Rockwall ISD board approves salary plan for 2025-2026 fiscal year amid budget deficit

The Rockwall Independent School District (ISD) Special Board of Trustees meeting on May 5, 2025, focused on the district's budget and compensation plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Key discussions highlighted the projected budget deficit and the implications of recent legislative changes on teacher compensation.

The district anticipates a budget deficit of approximately $5.7 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which represents about 2.9% of the overall budget. This deficit is attributed to inflation and the freezing of basic allotments for six years, which has diminished the purchasing power of state funding. Despite this projected deficit, district officials noted that previous years have often ended without a deficit due to prudent financial management by departments and campuses.

Looking ahead, the district is preparing for potential budget adjustments based on legislative actions, particularly House Bill 2, which proposes an increase in the basic allotment for schools. If passed, this bill would require the district to allocate 40% of any increase in the basic allotment directly to teacher pay. Currently, the district's compensation plan for the 2025-2026 fiscal year proposes spending $3.7 million on teacher salaries, which aligns with the existing legal requirements.

The board plans to revisit the budget and compensation plan in June, following further updates on public school finance. The next public hearing is scheduled for June 16, where the board will finalize the budget and discuss tax rates for the summer.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's ongoing financial challenges while also addressing the need to adapt to legislative changes that could impact teacher compensation and overall budget management.