Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees summary from special session and board meeting of April 14

Rockwall, TX (April 15, 2025) –

Special Session Meeting
The Board of Trustees toured Ursula Rakow Middle School. The 2021 bond funds paid for the construction of the new school located in Fate, Texas.

Monthly Meeting Board of Trustees Recognitions
The Board of Trustees recognized and congratulated the following students and staff for their accomplishments:
Elementary University Interscholastic League (UIL) Academic Competition Winners – In the spring of 2025, students at each of our sixteen elementary campuses participated in the following University Interscholastic League A+ Academic events: Chess, Ready Writing, Music Memory and Number Sense. Ribbons were awarded to campus winners and the top scores were sent to the District-level competition. In each category, District winners were named in the top six places. Congratulations to the following first through sixth place winners from across the District in our Rockwall ISD UIL competition:

A+ Ready Writing

3rd/4th Grade – Jaselle H. 1st, Favour O. 1st, William B. 2nd, Parker M. 2nd, Vivienne K. 3rd, Lillian L. 3rd, Aurora G. 4th, Nathan O. 5th, Jaci S. 6th, Emily J. 6th, Randi B. 6th, Saniyah G. 6th

5th/6th Grade – Nicole P. 1st, Leah C. 1st,  Aria L. 2nd, Ava N. 3rd, Logan L. 4th, Temi O. 5th, Javelin T. 6th,  Bella T. 6th

A+ Music Memory

3rd/4th Grade – Jaianh K. 1st, Vivienne L.2nd, Jonah B. 2nd, Alivia L. 3rd, Ellis W. 3rd, Taylor L. 4th, Joshua B. 5th, James S. 5th, Rylee R. 6th

5th/6th Grade – Brye T. 1st, Neilesh M. 1st,  Lillian J. 2nd, Mara K. 2nd, Claire W. 3rd, Daniel L. 4th, Olivia F. 5th, Seth C. 6th

A+ Numbers Sense

4th Grade – James B. 1st, Ethan C 2nd, Scott W. 3rd, Carter L 4th, Maggie E 5th, Leonardo F. 6th

5th Grade – Max L. 1st, Michael L. 2nd, Cortana S. 3rd, Ebunoluwa F. 4th, Scotty S. 5th, Phoebie H. 6th

6th Grade – David A. 1st, Embry H. 2nd, Hailey T. 3rd, Ivy H. 4th, Jake H. 5th, Abraham D. 6th

A+ Chess Puzzle

3rd Grade – Carlos M. 1st, Kamran P. 2nd, Ishan D. 2nd, Benjamin H. 2nd, Todd H. 3rd, Soren B. 4th, Ayden C. 5th, Ewan P. 6th

4th Grade – Declan K. 1st, Andres Q. 2nd, Emily S. 3rd, Siddharth M. 4th, Jude A. 5th, David B. 6th

5th Grade – Krish D. 1st, Kason M. 2nd, Jace S. 3rd, Charles C. 4th, Dhanvin B. 5th, Ethan D. 6th

6th Grade – Levi M. 1st, David I. 2nd, Mason B. 3rd, AJ L. 4th, Aiden G. 5th, Elliot W. 6th

Board of Trustees Report Continuing Education Hours
Board members have met and or plan to meet all continuing education requirements. Pending the completion of the 89th Texas Legislative Session, each board member will also participate in updated and required continuing education related to school governance.

Approval of the Board of Trustee Monthly Meetings and Special/Work Session Dates for 2025-2026
The Board approved the Monthly Meetings and Special/Work Session dates for the 2025-2026 school year.

Linda Lyon Elementary School Principal Named for 2025-2026

Bronwyn Vaughan has served students and staff in public education for 26 years. Most recently, Mrs. Vaughan has provided leadership at Linda Lyon Elementary School as an assistant principal. She also served as an assistant principal in Forney ISD. In addition to her campus leadership experience, Mrs. Vaughan provided instructional leadership as a K-12 Advanced Academics and Gifted and Talented Program Coordinator in Forney ISD, as well as served as a Gifted and Talented Director in Terrell ISD. She earned a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin University and a Master of Science and Principal Certification from East Texas A&M University.

Mrs. Vaughan’s professional experiences include:

• Elementary and Secondary Instructional Leadership in Gifted and Talented;
• Extensive experience in curriculum development and implementation for instructional excellence;
• Extensive experience leading campuses in a variety of special programs;
• 19 years in campus and district administration; and a
• Rockwall ISD Aspiring Principal Academy Participant.

She assumes this role following Principal Lori Bailey’s appointment as the new principal of Dorris Jones Elementary School, a transition made as a result of Principal Teresa Twedell’s retirement.

Dorothy Smith Pullen Elementary School Principal Named for 2025-2026
Kristie Hudspeth has served students and staff in public education for thirteen years. Most recently, Mrs. Hudspeth has provided leadership at Dorothy Smith Pullen Elementary as an assistant principal. She also served as an assistant principal in Bastrop ISD. In addition to her campus leadership experience, Ms. Hudspeth has served as a campus English as a Second Language coordinator and an elementary teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science in English from Texas A&M University – Texarkana and a Master’s of Educational Leadership from The University of Texas.

Mrs. Hudspeth’s professional experiences include:

• Five years as an elementary campus assistant principal;
• Extensive experience leading the PLC process, building strong teams, and leading campuses in academic excellence;
• Extensive experience leading campuses with a variety of special programs;
• Rockwall ISD Aspiring Principal Academy Participant; and
• Region 10 Assistant Principal of the Year award recipient by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association.

She steps into this role following Principal Michael Stuart’s appointment as the new principal of Virginia Reinhardt Elementary School, a transition prompted by Principal Amanda Payne’s resignation to accept to a central office leadership position in another school district.

Director of Special Education Named for 2025-2026
Amy Sparks has served students, families, and staff in public education and child development for over two decades. Most recently, Mrs. Sparks has provided leadership in Rockwall ISD as the principal of Amy Parks-Heath Elementary. She previously served as the assistant principal of Dorris Jones Elementary and as an instructional coach and 5th-grade math teacher in both McKinney ISD and Rockwall ISD. She fills a vacant Special Education Program position.

Her career began as a Child Life Specialist at Scottish Rite Hospital, followed by service with Early Childhood Intervention Services for the State of Texas. Her passion for working with students with disabilities led her to the classroom as a Special Education Teacher in McKinney ISD, where she also served as the Special Education Team Leader. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and holds a Master’s in Educational Administration from Lamar University.

Mrs. Sparks’ professional experiences include:

• Over 20 years of experience serving children, families, and educators;
• Service as a Special Education Teacher and Special Education Team Leader;
• Leadership as an instructional coach and campus administrator;
• Experience as Principal of Amy Parks-Heath Elementary and Assistant Principal of Dorris Jones Elementary; and a
• Strong background in inclusive practices and individualized student support.

Appointment of Board of Trustee Representatives for the Facilities Naming Committee for Marine Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Facility at the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy
The Board of Trustees approved Trustee Stan Britton and Trustee Dr. Bart Miller to serve as Board Representatives on the Facilities Naming Committee for the Marine Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Facility at the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy.

2025-2026 Budget Update
District leaders shared an update on the development of the 2025–2026 budget, highlighting several key factors contributing to a projected $10.5 million shortfall. These include staffing needs for the new middle school and rising operational costs due to inflation—particularly higher insurance premiums and energy expenses.

Through a series of planned reductions for 2025–2026, the District will lower the projected deficit from $10.5 million to $6.5 million. These revenue enhancements and cost-saving measures include:

• Increasing student meal prices,
• Raising ROCK after-school program fees,
• Delaying facilities capital projects,
• Improving efficiency of bus transportation routes,
• Implementing a hiring freeze for teachers and staff, and
• Raising facility rental fees.

The remaining $6.5 million deficit includes a 3% pay raise for teachers and staff, staffing for the new middle school, increased operational costs driven by inflation—such as electricity and facility insurance—and underfunded state-mandated safety and security requirements.

Superintendent Dr. John Villarreal emphasized the importance of including a salary increase in the budget, stating, “Recruiting and retaining exceptional teachers and staff is a top priority for Rockwall ISD. While we are careful about using our fund balance to cover the deficit, we find it necessary to do so in order to continue attracting and retaining high-quality educators. Even with a 3% salary increase, we remain behind many surrounding districts that benefit from additional local funding and are able to stay at the top of the salary scales. The presence of outstanding educators is crucial for the excellence of our classrooms and programs—and most importantly, for the students and families who choose Rockwall ISD for an exceptional educational experience.”

Approval of Change Order to Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Related to JW Williams and Maurine Cain Middle School Renovation Construction Projects
The Board of Trustees approved a change order and adjusted the original contract award to Joeris Construction in the amount of
$1,835,000.00 for the JW Williams and Maurine Cain Middle School Renovation and Construction Projects. This change order will allow for the Cain & JW Williams MS construction to proceed and be completed as originally planned and scheduled for the start of the 2025-26 school year. Construction costs are funded by the Rockwall ISD 2021 Bond Authorization.

During the course of the construction phase of the projects, there have been unforeseen issues that depleted the project contingency funds approved within the original GMP. Significant Unforeseen Issues:
JW Williams:
• Requirement by the governing municipality to add a Fire Wall to the existing portion of JW Williams during the permitting process, but after GMP approval.
• Add an additional drive lane at parent loop entry to reduce traffic backup on FM 552. This would maximize the onsite car stacking length.
Cain MS:
• Repairs to the pathway and re-pulling electrical secondary service due to unknown location of underground wiring during pier drilling. The existing service was not located per as-built plans and was not identified on line locate survey due to the depth of the line.
• Required repairs to the original cast iron domestic water piping in the service area that had corroded and failed in service yard area under the concrete. This requires removal of concrete paving, excavation, pipe replacement, and reconstruction of the paved area.
JW Williams & Cain:
• Overtime costs for the steel erector, roofer, and framer due to permit delays, weather, and work around school days due to concerns from staff and parents regarding the roof kettle smell.
• Revisions to courtyard drainage at both campuses due to underground piping routed differently than as-built drawings and conflicting with planned courtyard elements. (Mitigation per Architect Fee)
• Revisions to roofing work and roof details due to existing condition identified once wall were opened up. (Mitigation per Architect Fee)

Approval of Purchase for Procurement Method for Network Equipment for Cain Middle School and Williams Middle School
The Board of Trustees approved a contract award to PivIT Global, Inc. for $116,855.00 for the Network Equipment for Cain Middle School and Williams Middle School Project. Project costs are funded by the Rockwall ISD 2021 Bond Authorization.

Approval of Purchase Pursuant to Approved Procurement Method for Chromebooks and Carts
The Board of Trustees approved a contract award to Global Asset in the amount of $2,745,844.90 for Computers and Chromebooks for Cain Middle School, Gene Burton College and Career Academy, Rakow Middle School, Utley Middle School, and Williams Middle School. Project costs are funded by the Rockwall ISD 2021 Bond Authorization.

Approval of Renewal of Employment Contracts for Non-Chapter 21 Personnel
The Board of Trustees approved renewing Non-Certified Employment Contracts for those individuals recommended by the Human Resources Department for the 2025-2026 school year.

Approval of Renewal and Extension of Employment Contracts under Chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code for Administrators, Teachers, Counselors, Library Media Specialists and Nurses
The Board of Trustees approved renewing and extending contracts under Chapter 21 of the Texas Education Code for Administrators, Teachers, Counselors, Library Media Specialists and Nurses for the 2025-2026 school year as recommended by the Human Resources Department.

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

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