🎓 Big news! The 2026-27 FAFSA® form is now live! Apply now at FAFSA.gov to access grants, loans, and work-study that can help you pay for college or career training. The earlier you apply, the more opportunities you may unlock. Don’t wait — apply today! #FAFSA #CollegeAccess #FinancialAid

We want to wish our custodians a Happy School Custodian Appreciation Day! 🤍 Thank you to our custodial staff for the hard work they put in each and every day to keep our schools and offices clean. They are the unsung heroes of our district, and we are extremely grateful to them.

🗳️ Understanding the VATRE Ballot Language 👉🏻 The VATRE will be a single proposition - called Proposition A - on the Nov. 4 ballot. 👉🏻 Voters will see ballot language that says the VATRE will generate $20.4 million and represents a 19% increase in tax revenue. Keep in mind it is a net 4-cent tax rate increase and the 19% on the ballot refers to the increase in revenue, not the tax rate. Why is the $20.4 million number on the ballot different from the $16.5 million shared by Rockwall ISD? Because property values increased in Rockwall ISD over last year and will generate $20.4 million in funding, however, when property values increase, state funding decreases. So, Rockwall ISD will also now lose about $3.5+ million more in state funding. The net difference caused by the VATRE vote will be $16.5 million in new funds for competitive pay for all employees, with an emphasis on veteran teacher pay; underfunded special education and other student needs; and underfunded school safety. This will cost $13 per month more for the average Rockwall ISD taxpayer - a net 4-cent increase in the overall tax rate. Therefore, despite the ballot language saying the VATRE will raise $20.4 million, the VATRE will only net Rockwall ISD an additional $16.5 million annually for the operating budget. 🔗Learn more at rockwallisd.com/vatre25

Happy National Principals Month to our ⭐️ 26 campus leaders! ⭐️ We are proud to have these outstanding principals in Rockwall ISD. Every day, they inspire, guide, and support our schools. We celebrate them for their commitment to our students, staff and community.

🤩 All three high schools earned an "A" Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability rating! 🤩 Congratulations to Rockwall High School, Rockwall-Heath High School and Quest Cavaliers for this huge accomplishment.

⭐️ Rockwall ISD Earns High Marks On Efficiency Audit Efficiency is an expectation in our community! You trust us with your tax dollars, and we take that seriously. A third-party outside public accounting firm found that Rockwall ISD receives less revenue per student than both peer districts and the state average. In addition, the auditor found that Rockwall ISD Administration spending is lower than peer districts and state averages. Read the full Efficiency Audit report details ⬇️ 🔗 rockwallisd.com/vatre25

VATRE Will Not Create School Debt Unlike a school bond election, a VATRE, or Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election, does NOT create new debt for Rockwall ISD. If approved, the local funding will stay in Rockwall ISD and will be available every year to support priorities like staff salaries, special education, student programs and campus safety.

VATRE Funds Would Help With Teacher Pay 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫 The Nov. 4 election relies on local decision-making so voters can decide if they will allow Rockwall ISD to access additional local funding to help address teacher and staff pay, especially for veteran teachers. The net change in the overall tax rate from last year would be 4 cents, costing the average taxpayer about $13 per month. Seniors 65 years and older have their taxes frozen if they apply for the homestead exemption and don't make improvements to their primary residence. The local VATRE funds — about $16.5 million per year — would be allocated as follows: ➜ 64% for pay for all employees, with an emphasis on veteran teacher pay ➜ 24% for underfunded special education and other student needs ➜ 12% for underfunded school safety Get the full details ⬇️ 🔗rockwallisd.com/vatre25

📈 Rockwall ISD is still growing! The state of Texas funds schools based on attendance. However, Rockwall ISD is required to build its budget based on enrollment. The district’s current enrollment is 19,226 as of the last day of the 24-25 school year. Enrollment is forecasted to reach roughly 20,926 in five years (2029-2030) and nearly 23,519 in 10 years (2034-2054). Based on the most recent demographic projections, the school district’s projected student enrollment growth is approximately +4,300 over the next ten years. Visit simpletruths.rockwallisd.com to learn more.

Learn all about how the VATRE will determine whether Rockwall ISD can access more than $16.5 million in new funding every year for teacher and staff compensation, student programs, and underfunded special education and school safety. The November VATRE will be known as Proposition A on the November 4 ballot 🗳️. The VATRE will cost about $160 a year or $13 per month for the average Rockwall ISD taxpayer. For more information, visit rockwallisd.com/vatre25.

🗳️ Rockwall ISD Calls Nov. 4 VATRE The Rockwall ISD School Board has called a Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election for Nov. 4. Voters will be asked to consider allowing Rockwall ISD to access $16.5 million in additional funding to help support staff compensation, student programs, and underfunded special education and school safety. Trustees voted to reduce the Interest & Sinking Tax Rate by 8 cents before calling the VATRE for 12 cents on the Maintenance & Operations Tax Rate, for a net increase of 4 cents. The VATRE will cost about $160 a year or $13 per month for the average Rockwall ISD taxpayer. Get the full details ⬇️ 🔗rockwallisd.com/vatre25

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Trustee Grant DuBois read the following statement at the beginning of tonight’s Board meeting, regarding the incident at Rockwall-Heath High School: “Before we begin tonight’s meeting, I want to take a moment to address a deeply troubling incident that occurred early Saturday morning at Rockwall-Heath High School. The display of an antisemitic flag on our campus is a hateful act that does not reflect the values of our district. Acts of antisemitism—or any form of hate—have no place in our schools or our community. We are especially grateful to the students who had the courage and presence of mind to report the incident early Saturday morning at approximately 6:40 a.m. Thanks to their quick action, the flags were removed promptly. We also appreciate the ongoing support and partnership of local law enforcement, as well as the elected officials of Heath and McLendon-Chisholm, as we continue working together on the investigation. If anyone has information about those responsible, we urge you to come forward so that the individuals involved can be held fully accountable. We remain committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment for every Rockwall ISD student. We stand firmly with our Jewish community and our Rockwall ISD families against any form of hate. Please join me in prayer.”

💲 Simple Truths in Rockwall ISD! School finance is complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. If only there was a project dedicated to simple truths, transparency and creating greater understanding about the school budget! In Rockwall ISD, we are committed to breaking down the complex concepts of public school finance, answering your local budget questions, and showing you how your tax dollars are being spent. Our number one priority is our students, and you’ll see that reflected in how we make budget decisions. To learn more, visit our Simple Truths website: simpletruths.rockwallisd.com