Update from Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees meeting, Monday, August 18, 2025

Rockwall, TX (August 19, 2025) – Board of Trustees Statement Regarding Rockwall-Heath High School Incident
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Trustee Grant DuBois read the following statement at the beginning of tonight’s Board meeting, regarding the incident at Rockwall-Heath High School:

“Before we begin tonight’s meeting, I want to take a moment to address a deeply troubling incident that occurred early Saturday morning at Rockwall-Heath High School. The display of an antisemitic flag on our campus is a hateful act that does not reflect the values of our district. Acts of antisemitism—or any form of hate—have no place in our schools or our community.

We are especially grateful to the students who had the courage and presence of mind to report the incident early Saturday morning at approximately 6:40 a.m. Thanks to their quick action, the flags were removed promptly. We also appreciate the ongoing support and partnership of local law enforcement, as well as the elected officials of Heath and McLendon-Chisholm, as we continue working together on the investigation.

If anyone has information about those responsible, we urge you to come forward so that the individuals involved can be held fully accountable.

We remain committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment for every Rockwall ISD student. We stand firmly with our Jewish community and our Rockwall ISD families against any form of hate.

Please join me in prayer.”

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

SAGE and the 89th Legislative Session – Job Well Done! The Rockwall ISD student crossing guard advocacy effort began years ago as part of an independent study in the SAGE program. Charlotte F. researched and identified potential opportunities to spotlight and appreciate the work of school crossing guards. Through persistence, research, and collaboration with community leaders and legislators, our Rockwall ISD student turned her independent study into a statewide initiative and approved in the 89th Legislative Session. On May 29, 2025, Governor Abbott signed Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 establishing February 10th as a statewide Crossing Guard Recognition Day. This new resolution, which will remain in effect through 2035, recognizes the essential role crossing guards play in ensuring the safety of students across Texas.
Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) State and National Medalist from the Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy – TAFE, led by advisors Robin Peterson and Laura Gunter, is proud to announce that ten students competed at the State Teach Tomorrow Summit and one student won and advanced to the Educators Rising National Competition this summer. Kassidy S. competed against the nation’s top high school rising educators.
- Congratulations to national winner Kassidy S. for earning 2nd place in the Exploring Support Services Careers, JV category.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Education Chapter State and National Winner from the Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy – Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Education Chapter, led by advisor Robin Peterson, is proud to announce that nine students competed at the State FCCLA competition, with one student advancing to the National Leadership Conference this summer. Kaylee F. competed against the nation’s top high school students and made Rockwall ISD program history as the first Education & Training FCCLA member to compete at Nationals.
- Congratulations to national winner Kaylee F. for earning 2nd place in the nation in Early Childhood Education, Level 3.
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Fashion State and National Winners – FCCLA – Fashion Design Chapter, led by advisor Renee Aube, is proud to announce that eleven students competed at the State FCCLA competition and five of these talented designers won and advanced to the National Leadership Conference this summer. These students competed against the nation’s top high school students.
- Congratulations to state winner Maggie W. – 1st place, Fashion Design, Level 3.
- Congratulations to the following national winners:
  - Sophia B. – 3rd place, Fashion Construction, Level 2
  - Raleigh M. – 2nd place, Fashion Design, Level 2
  - Abby S. – top ten Fashion Construction, Level 2
  - Kenedy C – top ten Fashion Design, Level 2
Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor Inductee and Head Football Coach for the Rockwall-Heath High School Hawks, Coach Rodney Webb – We are proud to recognize Coach Rodney Webb on his induction into the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) Hall of Honor — one of the most prestigious honors in Texas high school athletics. Coach Webb has dedicated over three decades to coaching and developing student-athletes across Texas. His career includes highly successful tenures at multiple schools, where he has built championship-level programs, mentored countless young men, and served as a respected leader among coaches statewide. We congratulate Coach Webb on this tremendous honor and are proud to have him representing our district at the highest level.

Public Hearing for the District’s Annual Budget and Proposed Tax Rate for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
In accordance with the Texas Education Code Section 44.004(c) and Board policy CE (Legal), the District complied with the requirements of the Open Meetings Act, specifically; the District published the required notices of the date, time and location of the public hearing to allow for public input on the proposed budget and tax rate for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Board Approves Tax Rate for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Requiring Voter Approval of Tax Ratification Election
In accordance with state law, the Board of Trustees adopted a tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate, requiring a Voter Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE). If the board adopts a tax rate that exceeds the voter-approval tax rate, it must hold a voter-approval tax ratification election (VATRE). This tax rate is reflective of the VATRE increase of 4 cents contingent upon the approval of voters.

The breakdown of the total proposed tax rate is as follows:

State law requires the Board to adopt a resolution or ordinance that is specific in language. The Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate proposed is effectively being raised by 17.9% percent, and the proposed Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate is proposed to decrease by 22.2%. The total tax rate is proposed to increase by $0.0400 cents or 3.8% for a total of $1.0669.

Board Approves Order Calling a Special Election to be Held by the Rockwall Independent School District Regarding Ratifying a Voter-Approval Tax Rate, Making Provision for the Conduct of a Joint Election, and Resolving Other Matters Incident and Related to Such Election
Based upon the significant financial challenges facing the District, including but not limited to: drastic cost increases caused by rising costs, teacher and staff compensation, teacher and staff recruitment and retention, staffing for student enrollment growth, underfunded state mandates, the Board approved an order to call a voter-approval tax ratification election (VATRE) on November 4, 2025, for the following proposition:

PROPOSITION A: “…the Rockwall Independent School District be authorized to levy, pursuant to an order of such board a adopted on August 18, 2025, an ad valorem tax rate of $1.0669 per $100 of the taxable assessed valuation of property within the Rockwall Independent School District for the current tax year, being a rate that is comprised of maintenance and operations tax rate of $0.7869 per $100 of such taxable assess valuation…”

Board Adopts the Rockwall ISD Salary & Compensation Plan for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year – Contingent Upon the Approval of The Voter Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) on November 4, 2025

Importance of Competitive Teacher & Staff Pay
Competitive teacher pay is essential for attracting and retaining high-quality educators who are critical to student success and overall school performance. When teacher salaries are aligned with the demands and responsibilities of the profession, schools are better positioned to compete with other career fields for talented individuals. Competitive compensation also reduces teacher turnover, which disrupts student learning and increases recruitment and training costs. Moreover, well-paid teachers are more likely to feel valued and motivated, contributing to a positive school environment and improved academic outcomes. In short, competitive pay is a strategic investment in education quality and long-term societal growth.

Impact to Rockwall ISD
Low teacher pay has had a significant negative impact on school districts across the country, leading to widespread teacher shortages, high turnover rates, and decreased morale among educators. Many talented teachers leave the profession or move to higher-paying districts, leaving schools understaffed and struggling to maintain consistent, high-quality instruction. This instability disrupts student learning, particularly in high-need areas, and places additional strain on remaining staff. In some cases, districts are forced to hire underqualified or long-term substitute teachers, further compromising educational outcomes. Ultimately, low pay undermines the ability of school districts to build and sustain a strong, effective teaching workforce.

Relevant Statistics
The following data is an excerpt from the most recent Rockwall ISD Efficiency Audit comparing Rockwall ISD Teacher pay to its peer districts:

The following chart compares Rockwall ISD’s Teacher turnover rate from its most recent audit fiscal year to five years prior:

Administrative Consideration
Implementing a competitive teacher and staff compensation plan is a critical step toward strengthening the education system and ensuring student success. By offering salaries that reflect the skill, dedication, and impact of the teaching profession, Rockwall ISD can attract and retain high-quality educators, reduce turnover, and build a stable, experienced workforce. A well-structured compensation plan should include not only competitive base pay but also incentives for advanced degrees, classroom performance, leadership roles, and service in high-need areas. Investing in teacher and staff compensation sends a clear message that educators are valued professionals, ultimately leading to improved morale, better student outcomes, and long-term benefits for communities and the economy.

Summary of 2026-2027 Compensation Plan – pending Voter Approval Tax Ratification Election approval on November 4, 2025

Teachers

Market competition salary adjustments for existing staff (detailed schedule for every year attached):

Years of Experience | RISD VATRE Increases
0 – 4 | $3,000 – $3,920
5 – 10 | $4,110 – $4,640
11 – 15 | $4,720 – $5,040
16 – 20 | $5,120 – $5,440
21 – 25+ | $5,520 – $5,840

Market competition salary adjustments for new staff (detailed schedule for every year attached):

Competitive stipends for high-need areas:

Competitive sign-on bonuses for high-need areas:

Area | Sign-On Bonus
ACE/BASE/ECSE, Diag., LSSP, SLP | $5,000

Advanced degree stipends:

Degree | Stipend
Masters | $1,500
Doctorate | $1,000

Instructional Staff Excluded from House Bill 2

If the VATRE is approved, additional funds will be allocated to provide salary adjustments for positions not included in House Bill 2 raises.

All-Other Staff

6% of paygrade midpoint. (Examples: Bus Drivers, Maintenance, Child Nutrition, Technology, Curriculum & Instruction, Human Resources, Communications, Student Services, Finance, Principals, Assistant Principals, Instructional Assistants, Support Staff, Administrative Assistants, Counselors, Etc.)

Board Approves District’s Wealth Equalization Plan for 2025-2026
The Board of Trustees approved the Option 3 Wealth Equalization Plan for the Purchase of Attendance Credits (Netting Chapter 48 Funding) with the Texas Education Agency.

Board Approves Delegating Contractual Authority to Superintendent for Chapter 49 Status
The Board of Trustees approved delegating contractual authority to obligate the school district under Texas Education Code (TEC) §11.511(c)(4) to the Superintendent to Purchase Attendance Credits to Net Against Chapter 48 Funding.

Board Approves Rockwall Central Appraisal District (RCAD) Resolution Related to Requirements of Texas Property Tax Code 6.051 Facility Renovation
As the county has continued to grow in population and parcel count since the adoption of the 2020 resolution, RCAD has increased its organization to keep up with that growth and continue to meet statutory deadlines. Due to the increased staffing numbers, RCAD is proposing to complete the second floor which would provide enough workspace to house all the appraisal department employees. RCAD has the funds available to complete this project and there will be no impact to the 2026 or future budgets due to the completion of the second floor.

On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, RCAD Board of Directors adopted a resolution for the completion of the second floor. The adoption of this resolution is in accordance with Texas Property Tax Code 6.051 which authorizes the Board of Directors of an appraisal district to purchase or lease real property, and construct or renovate a building or other improvements as necessary to establish and operate the appraisal office, with the approval of its taxing units.

Board Approves Updated Policy EFB (LOCAL)
The 89th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 13, which provides increased structure and transparency to processes and standards for school library book acquisition and to ensure that school library collections are appropriate for campuses. The bill requires a few changes to current Rockwall ISD procedures. Trustees received information that includes EFB (LOCAL) updates, library materials acquisition, and the enhanced parental access to school library materials for their child through Rockwall ISD’s library management system Destiny.

Press release submitted by Luci Mouton, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photos.

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Update from Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees meeting, Monday, August 18, 2025 added by Melanie M on August 19, 2025 11:50 AM
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