Round Rock ISD adopts tax rate, approves new superintendent contract

Round Rock ISD's board of trustees adopted a decreased property tax rate of $1.3674 for the 2013–14 school year Sept. 19.

The 2013–14 property tax rate is comprised of $1.0400 for general operating and $0.3274 for debt service. The rate in 2012–13 was $1.38.

RRISD adopted a general operating budget of $339.4 million for the 2013–14 fiscal year June 20. The 2013–14 budget includes salary increases for teachers, librarians, registered nurses and other eligible full-time employees and an additional $1.4 million for employee healthcare. Funds for healthcare increases will come from the general funds budget and fund balance. For more information about the budget, read our previous coverage.

In addition to adopting the property tax rate, the board approved the employment contract for its new superintendent Steven Flores. The contract includes a base salary of $260,000 with benefits. Flores' contract begins Oct. 1 and current superintendent Jess Chvez will serve as adviser to the superintendent. Chvez is expected to retire at the end of 2013.

In other news:

The School Health Advisory Council is expected to discuss sex education at its next meeting. The SHAC is responsible for making recommendations to the board of trustees regarding student health, including sex education and nutrition.

The board approved the renaming of the district's Performing Arts Center on McNeil Drive to the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center. Hartfield served on the district's board from 1994–2008 and advocated for the Performing Arts Center to be built.

The safe and secure entrances for 23 schools in the district have been completed.