Donna Springer

The board workshop focused on a Long Range Facility Master Planning session led by architects to review district facilities, goals, and future needs. Financial discussions included a review of the current fiscal year's budget deficit, attributed to construction costs, decreased state aid, and enrollment declines. The board also reviewed the draft budget for the upcoming fiscal year, covering projected revenues, staffing, compensation, and the impact of property appraisals on tax rates, with the goal of presenting a balanced budget for future approval.

The Board approved the employment of Matthew LaHue on a certified principal probationary contract to serve as the elementary school principal for the upcoming school year and authorized the Board President to execute the associated employment contract.

The board meeting included recognition of various student groups, athletes, and coaches for their accomplishments in baseball, track and field, FFA contests, and SkillsUSA. Rockdale Intermediate School was honored for receiving the Kind School Designation. Staff members were also recognized for their dedication and positive impact. The board received reports on summer maintenance projects and district-wide activities. Action items included the approval of the District of Innovation Plan, athletic bids, insurance policy renewals, and the adoption of new instructional materials. Additionally, the board approved a Texas Education Agency waiver for assistant principal certification, reviewed financial reports, and addressed various personnel matters, including hires, resignations, and contract renewals.

The committee meeting covered district safety updates including AED inspections, campus safety signage, and emergency preparedness. Discussions included construction updates for the College & Career Academy and Rockdale Junior High, improvements to the radio communication system, and the addition of AEDs across campus facilities. The committee conducted tabletop activities to review the 2025-2026 Emergency Operations Plans and safety audit recommendations. Additional topics included information on upcoming ALERRT training, safety concerns regarding pedestrian crossings on Murray Avenue, and recruitment for committee members for the following school year.

This District of Innovation Plan outlines Rockdale ISD's strategic direction to leverage exemptions from specific Texas Education Code provisions, promoting systematic improvement and local control. The plan encompasses renewed innovations in areas such as the first day of instruction, teacher employment contracts, retire/rehire minimum salary, contract service days, class size, and teacher appraisal. Additionally, it introduces new innovations related to planning and preparation time, teacher certification, and reading and mathematics training for Kindergarten through 3rd Grade, aiming to enhance flexibility and operational efficiency within the district.