Update from Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees special session Monday, May 5

Rockwall, TX (May 6, 2025) –

Amy Parks-Heath Elementary School Principal Named for 2025-2026

Jana Cerra has served students and staff in public education for nineteen years. Most recently, Mrs. Cerra has provided leadership at Amy Parks – Heath Elementary as an assistant principal. In addition to her campus leadership experience, Mrs. Cerra has served as an elementary teacher, teaching Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grades. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s of Educational Administration from East Texas State University.

Mrs. Cerra’s professional experiences include:

• Four years as an elementary campus assistant principal;
• Nine years of experience serving high performing campuses in Rockwall ISD;
• Extensive experience leading the Professional Learning Community process, building strong teams, and leading campuses in academic excellence;
• Extensive experience leading campuses in a variety of special programs; and
• Rockwall ISD New Assistant Principal Mentor.

2025-2026 Budget Update
District administrators presented a budget update. The Board did not take action on the budget.

Highlights include:

• Added positions for new Ursula Rakow Middle School $2,299,370;
• Special Education costs for staffing, staff stipends, recruitment of staff $1,942,000; and
• Compensation Plan of 3% across the board for all teachers and staff and a beginning teacher pay of $60,500 at a total cost of approximately $3,750,000.

FY 2025-2026 Budget:
Projected Revenue (Current State Funding Law) $187,587,141
Projected Expenditures $193,327,112
Projected Budget Deficit $5,739,971

District leaders shared an update on the development of the 2025–2026 budget, highlighting several key factors contributing to a projected $9.3 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 $9.3 million to $5.7 million. These fee and meal price increases are in addition to other cost-saving measures:

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

Approval of 2025-2026 Compensation Plan
The District evaluated the proposed salary increases for other area peer school districts and considered long-term budget constraints in recommending the general pay increase. The Board approved a 3% across the board for all teachers and staff and a beginning teacher pay of $60,500 at a total cost of $3,750,000. NOTE: Even with a 3% salary increase for the 2025–2026 school year, Rockwall ISD average teacher and staff salaries will still be lower than those offered in many neighboring districts. Those districts receive additional funding through a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATREs), supported by their communities, which helps them offer more competitive pay.

Approval of Order Extending and Amending Existing Standby Bond Purchase Agreement
The Board of Trustees approved reapprove the order approving and authorizing an extension of and amendments to the existing Standby Bond Purchase Agreement relating the Rockwall ISD District Variable Rate Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2006.

Press release submitted by Rockwall ISD Communications, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photo.

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