Hi everyone!

My name is Zach Perkins, and I serve as the Associate Director of Bond Communications and Outreach for Round Rock ISD. I’m also the proud uncle of a Union Hill wolf. I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about what this year looks like for our district. 

We are just a few weeks into the school year, and already, learning and innovation are underway on our campuses across the district. To continue supporting our students, staff and classrooms, our trustees called for a VATRE (Voter-Approved Tax Rate Election) at the August Board Meeting (VATRE details are on this webpage, in case you missed it).

Also known as Proposition A, the measure will appear on the ballot this November. This local election prop asks voters to approve the district’s request to increase the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) tax rate.

A question we hear a lot: Wait… didn’t we just pass a bond less than two years ago?

Our answer: Yes, we did! We are incredibly thankful for the support of our voters who helped us pass the district’s largest bond package in Round Rock ISD history.

Something important to know: bond money and M&O money are two completely different funding sources.

The money from the 2024 Bond can only be used for capital improvements. That includes renovating existing buildings, purchasing land, upgrading technology, purchasing new buses, safety equipment, and technology, and constructing new facilities to support successful student outcomes.

In other words, bond dollars help us improve the places where learning happens.

Another question we hear: Wait…then what’s a VATRE?

Our answer: Unlike a school bond election, a VATRE doesn’t create new debt for the district. Instead, it provides additional local funding for the district’s day-to-day operations and employee compensation.

Think of it this way:

The 2024 Bond is helping us build, renovate and improve our schools. M&O funding, which is where the VATRE funds will live, provides funding that helps us operate those schools every day.

One is for buildings, technology and other long-term investments. The other helps support the people and resources inside those buildings. Both types of funding are relied upon by the District.

As we continue putting our 2024 Bond dollars to work across the district, the VATRE's goal is to generate additional funding to compensate our educators and staff.

If approved by voters in November, Proposition A would provide additional local funding to Round Rock ISD for employee raises. It’s another piece of the puzzle as we work to secure funding to support our students, staff and schools, not just this school year, but for the years ahead.

We’ll continue sharing more information about Proposition A, what it means for Round Rock ISD and what you need to know ahead of the November election. 

Well, that’s all for me. I’m getting back to #FuturesBuiltHere - enjoy the rest of your week. 

All the best,  Zach