New agreement between city of Austin, Round Rock ISD could speed construction, save tax dollars

How it works

The interlocal agreement allows the school district to develop its property within the city of Austin in a streamlined administrative process. RRISD must still follow all technical codes, such as building and fire codes.

Both the city and school district will have liaisons to communicate and mediate any disputes regarding the agreement.

RRISD has around 20 campuses within the city limits, with several slated for bond-funded improvements in the coming years.

What they're saying

Austin City Council member Krista Laine, who represents District 6, said the agreement will likely save the school district thousands of dollars and about a year of permitting time for improvements to campuses located within the city of Austin.

"This is exactly the type of step that will allow both sides of this contract, both parts of local government who are now working together differently than they have before, to do more with less money," Laine said. "This is the moment to figure out how we can ... get every bit of value that we can out of every tax dollar spent."

Laine's district is one of two in the city that overlap with the school district.