Round Rock Edition | December 2024

BY HANNAH NORTON & BROOKE SJOBERG

Abbott directs universities to extend tuition freeze Texas public colleges and universities should not increase tuition for another two years, Gov. Greg Abbott said Nov. 13, citing “significant rising costs due to inflation.” The details In a letter sent to higher education leaders, Average cost for in-state students For in-state students, the average cost of tuition and fees makes up roughly one-third of the total cost of attendance for public colleges.

RRISD campuses score 96% on audits Round Rock ISD campuses scored a 96% on safety audits conducted by the Texas Education Agency, a new update from the district shows. What you need to know In a Nov. 6 update, district administrators shared that the district earned a 96% on safety audits conducted at the 14 campuses that have been audited by the TEA this year. According to the district, these audits include: Determining if campuses can be accessed by unsecured or unauthorized means Finding any exterior doors that are unlocked Ensuring accurate records of weekly door checks are kept on each campus

Housing, books and other costs: $18,463

Tuition and fees: $10,261

Abbott said he spoke with the boards of regents at each state university system, all of which agreed not to raise tuition for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. “When inflation and other economic pressures burden household budgets, our public universities must take every step possible to ease the financial burden on our students and their families,” Abbott wrote. How we got here Last year, Texas lawmakers allocated an additional $700 million to public universities under House Bill 1, the state budget. In exchange

35.7%

64.3%

SOURCE: COLLEGE FOR ALL TEXANS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

for the funding, university leaders agreed to keep undergraduate tuition flat for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Public colleges and universities collect revenue from the biennial state budget, research contracts and grants, tuition and fees, donations, and other sources.

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

CALL (512) 244-2644 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

2002 Locally owned since

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth-grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!

DR. PAUL GATES Board Certified with the American Board of Orthodontics

Scan to hear from Dr. Gates!

Your personalized, beautiful smile is my priority!

IN Orthodontics Specialist

Avery Ranch (PS–G8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–G1) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin

• Private treatment suites for every appointment • Braces made in America • Interest free payment plans • Most insurance accepted • Invisalign & more • 7&Up Kids Club

Scan to schedule a tour

503 E. Palm Valley Blvd, Building 2 Ste 200 Round Rock, TX 78664

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

WWW.ROUNDROCKORTHODONTICS.COM

© 2024, Challenger Schools · Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

17

ROUND ROCK EDITION

Powered by