Rockwall ISD trustees approve multiple contracts, name MCJROTC area and set budget hearing; audit ordered

Rockwall Independent School District trustees on Tuesday approved a bundle of administrative actions including a naming resolution for the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps area at the Dr. Jean Burton College and Career Academy, the hire of a new elementary principal, multiple contract awards funded by the district’s 2021 bond program, adoption of the district’s hazardous-route policy for the 2025–26 school year, and a contract to perform an efficiency audit required under state law.

The board also set the date, time and location for a public hearing on the district’s annual budget and proposed tax rate for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Most items were routine and came with staff recommendations.

Why it matters: The contract approvals advance a planned technology and facilities refresh funded by the 2021 voter-approved bond; the hazardous-route policy determines who is eligible for district transportation reimbursements; the efficiency audit is a prerequisite under Texas law when districts seek to adopt a maintenance-and-operations tax rate; and the budget hearing begins the public process for setting next year’s tax rate and budget.

Key actions and outcomes - Naming resolution (Item 7A): The board unanimously approved a resolution naming the MCJROTC area at Dr. Jean Burton College and Career Academy “Randolph Junior Hall” in honor of James W. “Jim” Randolph Jr., recognizing his military and educational service. (Outcome: approved.) - Principal appointment (Item 8A): The board approved Dr. Ashley Graham as principal of Amanda Rochal/Rochell Elementary School (transcript spelling varies). Staff noted Dr. Graham has 19 years in education and prior campus leadership roles in Sunnyvale ISD, Frisco ISD and Coppell ISD. (Outcome: approved.) - Efficiency audit (Item 9A): The board approved soliciting an efficiency audit in accordance with Texas Education Code §11.184 and recommended awarding the audit to the district’s external audit firm (Weber). The administration said audit services will be paid from the district’s general operating fund (Fund 199). (Outcome: approved.) - Hazardous-route policy update (Item 9B): Trustees adopted updates to the district’s hazardous-route policy for 2025–26, adjusting walk zones at several elementary campuses and incorporating changes tied to school openings and new development. Staff said the changes are not expected to affect students already receiving transportation services. (Outcome: approved.) - Bond-funded technology and construction contract awards (Items 9C–9F): The board approved multiple contract awards for classroom and campus technology and infrastructure paid from the 2021 bond authorization, including a Dell contract for staff laptops and cases (Rayco Middle School and district growth), Riverside Technologies for access points at Kain and Williams middle schools, Lockstep Technology Group for audiovisual upgrades, and awards for desktops, laptops, monitors and peripherals to Global Asset and Riverside Technologies. (Outcome: contracts approved.) - Budget public hearing (Item 9G): The board set the public hearing on the proposed 2025–26 budget and tax rate for the next regular meeting, meeting statutory notice requirements. (Outcome: date and notice approved.)

What trustees said Mr. Carter, who presented several finance and procurement items, noted that the efficiency audit is required by the Legislative Budget Board guidelines and Texas Education Code §11.184 and said the administration had solicited proposals from firms that perform the district’s annual financial audit. On hazardous-route changes, Carter said updates reflect new sidewalks, development build‑out and the opening of new campuses, and that changes should not affect students currently on bus routes.

Procedural notes Most items were approved on motions by trustees with a second and were adopted with the board’s recorded outcomes. Several votes were recorded with one trustee absent; staff did not provide detailed per‑member roll-call tallies in the meeting record for every item.

Next steps Contracts will be finalized and executed by the senior chief finance officer as amended by district legal counsel. Staff will bring the efficiency‑audit engagement and the budget/public‑notice materials forward as the district prepares for the next meeting and the public hearing on the proposed tax rate and budget.