Rockwall ISD School District is asking voters to decide on a VATRE (Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election) and three Bond Propositions. This article will provide essential information on how school funding works and offer insights into the proposed solutions to meet the district’s growing needs.
Understanding School Funding and Its Challenges
School funding is a complex issue, and if the Bond Propositions do not pass, the district will face difficult decisions. These could include providing long-term alternative classrooms outside the main building, adding additional lunch times, and addressing a critical teacher shortage. Educators may have to make personal choices due to the effects of inflation, potentially leading to a 10% reduction in the teacher workforce by March 2025, the typical time for contract renewals.
Addressing School Overcrowding and Enhancing Learning Environments
Every year, it seems some taxing jurisdiction requests more money and bonds. While slogans remind us why we love living in Rockwall, they don’t address the significant issues we face. We’re essentially playing catch-up with decisions made over the past decade regarding single-family home developments. These homes, filled with families who either have children or will have children, increase the student population in our school district.
The Importance of Voting for the VATRE and Bond Propositions
The Rockwall community has high expectations for its public schools, which need to remain competitive with schools across Texas and beyond. Without adequately funded public schools, Rockwall ISD cannot compete for qualified teachers, offer increased salaries for recruitment and retention, provide exceptional workforce programs, or ensure college readiness.
In [FIGURE 1] graph, the Maximum and Functional Capacity of EACH elementary campus shows that 95% of all bond projects are due to growth in our community. The VATRE and the Bond Propositions are crucial to meet the anticipated student population growth. By voting in favor, you’re not just supporting our schools; you’re investing in the future of our community. This ensures the best possible educational environment for our children and keeps Rockwall ISD a thriving district.
How Will Voting FOR the VATRE and Bond Propositions Relieve Overcrowding Due to Growth?
• Rockwall ISD has added more than 3,500 students in the last 10 years and is projected to grow by nearly 6,500 students over the next 10 years.
• This bond is essential to preventing overcrowded classrooms and providing access to top-notch educational resources and programs.
• Twelve school buildings are 20 years of age or older. Parts of Utley Middle School the oldest middle school in Rockwall ISD, are 60 years old and lack enough classroom space to accommodate 6th graders.
• Construction costs increase yearly by as much as 18% to 20% each year. Cullins-Lake Pointe Elementary School, is nearly 40 years old, and is the oldest elementary school in Rockwall ISD.
• Both high schools have received some renovations over the last several years to accommodate anticipated student growth.
• The stadium, serving multiple athletic and fine arts programs from both high schools, was originally built in 1975 with one renovation in 2009.
• Upgrades to surveillance cameras, additional ballistic glass protection, and reconfiguration of main entrances are needed for more secure access at certain campuses.
When Will the Educator Salary Increase Go Into Effect?
If the VATRE passes, the Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees expects a one-time stipend for approximately 1,200+ educators immediately. At the August 19, 2024, Rockwall ISD Board Meeting, Trustees prioritized the VATRE to include competitive compensation for teachers and staff, staffing for student growth, and funding safety initiatives. This means the 2025-2026 budget will be adjusted to increase veteran teacher salaries, first-time teacher salaries, and cover unfunded state mandates for safety and security. Contract renewals are around March so administration may have a streamlined process on how the salary increases will be implemented and most likely will be addressed at a school board meeting.
Rockwall ISD Bond Facilities Committee 2024
A diverse committee of 60 citizens, community leaders, campus staff, and parents studied Rockwall ISD’s facilities and projected growth. They proposed district facility priorities, which the Board of Trustees determined for the Election Ballot in November.
Understanding Bond Monies and Tax Rates
Bond monies are paid from the Interest & Sinking (I&S) tax rate, used for construction, renovations, FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment), and land purchases. By law, I&S funds cannot be used for salaries or staff.
TAX RATE COMPARISON
If the VATRE and Bond are approved, Rockwall ISD would still maintain one of the LOWEST tax rates in the area. Homeowners aged 65 and older with a Senior Citizen Homestead exemption will see no increase in property taxes.
The Texas School Funding Challenge
The Texas Public Education System’s funding comes from local property taxes and state funds. As local property values rise, the state reduces its contribution, diverting excess funds to other state budget items instead of reinvesting in schools. This system often leaves schools underfunded despite higher local revenues. The basic allotment per student, currently $6,160, has remained unchanged since 2019-2020. This amount does not automatically adjust for inflation and can only be changed through legislative action.
Over half of school funding goes toward instruction and teacher salaries, with significant portions also allocated to facility maintenance. The remaining funds support additional staff, student transportation, meals, extracurricular programs, IT infrastructure, and safety measures. With rising inflation and operational costs, it’s crucial to increase funding to retain quality teachers and maintain essential programs.
The Need for a Better Funding System
Inflation impacts daily life, and without sufficient support, public school students suffer. Schools, even in property-wealthy districts, struggle to retain high-quality teachers, maintain safe facilities, and preserve programs. Regardless of opinions on school choice or college and career programs, our community faces this challenge today.
What is a VATRE?
The State of Texas requires a Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election (VATRE) to seek voter approval for a modified tax rate. The modified tax rate would increase revenue for teacher and staff salaries and unfunded mandates. A VATRE will generate local and state revenue for Rockwall ISD to provide:
- Pay increases to retain and recruit educators during a state-wide teacher shortage.
- Meet increased classroom demand due to growth, hire teachers and staff for new schools.
- Fund unfunded state mandates.
A public hearing, held in accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 11.184, required the Board of Trustees to conduct an efficiency audit before seeking voter approval for the maintenance and operations (M&O) tax rate. The audit examines fiscal management, efficiency, and resource utilization and is posted on the district website here.
This is about providing a solution to managing student growth today. This school year, approximately 370 students cannot participate in Career and Technical Education programs due to lack of space. We are a 6A School District with 4A School District Infrastructure.
VATRE & Bond Rockwall ISD 2024
A plan for educators and schools while maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in the area.
VATRE PROPOSITION A | FUNDING FOR EDUCATORS
VATRE funds would increase compensation for educators, fund state requirements, and allow the district to hire more teachers to meet growing enrollment.
PROPOSITION B | CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATING FOR OVERCROWDING
- Two New Elementary Schools (No new land purchase required.)
- Cullins-Lake Pointe ES (Replacement)
- Utley Middle School Phase 2 Addition
- Rockwall High School Renovations
- Rockwall-Heath High School Renovations
- Professional Development & Administration Facility
- Transportation Buses
- Safety & Security Upgrades
- Operations Center
- Agricultural Science Center
- Culinary Arts Addition
- Cosmetology Addition
- Marines JROTC Addition
- Fine Arts Upgrades, Replacements & Expansion
- Classroom Furniture
- HVAC Replacements
- Roof Replacements
- Playground Upgrades
- Electrical Upgrades
- Plumbing Upgrades
Total Cost for Prop B: $787,062,000
PROPOSITION C | INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
Classroom devices for students and teachers, replacing outdated devices, and purchasing additional devices to keep pace with anticipated student growth. (New computers, Chromebooks, classroom interactive multimedia displays, enhance classrooms WiFi connectivity.)
Total Cost for Prop C: $18,656,000
PROPOSITION D | RENOVATIONS & MAINTENANCE OF STADIUM
Expand and renovate areas to accommodate two 6A high schools, increase stadium capacity, and improve facilities.
- The stadium serves students in multiple athletic and fine arts programs from both high schools.
- It was originally built in 1975 with one renovation in 2009.
- This bond would allow for more restrooms and concessions on the home and visitor sides.
- It would also allow for the rebuilding of the visitor side to increase the stadium’s capacity to approximately 12,000, which is comparable to 6A schools.
Total Cost for Prop D: $42,960,000
Your Vote Matters
I’m voting in favor of the VATRE and all Bond Propositions as a community-driven plan to provide competitive pay for teachers, relieve overcrowding due to growth, upgrade existing facilities, and enhance technology, safety, and security across the District. Your vote is an investment in our schools, our children, and the future of the Rockwall community. Let’s continue to build a community we are proud to call home. Comment below what are some of your concerns that you believe should be addressed I would love to hear your thoughts.
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