Highlights from Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees Feb. 6 Special Meeting

ROCKWALL, TX (Feb. 8, 2023) The following is a Rockwall ISD press release summarizing the (2/6/2023) RISD Board of Trustees Special Meeting.

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.

Strategic Plan Refresh Update

District leadership presented information regarding the Strategic Plan Refresh. Strategic planning is an essential part of Rockwall ISD’s continuous improvement efforts. In 2018, the Board approved the District’s current strategic plan. The District now looks to refresh the current plan. The refresh will provide an opportunity to review District’s current state, identify future opportunities, and update the plan.

Approval of Competitive Sealed Proposal for the Rockwall High School Gymnasium Floor Replacement

The Board of Trustees approved a contract award to Quality Hardwood Flooring for $130,500 for the Rockwall High School Gymnasium Floor Replacement Project. General Operating funds will pay for the construction costs.

Budget Workshop and Bond Update

District leadership presented information regarding the budget process for 2023-2024, legislative update and bond progress. Highlights include:

Budget Update:

• Enrollment Growth (Source: 3Q22 Demographic Report)
o The pace of student growth is accelerating.
o Rockwall ISD enrollment is currently 18,441 students.
o Rockwall ISD’s enrollment is forecasted as approximately 21,150 students in 2027-2028
and 24,250 students in 2032-2033.
· Long-Range Planning
o New campus openings August 2024 Ninth Grade Centers and August 2025 Middle School #4
· Impact of the Current Economy on Budget
o Historically high inflation
o Increased costs: fuel, insurance, utilities, supplies, materials, etc.
o Highly competitive employee salary market – teachers, auxiliary staff, paraprofessionals,
substitutes, etc.
• Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Goals
o Competitive staff compensation plan
o Additional instructional support in classrooms
o Additional staff for the growth of student enrollment
o Managing workload for teachers, counselors and other staff

Legislative Update:

• State Budget Surplus
o $32.69 billion surplus
• State’s Legislative Focus
o Supplemental Appropriations
o Property Tax Relief
o School Funding
o School Safety

Bond Update:

• Ongoing Projects
o Two Ninth Grade Centers are currently under construction
o Middle School #4 anticipated start Fall 2023
o New Rochell Elementary School anticipated start in Summer 2023
o Cain MS and Williams MS additions/renovations anticipated to start Spring 2024
o Utley MS reconstruction is anticipated to start Spring of 2024
• Construction Costs and Inflation Impact
o After the 2021 bond election, unprecedented construction inflation costs
o Continued supply chain challenges
o Historically competitive construction wage market
• Overall 2021 Bond Program Budget Update
o 2021 bond construction projects are trending over budget due to historically high inflation
o District has identified budget reductions and utilized previous bond savings to help address the bond budget shortage
o Moving forward, the District will prioritize those bond projects that directly address classroom instructional facilities needed due to growing student enrollment
o District will continue monitoring and managing remaining construction projects to mitigate additional bond project reductions