Update from the Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees meeting of Monday, June 16

2024-2025 Substitute teachers named Employees of the Month

Rockwall, TX (June 17, 2025) 

Recognitions

Congratulations to the following groups recognized by the Board of Trustees:

• 2024-2025 Substitute Teachers Named Employees of the Month – Rockwall ISD Human Resources recognized a group of individuals who play a vital role in the daily success of our campuses—our dedicated substitute teachers. Each Substitute of the Month for the 2024–2025 school year was nominated by campus administrators and selected for their exceptional commitment to excellence, consistency, and reliability.

• Partnership with Rockwall Area Small Business Alliance (RASBA)- Rockwall ISD Human Resources recognized our ongoing partnership with the Rockwall Area Small Business Alliance in celebrating and supporting our valued substitute teachers. Thanks to RASBA’s generosity, more than $600 in incentive awards were donated during the 2024–2025 school year. These awards provided meaningful recognition for the dedication and hard work of our active substitutes, highlighting their vital role in our schools.
• RHS and RHHS UIL State Solo and Ensemble Band, Orchestra, Choir, and Piano Students – Students from around the state recently competed at the UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble Band, Orchestra, Choir and Piano contests in Austin, Texas. To qualify for the state contest, students must perform a class one solo or ensemble from memory and earn a superior rating at the region level, which qualifies them to advance to state level competition. We would like to recognize the following students and their directors from Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School band, orchestra, choir and piano programs for earning a superior (gold medal) or excellent (silver medal) rating on their solo or ensemble at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.

• Rockwall-Heath High School
  • 12 RHHS orchestra students earned a superior rating.
  • Marco Longoria received an Outstanding Performer Award.
  • 8 RHHS orchestra students earned an excellent rating.
  • 32 RHHS Mighty Hawk Band students earned a superior rating.
  • Cole Gonzalez received an Outstanding Performer Award.
  • 23 RHHS Mighty Hawk Band students earned an excellent rating.
  • 1 RHHS piano student earned a superior rating.
  • RHHS piano student earned an excellent rating.

• Rockwall High School
  • 6 RHS orchestra students earned a superior rating.
  • Olivia Beatty received an Outstanding Performer Award.
  • 3 RHS Orange Wave Band students earned a superior rating.
  • Caleb Collins also received an Outstanding Performer Award.
  • 6 RHS Orange Wave Band students earned an excellent rating.
  • 2 RHS choir students earned a superior rating.
  • 2 RHS choir students earn an excellent rating.
  • 1 RHS Piano student earned a superior rating.

• Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Winners – At the HOSA State Leadership Conference, two EMT teams competed against more than 20 teams from across Texas and earned 1st and 3rd place. Both teams advanced to compete at the HOSA International Leadership Conference this month. Congratulations to HOSA Advisor TJ Starling and national qualifiers Daniel Ramirez, Coleman Byrd, Isabelle J. Cybella and Ruby Erickson.

Approval of Multi-Tiered System of Support Program to Enhance Academic Outcomes
The Board of Trustees approved the recommendation to solicit quotes from an approved purchasing cooperative to purchase a new Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) software platform from Branching Minds. Currently, classroom teachers are responsible for accessing multiple platforms to gather the data and create a plan for a student. This proposal will streamline the various platforms teachers and administrators currently have to utilize to provide MTSS to students, thus customizing the program to meet the needs of our teachers and administrators in Rockwall ISD.

Public Hearing to Discuss 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), Board policy CE (Legal), and the Open Meetings Act, 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.

Rockwall ISD Budget Update: Legislative Actions and District Ongoing Funding Challenges
Following the 89th Texas Legislative Session, Rockwall ISD appreciates the Legislature’s effort in public education through House Bill 2 (HB2) aimed at teacher pay, school safety, and operational support. These efforts reflect a step forward in supporting schools across Texas—and we are thankful for the work.

At the same time, while these funding changes are appreciated, they do not fully meet the needs of fast-growing districts like Rockwall ISD, especially in areas impacted by inflation, special education costs, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

What House Bill 2 Did Fund:

• Teacher Pay Increases – $4.2 billion statewide
  • 74% of Rockwall ISD teachers will receive a $5,000 raise.
  • However, 16% will receive no increase from HB2, and many roles — such as counselors, librarians, and nurses — are not included.
• Basic Allotment Increase – $55 per student
  • The small adjustment is not enough to account for inflation since 2019. Rockwall ISD’s Legislative Priorities included increasing the state’s basic allotment by $1,490 to fully fund Rockwall ISD.
• New ABC Allotment – $106 per student average daily attendance or approximately $1.8 million for Rockwall ISD
  • Intended to help offset rising operational costs (utilities, transportation, insurance).
• School Safety – $430 million statewide
  • Roughly doubles current funding to Rockwall ISD, which helps — but doesn’t cover all costs. The increase falls short by over $2 million dollars for safety and security costs in Rockwall ISD.
• Special Education – $250 million for a new Special Education funding model beginning in Year 2 of the biennium (2026-2027).

Where Gaps Remain:
Despite these gains, the legislation fell short in several areas:

• Inflation and Local Budgets The $55 Basic Allotment increase covers just 3.8% of the adjustment needed to match inflation since 2019. The new ABC allotment is appreciated, but it doesn’t fully cover rising insurance and other costs.
• Special Education The new funding model doesn’t begin until the second year and does not fill the estimated $1.5 billion annual statewide shortfall.
• Safety Requirements While the state increased funding, Rockwall ISD remains underfunded by more than $2 million per year to meet safety and security mandates.
• Unfunded Mandates The increases in benefit costs and program requirements have added significant strain to the budget without securing full funding support. For example, HB2 provides salary increases for certain staff, but it will also require the District to pay an additional $650,000 in benefits to the Teacher Retirement System as a result of the new legislation.

Where Rockwall ISD Stands Compared to Peers
Unlike all neighboring districts in Texas House District 33, Rockwall ISD has not passed a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE)—a key funding mechanism that allows communities to raise additional dollars for teacher compensation and student programs.

As a result:

• Rockwall ISD has the lowest tax rate and lowest per-student funding among comparable districts.
• Most competing districts pay teachers significantly more due to their community’s approval of a VATRE, widening the gap in recruitment and retention.
• House Bill 2’s funding model prioritized smaller districts, which made Rockwall ISD’s competitiveness even more difficult to maintain.

Local Impact Summary
Estimated New Revenue from HB 2 to Rockwall ISD:

• $9.6 million total, including teacher pay, support staff, school safety, and operational allotments.

Estimated New Required Costs:

• $7.8 million in mandated pay raises, benefit cost increases, and lost local revenue from state formula changes.

Net Impact to Rockwall ISD: Approximately $1.8 million in local control funding—a positive step, but not enough to close the District’s projected $6.3 million budget deficit for FY 2025–2026.

Looking Ahead
Rockwall ISD is grateful for the state’s efforts and values the partnership with state leaders. At the same time, we remain committed to:

• Sustainable state funding that keeps up with inflation,
• Full funding for safety, special education, and teacher and staff pay, and
• Local options like a Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) to strengthen our local ability to compete and serve our students, teachers and staff.

As Rockwall ISD prepares for the upcoming school year, the focus remains on responsible budgeting, transparency, and delivering exceptional learning experiences for all students.

Approval of the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Annual Operating Budget for the General Fund, Child Nutrition Fund and the Debt Service Fund
The Board of Trustees adopted the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Annual Operating Budget for the General Fund, Child Nutrition Fund and Debt Service Fund. The adopted budget will be posted on the Rockwall ISD website.

Approval to Grant Private Sanitary Sewer and Temporary Construction Easement Requests to Iron Ranch Fate, LLC from the Rakow Middle School Site
The Board of Trustees approved the terms of easement requests to Iron Ranch Fate, LLC.

Board Appoints Rockwall ISD Board Members to Serve as Representative for District Committee(s)
The Board of Trustees appointed Board President Frank Conselman to serve as board representative for the District Facilities Construction Committee (DFCC). The Board also appointed Trustee Dr. Steve Albers to serve as board representative for the Rockwall Economic Development committee.

Board Sets Parameters for Potential Bond Refinancing to Benefit Taxpayers
The Board of Trustees approved setting the parameters for a possible refinancing of existing bonds. This initial step allows Rockwall ISD administrators to prepare for a potential bond refunding that could lead to cost savings for taxpayers — specifically through a possible reduction in the Interest & Sinking (I&S) portion of the overall property tax rate.

District leaders actively monitor market conditions to identify responsible financial opportunities. With current interest rates trending favorably, refinancing eligible bonds may reduce interest costs without extending the repayment schedule. District administrators will bring forward final details and a recommendation for action at the July monthly Board meeting.

Approval of Resolution to Grant Special Warranty Deed and Release of District Partial Ownership Interest in Certain Real Property to the City of Rockwall, Texas
The Board of Trustees approved the resolution granting the special warranty deed and releasing the District’s partial ownership interest in certain real property to the City of Rockwall, Texas. The property is located south of Williams Street (State Highway 66) and is directly adjacent to the east side of Lofland Park. The subject property is roughly 22,000 square feet or approximately 0.5 acres. The subject property is essentially ‘land-locked’ with private residences to the north, Lofland Park to the west, a walking path and easements to the south, and privately-owned property to the east. It is the District’s understanding that the City of Rockwall, Texas desires to acquire this property to expand the park amenities that already currently adjacent to the subject property. The Administration believes that there is no future use for the subject property for the District.

Approval of Request for Quote (RFQ) 2025-003 Contract Award for Laptops for the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy
The Board of Trustees approved a contract award to Riverside Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $92,057.85 for laptops for the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy. Costs will be paid out of the Rockwall ISD 2021 Bond Authorization.

Approval of Purchase Pursuant to Board-Approved Cooperative Purchasing Program for Technology Devices
The Board of Trustees approved the recommendation to solicit quotes from an approved purchasing cooperative to purchase 59 Apple 24” iMacs JAMF Pro Licensing at Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy in accordance with Board Policy CH Local for a purchase in excess of $100,000.00. Project costs will be paid out of the Rockwall ISD 2021 Bond Authorization.

Approval of Texas Education Agency Waiver for Modified Schedule/State Assessment Testing Days
The Board of Trustees approved the Texas Education Agency Waiver for Modified Schedule/State Assessment Testing Days.

Approval of Texas Education Agency Waiver for Teacher Portal for the Texas Assessment Program Data
The Board approved the Texas Education Agency Waiver for Teacher Portal for the Texas Assessment Program Data.

Approval of the Alternative Education Program Waiver (Optional Flexible School Day Program)
The Board approved the Optional Flexible School Day Program application as required by the Texas Education Agency. The waiver allows the District to receive full-day funding for student enrollment in the Choice program at the Rockwall Quest Academy.

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

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