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Heads up, Texas taxpayers: we’ve reviewed the upcoming ROCKWALL ISD agenda and found 4 items that deserve your attention before the gavel falls.
| ALERT (LEVEL 9) |
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Bond Projects Show $21.5M+ in Cost Overruns
A financial report buried in the consent agenda reveals significant cost overruns in the 2021 bond program, totaling over $21.5 million above voter-approved estimates so far. For example, the two 9th Grade Centers and Rakow Middle School are a combined $34 million over budget, while other projects are also exceeding their initial costs.
Response
DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE: Email the Board of Trustees: ‘I demand Consent Item 11.B be pulled for a separate discussion and a roll-call vote. Why are the 2021 bond projects more than $21 million over budget, and what is the plan to control these costs without further burdening taxpayers?’
💰 Impact: $21.5M+ in Bond Overruns
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| WARNING (LEVEL 6) |
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District to Shift $310k From ‘Instruction’ Budget
Tucked into the consent agenda, budget amendments propose moving over $378,000 between departments. The majority of this money, over $310,000, is being taken directly from the ‘Instruction’ budget to cover costs for Maintenance & Operations ($300,000), Transportation ($55,000), and other areas.
Response
DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Email the Board of Trustees: ‘Regarding the budget amendments in Consent Item 11.B, please explain why over $310,000 is being moved out of the Instruction budget. This item should be discussed publicly, not passed without comment on the consent agenda.’
💰 Impact: Money Moved from Classroom
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✅ Wins for Taxpayers
Good moves worth showing up to support so they stick.
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| Major Win (LEVEL 8) |
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Rockwall ISD Earns ‘Superior’ Financial Rating
Rockwall ISD will present its 2025-2026 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) report, on which it earned a ‘Superior’ rating with a score of 94 out of 100. This public hearing is an opportunity for the district to showcase its strong financial management to taxpayers.
How to Lock It In
AMPLIFY THE WIN: Attend the public hearing for Item 9.A to thank the board and administration for their fiscal stewardship. Getting this positive news on the record encourages continued financial discipline.
✅ Why It Matters: Taxpayer Transparency
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| Major Win (LEVEL 7) |
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District Receives Clean Bill of Financial Health in Annual Audit
The board will approve the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The district’s independent auditors issued an ‘unmodified opinion,’ the highest level of assurance possible, and found no material weaknesses in internal controls.
How to Lock It In
SECURE THE STANDARD: Contact the Board of Trustees to acknowledge the clean audit report under Item 10.A. Positive reinforcement for good governance helps make it the standard for all local governments.
✅ Why It Matters: Strong Fiscal Oversight
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