On November 4, 2008, the citizens of Round Rock ISD approved a school bond package totaling $293.9 million for capital improvement projects.
Proposition 1 addresses district growth.
Proposition 2 addresses additions, renovations, and safety and security improvements to existing facilities.
- funding for phase 2 of the master plan additions and renovations at Round Rock High School and Westwood High School
- safety and security improvements to entrances at secondary and selected elementary schools
- science room additions at Chisholm Trail Middle School
- fine arts addition at Deerpark Middle School
- removal of remaining carpeted elementary school gym floors and gym additions at Ridgeview and Cedar Valley middle schools
- weight room additions at Stony Point High School, McNeil High School and Cedar Valley Middle School
- district-wide infrastructure projects including plumbing, electrical, air conditioning/heating, roofing, flooring and fire alarm systems
- new buses
- digital projectors for all classrooms that do not yet have them
- The total estimated cost for the proposition is $137,375,000.
A total of 99 people signed up to serve on the Citizens Bond Committee to study the district’s projected needs for the next two to three years. The Board of Trustees directed the 2008 Citizens Bond Committee to concentrate on only the most critical needs in the areas of district growth, safety and health, curriculum and technology and infrastructure. Of the 99 volunteers, a total of 55 served through the end of the process. The group presented its recommendation to the board on June 5.
In order to reduce the tax impact, the Board also approved the usage of a portion of its debt service fund balance to buy down the tax rate to $.34 through 2011. The average value home in RRISD is valued at approximately $200,000. The debt tax rate for the 2008-09 tax year is projected to be $.31. Based on a $.34 tax rate, the total monthly increase on the average homeowner in the district is estimated to be $3.83 per month. If approved, the bonds will be sold incrementally to fund projects as needed.
The most recent bond election voters approved for the district was held in November of 2006. Voters approved four propositions totaling more than $267 million. Projects funded by the 2006 bond include the opening of three new elementary schools and one new middle school this fall. The district’s fifth high school, Cedar Ridge High School, will open for the 2010-11 school year.