The Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees received information on the District debt report, approved the District of Innovation plan, awarded construction bids for Bond 2014 projects, celebrated the District’s Efficiency Award from Austin Energy and reviewed the 2017 commencement ceremony plan at its April 20 Regular Board Meeting.
Board receives District debt report
Chief Financial Officer Randy Staats presented information regarding the District’s debt and debt management strategies ahead of the May 6 Bond Election. Round Rock ISD is the only school district in Texas to earn a AAA Bond Rating from both Fitch and Moody’s credit rating agencies, which affords unique opportunities to achieve lower interest rates when selling bonds, ensuring debt service rates for taxpayers remain low compared to neighboring school districts.
The projected Bond 2017 tax impact includes a projected increase of just over one penny on the debt service tax rate, which would not occur until 2020. The projected tax rate includes both new debt, but also existing debt, which declines over time.
Board approves District of Innovation plan, announces updates
The Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees updated the District of Innovation (DOI) policy at its April 20 regular meeting to add specificity. The District worked with stakeholders, including District Advisory Council teachers from every school, to ensure the updated policy is in the best interest of students. The Board originally adopted the DOI policy at its October 20 regular meeting, giving the District flexibility in the following areas:
- Teacher Certification for Hard-to-Fill Areas,
- First & Last Day of Instruction,
- Minimum Minutes of Instruction,
- Minimum Attendance for Credit,
- Class size limits for Kindergarten through Fourth Grade,
- Teacher Mentors, and
- Kindergarten Start Age.
Round Rock ISD earns $92K in energy efficiency rebates
Austin Energy presented a check for $92,288.76 to Round Rock ISD in recognition of the District’s participation in energy efficiency programs. Round Rock ISD received the Austin Energy funds after choosing energy efficient systems at four campuses and participating in the Load Share program, which reduced energy demand on peak days in the summer.
Board awards Bond 2014 construction bids
The Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees approved four competitive sealed bids for projects included in Bond 2014 at Canyon Vista, Deerpark and Hopewell middle schools.
Bids were awarded for two projects at Canyon Vista. The Board awarded a bid to DeNucci Constructors, LLC for $195,932.60 for replacement of the campus’ main sewer line. A $2,210,000 bid was also awarded to Mitchell Construction Company, Inc to complete window and roof replacement.
The Board awarded a bid to Chaney-Cox Construction, Inc. for $1,745,000 to construct the Deerpark half-gym addition.
The Board awarded a bid to JJ Stokes Company USA, LC for $1,628,000 to construct the Hopewell half-gym addition.
Board reviews 2017 commencement ceremony plans
Executive Director of Secondary Schools Becky Donald outlined the plan, including dates and cost, for each high school graduation. A total of 3,728 seniors will walk the stage as Round Rock ISD graduates.
Success High School will host its graduation at 7 p.m. May 30, 2017 at the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center. Comprehensive high school graduations will be held at the H-E-B Center At Cedar Park on June 1 and 2, 2017 as follows:
- Westwood High School, June 1 at 12 p.m.,
- Cedar Ridge High School, June 1 at 4 p.m.,
- Round Rock High School, June 1 at 8 p.m.,
- Stony Point High School, June 2 at 8 a.m. and
- McNeil High School, June 2
