The Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees called for a May 2017 Bond Election totaling $572.1 million, welcomed Trustee Edward Hanna to the Board and approved the 2017-2018 academic calendar at its Feb. 16 regular Board meeting.

Board calls for $572.1 million Bond election in May 2017

The Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees unanimously called for a Bond election to be held May 6, 2017. Voters will be asked to consider a Bond package totaling $572.1 million that address growth, innovation in school programming, health/safety, technology and capital renewal and replacement projects.

The Bond package will include the building of the District’s 35th elementary school, a comprehensive high school, an indoor aquatics center, a third district outdoor athletic facility and design(s) for a permanent Early College and Health Professions High School. Also included will be classroom additions for Brushy Creek, Caraway, Sommer and Forest Creek elementary schools and Canyon Vista Middle School.

Three propositions will appear on the ballot:

• Proposition 1 – $381.6 million: Addresses the most urgent needs of growth and safety in Round Rock ISD, including High School #6, Elementary School #35, improvements to aging facilities, replacement of aging technology at all schools and the continuation of Master Plans at McNeil and Westwood high schools.
• Proposition 2 – $133.6 million: Aligns with the Strategic Plan for needs of growth and innovation, including expansions at elementary, middle, and high schools to accommodate crowded schools, a Career Tech High School, a Visual and Performing Arts Middle School and an Early College and Health Professions High School.
• Proposition 3 – $56.8 million: Meets the needs of a world class community’s expectations for arts and athletic programs, including an indoor aquatic center, the District’s outdoor athletic facility #3, upgrades to Dragon Stadium and design of auditoriums at Round Rock and Westwood high schools.

The average home in Round Rock ISD is valued at approximately $290,000 after homestead exemption.The three propositions will cost the average homeowner an additional $3.55 per month. The District’s debt tax rate has fluctuated between $0.2925 and $0.3400 over the past 10 years, with the current tax rate of $0.2925 per $100 in assessed value home being lower than in 2007. [Board calls for May 2017 Bond Election, Bond Presentation]

Board of Trustees approves 2017- 2018 academic calendar

The Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees approved the academic calendar for the 2017-2018 school year. A calendar committee comprised of District and campus administrators, as well as parents, designed the calendar in alignment with the most recent calendars.

The 2017-2018 calendar features a Dec. 22 – Jan. 5 break for students to provide families with additional travel days during the holiday season, with students returning for the spring semester on Jan. 9. It also allows students the opportunity to complete the school year before Memorial Day.

The community review for the 2017-2018 calendar ran from Jan. 20 to Feb. 6, 2017. The majority of the respondents agreed with keeping a break of two weeks for winter.
The District had presented a split week break to the public during the review period; however, the calendar was adjusted after reviewing public feedback. [2017- 2018 Academic Calendar, Board approves academic calendar]

Board welcomes Edward Hanna as new Trustee

The Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees welcomed Edward Hanna as the new Trustee for Place 4, serving at his first regular Board meeting after being appointed and sworn in at the Feb. 15 Board workshop.

Hanna, the Vice President of BBVA Compass Bank, currently serves the Round Rock community as the  2017 Chair of the Talent Development for the Round Rock Chamber. He has served as the Citizen’s Bond Committee (CBC) Finance Committee Chair in 2017 and was a member of the 2014 Bond Oversight Committee. He is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Round Rock ISD.