At its Oct. 20, 2025, regular meeting, the Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees approved consultant design services and project delivery methods for several bond-funded construction projects, accepted completion for recent HVAC replacements and authorized a cooperative purchase for playground shade structures.

Administrators told the board the projects are funded primarily from the districts 2021 bond authorization. David Carter, the districts Senior Chief Financial Officer, presented the project summaries and procurement methods and answered trustee questions.

Key approvals included a recommendation to hire Estes McClure and Associates (EMA) as the MEP consultant and to use construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the Rockwall High School and Rockwall Heath High School HVAC central plant replacement project. The administration said both systems are largely original to the buildings and that the CMAR delivery method is commonly used on larger bond projects.

The board approved replacing the fire alarm system at Rockwall Heath High School, again recommending Estes McClure and Associates and using the competitive sealed proposal (CSP) method.

Trustees approved a proposal to hire Corrigan Architects and use CSP for the Rayco Middle School parking lot expansion. Administrators said the item had been part of the Raeco Middle School guaranteed maximum price (GMP) but was removed from that package to seek better pricing through a separate procurement.

The board authorized a purchase through a board-approved cooperative for playground shade structures at Amy Parks and Linda Line elementary schools. Administration estimated the combined cost would not exceed $150,000, which exceeded the boards $100,000 approval threshold; the vendor referenced was Lee Park and Play, on a cooperative contract. The administration said the districts standard playground specification is a four-post hip shade design.

The board also accepted project completion for the Springer, Hartman and Jones elementary HVAC replacement projects. The district recommended a deduct change order of $120,000, resulting in a final contract amount of $4,482,941.57 and stated substantial completion occurred on Aug. 8, 2025.

Other routine items approved included an amendment to the board operating procedures to move board books availability from five days to six days before meetings and the consent agenda, which included minutes, financial reports, budget amendments and routine personnel items.

Votes at a glance

- Rockwall High/Heath High HVAC central plant project: Motion to approve consultant (Estes McClure and Associates) and CMAR project delivery method. Motion by Trustee Britton; second by Trustee Amy Hilton. Tally: yes 6, no 0, absent 1. Outcome: approved.

- Rockwall Heath High School fire alarm replacement: Motion to approve consultant (Estes McClure and Associates) and CSP project delivery method. Motion by Trustee DuBois; second by Trustee Albers. Tally: yes 6, no 0, absent 1. Outcome: approved.

- Rayco Middle School parking lot expansion: Motion to approve consultant (Corrigan Architects) and CSP delivery method. Motion by Trustee Amy Hilton; second by Trustee Bart Miller. Tally: yes 6, no 0, absent 1. Outcome: approved.

- Playground shade structures (Amy Parks and Linda Line elementary schools): Motion to approve cooperative purchase and solicit quotes. Motion by Trustee Britton; second by Trustee Amy Hilton. Project cost projected not to exceed $150,000; funding: General Operating Fund (Fund 199). Tally: yes 6, no 0, absent 1. Outcome: approved.

- Springer, Hartman & Jones elementary HVAC replacement projects, final acceptance: Motion to accept project completion and authorize final payment. Original contract award: $4,602,941.57; deduct change order: $120,000. Final contract amount: $4,482,941.57. Motion by Trustee Albers; second by Trustee DuBois. Tally: yes 6, no 0, absent 1. Outcome: approved.

- Board operating procedures amendment (board books availability from 5 to 6 days): Motion to approve as presented. Motion made and seconded; Tally: yes 6, no 0, absent 1. Outcome: approved.

Procedural notes: Administrators said the HVAC and other projects were originally identified in the 2021 bond program and will be paid from the 2021 bond authorization. For the Rayco parking expansion, administrators said they chose to pull the item from the GMP to solicit separate proposals in hopes of improved pricing.

Why it matters: The approvals authorize design and procurement steps for projects that affect campus infrastructure, safety systems and student amenities. Bond-funded construction decisions determine the districts capital spending and construction delivery methods for the coming months.