Update from Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees Meeting of Tuesday, January 20

Rockwall, TX (January 21, 2026) – The following summarizes Rockwall ISD’s Board of Trustees meeting of January 20, 2026.

Recognitions

Congratulations to the following student and community groups that were recognized by the Board of Trustees:

Supporting Businesses and Community Organizations – Rockwall ISD is blessed to have the support of the following businesses and organizations who provided coats, food and gifts to our students and families during the recent holiday season:

• Coats for Kids Program – The Rockwall ISD Student Services Department recognized the Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club for leading the annual Coat for Kids Program with Costco for elementary students throughout the District. This year, the Coat for Kids program, along with Rockwall Costco, provided over 300 new coats to elementary students. Students and families also were treated to breakfast and juice provided by Chiloso.
• Chick-Fil-A North Rockwall – Thanks to Melissa and Tim Moseley, owners of Chick-Fil-A North Rockwall, and the Rockwall ISD Central Administrative Staff for donating over 100 coats for secondary students.
• J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Rockwall – Through the YMCA Catalyst Christmas Program, coordinated by Harold Young, Dustin Ray and several others, over 60 families in Rockwall ISD received food for the holidays.
• Samee’s Pizza Getti – Samee and Molly Dowlatshahi facilitated the Samee’s Pizza Getti Christmas Angel program at their restaurant. With help from their daughter, Chloe (Cain MS student), the entire staff at Samee’s Pizza Getti, and the Rockwall community, 11 Rockwall ISD families were provided with their Christmas wish. From socks and shoes to bikes and computers, the Dowlatshahi family and the customers at Samee’s worked tirelessly to provide hundreds of gifts to Rockwall ISD students and their entire households.

School Board Appreciation Month – Rockwall ISD proudly joins districts across Texas in celebrating School Board Recognition Month, honoring our dedicated Board of Trustees who serve as the voice of our community and the stewards of public education. As the vital link between the community and the classroom, Rockwall ISD Trustees provide governance and vision for a district serving approximately 19,200 students across 25 campuses, supported by 2,300 employees. Their leadership ensures our schools remain focused on student success, fiscal responsibility, and long-term growth.

Leadership in Action
Through decision-making and community partnership, the Board has led several transformative initiatives, including:

• Passage of the Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE), investing in competitive compensation, special programs,
  and safety and security;
• Opening of Ursula Rakow Middle School in 2025, the district’s fourth middle school and second feeder- pattern middle
  school for Rockwall-Heath High School, funded by the 2021 bond program; and
• Rakow Middle School opened with approximately 1,100 students
• Districtwide transition of 6th grade students and staff from 16 elementary campuses to 4 middle school campuses, expanding access to advanced academic courses and daily fine arts instruction.

District Achievements

The Board’s leadership continues to drive strong academic outcomes and student opportunities:

• “89” Texas Education Agency accountability rating in 2025, an increase from the previous year;
• “A” ratings earned by all three high schools:
  • Rockwall High School
  • Rockwall-Heath High School
  • Rockwall Quest Academy
• Rockwall High School ranked #1 in academic growth among 40 comparable high schools in Texas;
• 279 AP Scholar awards earned by Rockwall-Heath High School students — a district record;
• 2 National Merit Semifinalists (Top 1% nationally);
• 19 National Merit Commended Students (Top 3% nationally);
• 298 College Board National Recognition Awards earned in 2025 — a district record; and
• More than 900 Career & Technical Education certifications earned across 28 fields of study.

The Moment That Matters Most
While these achievements are significant, the moment our Board values most is graduation day, when Trustees celebrate the accomplishments of approximately 1,300 graduates each year—a powerful reminder of the purpose behind every governance decision.

With Gratitude
During School Board Recognition Month, we extend our sincere appreciation to the Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees for their vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community. Their service continues to shape opportunities today and build a stronger future for tomorrow. Thank you, Rockwall ISD School Board, for all you do: Frank Conselman, President; Dr. Sherry Packer, Vice-President; Stan Britton, Secretary; Dr. Steve Albers, Trustee; Grant DuBois, Trustee; Amy Hilton, Trustee; and Dr. Bart Miller, Trustee.

Approval of Superintendent’s Evaluation
The Board of Trustees approved the Superintendent’s annual evaluation.

Approval of Superintendent to Provide Instructional Services at Baylor University Summer 2026
The Board of Trustees approved the Superintendent to provide instructional services at Baylor University Summer 2026.

Annual Academic Report
Texas Education Code requires each District’s Board of Trustees to publish an annual report that includes required information per Texas Education Agency. The annual report includes information from the 2024-2025 Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR).

Approval of Purchase for Central Plant HVAC Equipment Purchase at Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School
The Board of Trustees approved the purchase of central plant equipment at Rockwall High School and Rockwall-Heath High School in
accordance with Board Policy CH Local for a purchase in excess of $100,000.00. The purchase was funded through the Rockwall ISD 2021 Bond Authorization.

Approval of Consultant Design Services and Project Delivery Methods for Celia Hays Elementary School Roof Replacement Project
The Board of Trustees approved the consultant design services and project delivery methods for Celia Hays Elementary School Roof Replacement Project paid for by the Rockwall ISD 2021 Bond Authorization.

Approval of the 2026-2027 School Calendar
The Board of Trustees approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar after receiving feedback from stakeholders. The approved calendar will be posted to the District website this week. The calendar includes the following highlights:

• First Day of School: August 13, 2026
• Fall Break: October 12-16, 2026 (includes 2 exchange days)
• Thanksgiving Break: November 23-27, 2026 (includes 3 exchange days)
• Winter Break: December 21, 2025 – January 4, 2027 (for students)
• Spring Break: March 15-19, 2026
• Last Day of School: May 25, 2026

Approval of the Order of Election for the May 2, 2026, General Election to Elect Trustees in Places 6 and 7
The Board of Trustees approved the Order of Election for the May 2, 2026, General Election to elect trustees in Places 6 and 7.

Approval of Board Policies
The Board of Trustees approved local policy updates AF, DEC, DGBA, EB, EEP, FNG, and GF.

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

  board of trustees meeting, feature, Rockwall ISD