The process for selecting projects for a possible Bond election continued Thursday night with discussion of a sixth high school, two elementary schools, school expansions, and new performing arts and athletics facilities.
The Round Rock ISD Citizens Bond Committee (CBC) held its first in a series of meetings aimed at assessing District needs for a possible May 6, 2017, Bond election.
Over 100 members of District staff, parents and community members gathered at Round Rock High School to represent four subcommittees: Innovation, Safety, Growth, and Finance.
Each subcommittee was tasked to review facilities and capital renewal/replacement projects in alignment with the community and Board’s vision for schools, outlined in its Strategic Plan.
To begin the initial meeting, an overview of the goals, mission, and subcommittee processes were given to provide each member with a clear scope of their participation. Subcommittees later separated into their designated groups to review their respective project scopes.
Throughout the meeting process, subcommittees will prioritize those requests. CBC subcommittees will meet at least two more times before November 15 to create a draft report. The committees will present reports to the CBC Advisory Committee, which will work with the Board of Trustees to create a final proposal by February 16, 2017.
The Citizens Bond Committee launched a survey to gain more insight on potential projects. The Committee will review requests from the community and staff regarding concerns of school expansions, new facilities, campus improvements and safety and security across all schools.
Review all materials and presentations from the meeting
Innovation Subcommittee
The Innovation subcommittee discussed potential options for educational programs and developing initiatives related to teaching and learning. The subcommittee also reviewed the scope of its projects which include Public Schools of Choice through school expansions and new schools, including a permanent facility for Early College, Health Professions, and Career Tech high schools, as well as an Early Childhood Center.
Further discussions addressed the processes for determining which campuses would receive innovative school expansions, how students would be admitted to specialized schools and determining size of school expansions.
The incorporation of new technology was also discussed which includes the evaluation of programmatic requests for new technology and classroom enhancements including replacing old projectors with touch LCD screens and classroom audio system for teachers
Innovation subcommittee presentation.
Safety Subcommittee
The Safety subcommittee discussed concerns throughout the District. Topics included security cameras on campuses and buses, playground surfaces and covers, school entryways and safety standards with portable buildings.
Additional discussions addressed the process for collecting feedback from principals regarding safety issues on their campuses and the prioritization of safety concerns that are brought forward.
Safety subcommittee presentation.
Growth Subcommittee
The Growth subcommittee began discussions regarding addressing facility improvements and additions to appropriately accommodate District student population growth.
The subcommittee also reviewed its project scope which includes new athletic, performing arts facilities and schools, including an additional outdoor athletic facility, indoor aquatic center, High School # 6, and Elementary Schools #35 and #36. The subcommittee also discussed potential school expansions to accommodate growth.
Further discussions addressed the status of current projects, the selection process for future projects and how costs will be determined.
Growth subcommittee presentation.
Finance Subcommittee
The Finance subcommittee began their look at the district’s outstanding debt obligations and long-term impact to tax rate and bond rating.
Alvin Lankford, Chief Appraiser for Williamson County Appraisal District, presented on the history and projections for property appraisals and how that could impact Round Rock ISD. He also outlined the Property Values in Williamson County and Round Rock ISD as well as current Economic trends.
