to evaluate bond projects that would serve 21,000 students and remain close to a neutral tax rate.

After a thorough review of the projects, district leadership, at the direction of the Board of Trustees, prioritized a neutral tax rate while still meeting the immediate needs of the growing student population. District leadership recommends deferring Middle School #5 and Elementary School #19 to a future bond proposal. Elementary Schools #17 and #18 will remain in the bond proposal. By deferring Middle School #5 and Elementary School #19, the proposed bond amount is reduced to $847,928,000, requiring no tax rate increase.

At their July 15 monthly meeting, the Board of Trustees discussed the proposed bond projects recommended by the 2024 Facilities Bond Committee. The committee’s proposal aimed to accommodate future growth up to 23,000 students (current enrollment is 19,000) at an estimated cost of $1,065,047,000. This is part of a larger plan to eventually serve a full buildout capacity of 36,000 students, with the district currently at the halfway mark. Board members and the superintendent expressed appreciation for the committee’s diligent work in addressing the facility needs of a rapidly growing district.

Press release submitted by Luci Mouton, Rockwall ISD. Edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News.

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