The board approved the use of $980,019 from the 2018 bond funds for new PA systems for several schools in the district. The contract was approved for Ace Audio Communications to handle the PA system upgrades.
The PA systems will be upgraded at:
- McNeil High School
- Stony Point High School
- Cactus Ranch Elementary School
- Wells Branch Elementary School
- Deerpark Middle School
PA system upgrades for other schools in the district will be brought to the board at a later date.
The proposed budget was presented by Dr. Kenneth Adix, which covered teacher compensation, Round Rock ISD police force, compensation objectives, virtual learning funding and enrollment.
Under the RRISD Human Resource Services, the proposed budget breaks down compensation for the district into seven pay scales. The largest group is teachers and librarians with an estimated number of employees at 3,900.
The proposed budget would offer a $1,000 differential for a master’s degree and a $2,000 differential for a Doctorate degree.
Many council members voiced concern that teachers with 30-plus years of experience would not see a pay raise under the proposed budget.
“I wanted to lend support to making sure that our 30-plus year teachers don’t see nothing,” said Cory Vessa, Vice President, Place 4. “That is definitely important.”
Under the compensation objectives, the budget would offer a $50,000 starting salary for teachers, which according to the presentation is above the market.
Additional discussions included the RRISD police force, which is paying 30 percent above the market. It was noted in the presentation that a lot of the officers being hired have extensive experience.
In regard to virtual learning, Dr. Adix said if the state funds virtual learning the district will offer it. However, if the state does not fund virtual learning the district will be unable to offer it as an option.
Current and projected enrollment numbers were also discussed. There are currently 48,400 students enrolled in the 2020-21 academic school year. Enrollment will go up to 50,453 with an increase of 2,055 students for the 2021-22 school year.
Action regarding the compensation plan will take place April 15. The next board budget workshop will be on June 3. The 2021-22 budget will be adopted on June 17.
