ROCKWALL, TX (March 24, 2026) — Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees Board Monthly Meeting Summary from Monday, March 26, 2026.
Board of Trustees Recognitions
The Board of Trustees recognized and congratulated the following students and staff for their accomplishments:
Rockwall High School Art Student — Congratulations to Emma Victoria, along with her teacher, Annie Perdue! Emma’s artwork was selected by the Texas Art Educators Association for display at the Bullock Texas State History Museum throughout March. Her piece was among just over 100 student artworks from grades K-12 chosen for this prestigious exhibit. Emma will be honored at the museum’s annual awards ceremony.
Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy Law and Order Team Earns State Medals — Congratulations to the Law and Order students from the Dr. Gene Burton College & Career Academy (GBCCA) who competed in the Texas Public Service Teacher Association State Competition. Out of 570 competitors, 37 GBCCA students qualified to participate. Several of them placed in the top three in various events, showcasing their outstanding skills and dedication. Congratulations to the following students and team advisors:
- Opening Statements: 3rd Place – Skylar Lim
- Closing Statements: 3rd Place – Steven Buendia
- EMT: 2nd Place – Natalie Duncan, Kaiden Farish, Lillie Bonner, Gianna Cerulli
- Fingerprinting: 1st Place – Natalie Duncan
- Crime Scene Search: 1st Place – Ysabella Buchanan, Clarissa Avila, Destiny Ingram
- Building Search: 1st Place – Roba Ali, Aliah Hurtado, Aaliyah Schafer, Miah Watson
- Team Advisors: Don Williams, James DuPuch, Brent Gresham, Heather Camune, Gretchen Carter, Keith Allen, and Marcia Hasenyager
State UIL Swimming Medalist —Congratulations to the Rockwall High School Lady Jackets and Coach David Partenheimer and Coach Tom Applegate. The Lady Jackets swim team of Elisabeth Chiu, Brylie Ray, Olivia Roberts, Kate Shim, and Quinn Putchinski finished 5th overall, the highest finish ever for a Rockwall swim team. A special congratulations to Olivia Roberts – State Champion in the 200 Individual Medley and setting a new school record. The athletes also placed:
- 5th in the 200 Yard Medley Relay;
- 5th place in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay;
- 7th place in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay setting new school records in all three relays.
UIL Wrestling Medalists —Thirteen Rockwall ISD student athletes representing Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School either medaled or placed at the recent University Interscholastic League State Wrestling Championships. Congratulations to the following students and coaches:
Rockwall High School — Coach Clay Goodloe and Coach Sean Kitchen
- Dominic Wilson – State Champion in the 157lb weight class
- Hunter Gordon – State Runner-up in the 144lb weight class
- Timmy Fitzgerald – 6th place in the 150lb weight class
- Jackson Stoner – 3rd place in the 285lb weight class
- Avery Fitzgerald – State Runner-up in the 130lb weight class
- Madison Fitzgerald – State Runner-up in the 140lb weight class
- Leona Lane – State Runner-up in the 155lb weight class
Rockwall-Heath High School — Coach Shane Seleznoff, Coach Arman Mansouri, Coach Ryan Courtney, and Coach Scott Ervin
- Cody Savage – State Runner-up in the 190lb weight class
- Nathan Burchfiel – 5th place in the 138lb weight class
- Ayden Guzman – 5th place in the 144lb weight class
- Shay Yudizsky – 5th place in the 165lb weight class
- Zamariya Williams – State Runner-up in the 145lb weight class
- Tiana Crawford – 5th place in the 120lb weight class
Rockwall ISD Communications Department and Athletics Department Sports Marketing Program Win at State Competition — The Rockwall ISD Communications Department and Athletics Department Sports Marketing Program earned 16 state awards at this year’s Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) competition, which recognizes outstanding work in print and electronic media. This year, more than 1,900 entries were submitted for consideration. Independent judges from the private sector evaluate and score each entry based on its individual merit. Rockwall ISD competes in the 15,000–40,000 student enrollment category.
The Rockwall ISD Communications Department and the Athletics Department’s Sports Marketing Program received the following awards:
- Best of Category – Commemorative: Teacher of the Year Charcuterie Boards – Luci Mouton
- Gold – Poster: First Responders Night – Luci Mouton, Chris Curtis
- Gold – Video: Hawks Take the I-30 Classic – Chris Curtis
- Gold – Video: More Than Just a Game – Chris Curtis
- Gold – Photo: A Playoff Moment Frozen in Time – Chris Curtis
- Gold – Logo: Where Does the Money Go? – Sarah Rak
- Silver – Video: Happy 99th Birthday Ruth! – Chris Curtis
- Bronze – Writing: Legacy in the Halls – Luci Mouton
Board Approves Superintendent Contract
The Board approved the superintendent’s contract.
Approval of Project Completion for the Rockwall High School Multi-Purpose Building Envelope Project
The Board of Trustees accepted project completion of the construction project. Funds from the 2015 bond authorization funded the project.
Approval to Purchase LED Lighting Retrofits at JW Williams Middle School, Maurine Cain Middle School, Rockwall High School, and Rockwall-Heath High School
The Board of Trustees approved the solicitation of quotes through a purchasing cooperative to purchase lighting retrofits and upgrades at multiple district locations. Construction costs for this project will be paid out of the Rockwall ISD 2015 Bond Authorization.
Approval to Replace Aging Stadium Equipment at Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium
The Board of Trustees approved the solicitation of quotes through a purchasing cooperative to replace the videoboard/scoreboard and sound system at Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium. The current equipment is more than ten years old and has reached the end of its service life. Due to the age of the system, replacement parts are no longer available and the equipment is no longer operable.
Replacing the system will restore essential functionality for the many student programs that use the stadium throughout the year, including football, soccer, track, band, cheer, and drill team, while improving communication and the overall event experience for students and families.
The upgraded technology will also provide hands-on learning opportunities for Career and Technical Education students who can assist with video production, graphics, and event marketing. In addition, a modern videoboard allows the district to explore digital sponsorship opportunities that may help offset costs over time. Project costs will be paid out of the Rockwall ISD general operating fund
Approval to Purchase District Vehicles
The Board of Trustees approved the solicitation of quotes through a purchasing cooperative to purchase two Class-A activity buses to support student programs and activities. Rockwall ISD provides transportation for many student activities beyond regular home-to-school routes, including athletics, fine arts, Career and Technical Education, and other campus programs. When CDL bus drivers are unavailable, the district often relies on SUVs driven by staff to transport small groups of students. The proposed buses can transport up to 15 passengers and do not require a CDL license to operate. This will allow small student groups to travel more efficiently while reducing the need to schedule full-size buses and CDL drivers for trips that do not require larger capacity. Costs for this project will be paid
out of the Rockwall ISD 2015 Bond Authorization.
Approval of Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) for Rockwall-Heath High School Fire Alarm Replacement Project
The Board of Trustees approved a contract award to Summit Fire & Security in the amount of $1,075,728.00 for the Rockwall-Heath High School Fire Alarm Replacement Project. Construction costs for this project will be paid out of the Rockwall ISD 2015 Bond Authorization.
Approval of Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) for Sharon Shannon Elementary School Fire Alarm Replacement Project
The Board of Trustees approved a contract award to Total Fire in the amount of $282,574.00 for the Sharon Shannon Elementary School Fire Alarm Replacement Project. Construction costs for this project will be paid out of the Rockwall ISD 2015 Bond Authorization.
Approval of Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) for Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium Press Box Metal Soffit Replacement Project
The Board of Trustees approved a contract award to Tegrity Contractors in the amount of $497,777.00 for the Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium Press Box Metal Soffit Replacement Project. Construction costs for this project will be paid out of the Rockwall ISD 2015 Bond Authorization.
Approval of Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (FGMP) for Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School Central Plant Refurbishment Project
The Board of Trustees approved the Final Guaranteed Maximum Price (FGMP) for the Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School Central Plant Refurbishment Construction Project in the amount of $6,750,000.00. Construction costs for this project will be paid out of the Rockwall ISD 2015 Bond Authorization.
Approval for Civil Site Improvements to Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium Visitors Side
The Board approved improvements beneath the visitor bleachers at the district’s football stadium, including replacing gravel with concrete and installing security fencing. The concrete surface will reduce ongoing maintenance and improve drainage. The fencing will enhance safety and access control in a high-traffic area during events. Construction costs for this project will be paid out of the Rockwall ISD 2007 Bond Authorization.
Approval of an Order Cancelling the Board of Trustees General Election on May 2, 2026, and Declaring the Unopposed Candidate(s) Elected to the Board
The Board accepted the certification of unopposed candidates for Places 6 and 7 and approved the order cancelling the election scheduled to be held on May 2, 2026, and declaring the unopposed candidates, Amy Hilton for Place 6 and Dr. Bart Miller for Place 7, elected to the Board.
Approval of Delegating Contractual Authority from May 19, 2026, to August 18, 2026, to Make Bona Fide Offers of Employment and to Extend Contracts
Per Rockwall ISD Board Policy DC (LOCAL), the Board of Trustees delegated contractual authority to the Superintendent or his designee during the peak employee-hiring season in order to expedite the hiring process. The Board retains final authority for employment of contractual personnel.
Budget Workshop Update
During the Budget Workshop, trustees reviewed the district’s financial outlook, teacher compensation, and enrollment trends. The presentation focused on three key areas impacting Rockwall ISD’s future planning.
Investing in Teachers and Staff
Trustees reviewed the impact of the Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election, which allowed Rockwall ISD to increase teacher and staff compensation. Prior to these adjustments, Rockwall ISD teacher salaries averaged nearly $2,900 below the regional market. Teacher pay is now projected to move above the regional market average, helping the district remain competitive in attracting and retaining high-quality educators.
Early results are already being seen in recruitment efforts. The district’s recent March Job Fair drew 616 attendees – a 56% increase from last year – with 884 educators registering to attend, reflecting strong interest in employment opportunities in Rockwall ISD.
Responsible Financial Planning
District leaders also reviewed the district’s long-range financial outlook. Current projections show a balanced budget for the upcoming year, while forecasts indicate potential deficits in future years as costs related to staffing, inflation, and operational needs continue to increase. District leaders noted that long-range planning allows the district to proactively address these challenges while maintaining strong financial stewardship.
Changing Enrollment Trends
Trustees also reviewed enrollment patterns showing that while Rockwall ISD continues to grow, the pace of growth is slowing. District leaders noted that this trend reflects patterns occurring across Texas and the nation as families have access to a wider range of educational options and as broader demographic and housing trends influence enrollment.
As part of that discussion, trustees reviewed how the expansion of school choice options is contributing to shifts in enrollment patterns across the state. According to data from the Texas Education Agency, in the 2025–26 school year, 642 Rockwall ISD resident students attended school outside the district, including 209 in online programs, 152 in charter schools, and 213 in neighboring school districts.
The data reflects the variety of educational choices families are making today, including flexible learning options, specialized programs, and geographic convenience. District leaders noted that understanding these trends helps long-term planning as Rockwall ISD continues exploring new educational opportunities and operational efficiencies to meet the needs of students and families.
Submitted by Luci Mouton, Communications Coordinator Rockwall ISD. Edited for publication by Blue Ribbon News.
Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees board meeting summary from Monday, March 26, 2026 added by Sam Redig on
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