Round Rock Edition | September 2025

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Round Rock Edition VOLUME 21, ISSUE 1 SEPT. 6OCT. 6, 2025

2025 Education Edition

Enrollment in ux as home sales slow

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

High home prices are having a sustained impact on enrollment in RRISD, a new demographic report for the district shows. The Zonda Education report suggests that home prices and interest rates have made it dicult for young families to purchase a home in the district. Even as more homes are built, sales within the district have fallen by roughly half over the past three years, Zonda President Bob Templeton said. Demographers from the rm indicated that the recent decrease could have a lasting impact on student enrollment, as young families are more likely to have school-aged children. The uncertainty around enrollment comes with a potential nancial impact, administrators say, as Texas schools rely on a combination of enrollment and attendance to receive funding.

N. RED BUD LN.

INSIDE

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Linda Herrington Elementary School

Families walk to Linda Herrington Elementary School for the rst day of class Aug. 12. GRANT CRAWFORDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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SCHOOL BUS SAFETY 101

Stop for school buses when the red lights are flashing or the stop arm is out.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia Elisabeth Jimenez Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Shannon West Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia

Amy Leonard Bryant General Manager abryant@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker

Grant Crawford Editor gcrawford@ communityimpact.com

Steanie Bartlett Account Executive sbartlett@ communityimpact.com

16225 Impact Way Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI Careers

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the cocktail menu will include familiar favorites with a twist. Menu items include wagyu smash burgers, steak frites, shrimp pasta, and salmon and vegetables. • Opening in August • 103 E. Main St., Round Rock • Facebook: The Dime Round Rock

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Coming soon

5 HTeaO A second location of the beverage company is planned for Round Rock. The menu features a variety of tea and coee options. A company representative also conrmed in April that another HTeaO location in the Brushy Creek area. • Opening in mid-October • 2331 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.hteao.com 6 LIGHT Weight Loss & Rejuvenation Spa The business, owned by Monica Leigh, will oer a variety of weight loss services and products. Oerings include GLP-1 injections, with options for semaglutide or tirzepatide—the same ingredients found in prescription medications such as Ozempic or Mounjaro. • Opening October. 1 • 115 Sundance Parkway, Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.lightweightloss.me

S. KENNEY FORT BLVD.

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620

SUNDANCE PKWY.

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What’s next

cuisines, such as chicken fried rice and veggie noodles. • Opened Aug. 8 • 101 Limmer Loop, Round Rock • www.instagram.com/nbroundrock 3 Redeemed Ink Tattoo Co. The tattoo shop, owned by Rand Thiel, specializes in custom designs, cover ups and line work. The business oers free consultations. • Opened June 11 • 1906 N. Mays St., Round Rock • www.redeemedink.org 4 The Dime The new “social dining” restaurant and cocktail bar recently opened downtown. Co-owner Sasha Flores said

Now open

7 Bank OZK A new location of the bank is under construction, per a development permit from the city. The bank oers personal and business banking, home loans, credit cards and wealth management. • Opening TBD • 2100 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.ozk.com

1 The Bar Method A new barre studio opened in The Market at Round Rock shopping center in July. The studio oers classes that provide low-impact resistance training with elements of Pilates, yoga and strength training. • Opened July 17 • 110 N. I-35 Ste. 125, Round Rock • www.barmethod.com 2 Naya Bites The Indian food truck serves light meals and snacks, including idli, dosa, uttapam, and pani puri. The new venture by Naya Bazaar also oers Indo-Chinese

Relocations

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BY GRANT CRAWFORD, KATLYNN FOX & BROOKE SJOBERG

Smooth Aesthetics provides services to enhance customer wellness, performance and hydration. Oscar Leyva said the relocation will provide more space for clients, in addition to more parking. • Relocating in October

In the news

• 107 E. Anderson Ave., Round Rock • www.smoothaestheticsaustin.com

EquiZen Sanctuary The facility providing equine therapy relocated to Elgin around the end of May, owner Carissa Brown said. Brown said the relocation of her sanctuary coincides with the incorporation of her nonprot organization, the EquiZen Healing Herd Project. • Relocated in late May • 140 Youngs Prairie Rd., Elgin • www.equizenranch.com

Expansions

9 Fresenius Kidney Care The dialysis center plans to renovate and expand its Round Rock facility, resulting in a 29-chair outpatient clinic, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ling. The project is expected to begin in mid-September and conclude in January 2026. • 1499 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock • www.freseniuskidneycare.com

Community Impact Community Impact celebrates 20 years as a company in September. Founded in Pugerville, owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst Community Impact newspaper in the Round Rock-Pugerville market in September 2005 with a cover story about the rst toll roads in the Austin area. Today, the company has more

Road, Leander, remains open. • Closed in May • 15212 RM 620, Austin • www.roundrocklandscapesupplies.com 14 Star Electronics The business oers repair services for personal computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles. It also buys and sells used laptops, phones and other electronics. The closure leaves one remaining location at Lakeline Mall, 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Ste. D03B, Cedar Park. • Closed June 15 than 200 employees supporting 40 hyperlocal editions in Texas, printing and distributing more than 2.5 million newspapers a month. Community Impact has a strong print and digital presence, including a daily email newsletter, to serve readers with free news and help local businesses thrive. • www.communityimpact.com

Closings

• 101 Limmer Loop Suite 100, Round Rock • Facebook: Mi Vida Comida

10 Mani Toes Nail Salon and Spa The business announced on Instagram it’s closing after ve years. The post stated it “was a sudden and dicult decision, and while it’s not what we had hoped for, it’s a necessary step at this time.” • Closed July 28 • 1850 S. A.W. Grimes Blvd., Ste. 100, Round Rock • www.themanitoes.com 11 Mi Vida Comida The local restaurant owned by Firas Abusaada closed in August. The restaurant served a variety of Mexican food, such as tacos, burritos and fajitas. • Closed Aug. 3

12 Round Rock Asian Mart The Asian market closed in mid-August. The family- owned Filipino grocery store provided a wide variety of food, beverage and personal care items. • Closed mid-August • 1800 N. Mays St., Ste. 110, Round Rock • www.roundrockasianmart.com 13 Round Rock Landscape Supplies The landscape supplier carrying stone, gravel, rocks and other landscape materials closed its Round Rock location in May. A second location, at 600 N. Bagdad

• 4401 N. I-35, Ste. 149, Round Rock • www.starelectronicsaustin.com

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Impacts

Pflugerville

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & GRACIE WARHURST

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Coming soon

What's next

A.W. GRIMES BLVD.

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EENLAWN VD.

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2 Juiceland A new Juiceland is expected to open inside H-E-B on Pflugerville Parkway. The shop, which sells a variety of juices, smoothies and bowls, would be the first in Pflugerville. Founder Matt Shook said the store is targeting a December opening, with construction beginning in October. • Opening December 2025 • 2641 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Pflugerville • www.juiceland.com

4 Cava The Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant plans to open in Stone Hill Town Center, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The restaurant serves customizable bowls and pita wraps with various protein options, including steak, lamb, falafel and chicken. Per the filing, Cava will begin work in March 2026 and finish construction in late June 2026. • 18709 Limestone Commercial Drive, Pflugerville • www.cava.com

Pflugerville

ON DR.

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Coming soon

Relocations

Now open

3 Monument Pilates The fitness business will offer three types of classes: classical, contemporary and a beginner “fundamental apparatus” class. Owned by Maggie Jones and Andrew Abrahamson, the new studio hopes to “bridge community with pilates” by building on the foundation of Joseph Pilates’ teachings. • Opening this summer • 1900 E. Howard Lane, Pflugerville • www.monumentpilates.com

5 Saint Joan of Arc Episcopal Church The church recently moved from its location on Picadilly Court in Pflugerville to a new space on FM 685, in an effort to be more accessible. The church, which holds services every Sunday at 10 a.m., was first established in 2019 by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. • Relocated Aug. 18 • 616 FM 685, Ste. 208-B, Pflugerville • www.saintjoans.org

1 Beautician Mix Beauty Supply The shop recently opened a new location in Pflugerville, offering a variety of supplies for beauty, cosmetic and personal care. Hair products, wigs, barber supplies and makeup are available for purchase. The business has another location on Riverside Drive in Austin. • Opened Aug. 16 • 15635 Vision Drive, Ste. 103, Pflugerville • www.facebook.com/beauticianmix

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Impacts

Hutto

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & BROOKE SJOBERG

What’s next

Now open

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5 Potbelly Sandwich Works The sandwich shop recently signed a lease with NewQuest to open a new location within Townwest Commons. The fast-casual restaurant, which will be located next to Hooky Entertainment, oers a variety of sub sandwiches, including prime rib steak, chicken salad, meatball and pork barbecue options. • Opening in late 2025 • 150 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.potbelly.com 6 Frost Bank A new location of Frost Bank is planned to go in the Townwest Commons, according to a ling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The project is expected to begin in November and nish in February 2026. The bank oers both personal and business nancial services. • Opening TBD • 170 Alliance Blvd., Ste. 100, Hutto • www.frostbank.com 7 Amy’s Ice Creams A new location of the Austin-based ice cream shop is planned for Townwest Commons, according to the NewQuest website. The shop’s menu of avors include Mexican vanilla, Belgian chocolate, sweet cream, strawberry, Zilker mint chip and more. • Opening TBD 8 Starmark The Hutto-based business oering dog training, boarding services and pet products marked 30 years of operation at the end of July. Founded in 1995 by Jerry Wolfe and Keith Benson, Starmark has grown to include three separate businesses under its umbrella: Starmark Animal Behavior Center, Starmark Pet Products and Starmark Academy, where dog trainers can go for certication. • 200 CR 197, Hutto • www.starmarkacademy.com • 150 Alliance Blvd., Hutto • www.amysicecreams.com

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3 HT Fitness The gym oers 24-hour access and includes a variety of cardio and weight-lifting equipment. Individual, couples and family memberships are available, while the gym also provides free group classes, child care and weekly tness camps. The company has locations throughout Texas, including in Taylor, Manor and Bastrop, and has plans for new locations in Liberty Hill and Georgetown. • Opened Aug. 8 • 101 Star Ranch Blvd. N., Hutto • www.htit.com/hutto

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Westmoreland said he nds items by purchasing storage containers, attending estate sales and visiting other sites. • Opened May 10 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 138, Hutto • Facebook: Second Chance Resale Store

Now open

1 L/A Skin Club The facial spa recently began oering appointments within Myrna Rose Salon & Spa in Hutto. Owned by Linnet Alvarez, a licensed esthetician, the company provides facials, waxing, and lashes and brows services. • Opened July 12

Coming soon

4 Panera Bread The fast-casual restaurant serves soups, sandwiches, pizza and oers catering. The company recently started the hiring process for this new location, according to its website. • Opening TBD • 320 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Hutto • www.panerabread.com

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Government

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Construction begins this month on Town Green with historic water tower

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Round Rock City Council approved a construction contract for the Town Green project at its meeting July 24. The $4.8 million agreement with Mills Development and Con- struction moves forward a “total overhaul” of the historic down- town area, Parks and Recreation Director Rick Atkins said. About the project The Town Green project spans from Liberty Avenue to Main Street, in between Blair Street and Mays Street. This square, centered around the historic water tower, will receive several upgrades including: • Wooden deck seating • Synthetic and natural turf social lawns

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What’s next The project is expected to begin in early September. The construc- tion will last approximately 7 months. Because the project site is surrounded by businesses and resident activity, the contractor will have to work in tight con- nes around heavy daily foot and car trac, according to city documents. “We’re going to try and get it done as quickly as we can,” Atkins said.

• Pedestrian plazas • Food truck parking

• Renovation of the Johnson building, including restrooms • ADA improvements, signage and landscaping The renovation of the Johnson building will restore it to its historic state as a gas station, with retro gas pumps, according to Atkins.

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month increase from the last scal year for the median homeowner, the additional revenue will fund 17 public safety positions, contribute $4 million in road maintenance and pay debt service on bonds for the Old Settlers Park buildout and Fire Station 11. A nal adoption of the scal year 2025-26 tax rate and budget is scheduled for Sept. 11.

Round Rock City Council voted to establish a maximum property tax rate of $0.372 per $100 at its Aug. 14 meeting. Explained The rate is a 7.2% increase from the no-new-revenue rate and will help fund public safety positions as well as bond projects. Represented by a $7.88 per

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Government

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The billboard in question is located on RM 620 in Round Rock.

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Round Rock billboard faces removal amid violation

A billboard built on RM 620 in Round Rock drew attention from city ocials in August, over a year after a political action committee attempted to change a local sign ordinance. What’s happening? The billboard is managed by MediaChoice, which handles a portfolio of billboards throughout the state, according to its website. Located at 16420 RM 620, in Round Rock’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, the signage violates a city ordinance that prohibits billboards within 150 feet of the roadway, City Manager Brooks Bennett told Community Impact. Bennett said the city has “been in discussion with the attorney of the property owner [and] that they intend to come into compliance with our code,” which would mean the removal of the billboard. There is no indication when the sign will come down. The background In 2022 and 2023, MediaChoice met with Round Rock ocials in an eort to build new electronic billboards along I-35 and SH 45.

620

City Council chose not to reverse its current ban on billboards. In late 2023, a political action committee called Keep Round Rock Safe began a campaign to install electronic billboards that would feature local advertising and public safety messaging. At the time, the PAC’s website displayed a variety of busi- nesses as supporters, including MediaChoice. The latest billboard in Round Rock comes after the city of Austin led a notice of violation for another billboard by MediaChoice on Bee Caves Road. Round Rock council planned to go into executive session at its Aug. 28 meeting to discuss potential litigation related to the sign. MediaChoice did not provide comment by press time.

ROUND ROCK EDITION

Development

BY GRANT CRAWFORD & GRACIE WARHURST

Dell to renovate Round Rock campus The Dell Technologies headquarters in Round Rock will undergo an estimated $1.7 million renovation starting this month, according to a filing with the Texas Depart- ment of Licensing and Regulation. Overview The company is planning to renovate about 6,700 square feet of its space by removing conference rooms to create a larger “innovation center showroom.”

Sabey Data Centers to expand in Round Rock Sabey Data Centers announced in late July the expansion of its Austin-area campus. The overview With construction on the company’s second building underway in Round Rock, Sabey Data Centers plans to open the three-story facility in the third quarter of 2027, according to a news release. The space, designed to deliver 54 megawatts of power capacity, will support high-density com- pute environments, including artificial intelli- gence. Preleasing is now open for organizations in need of space to store data. “This facility is purpose-built for flexibility and efficiency and will offer an ideal home for forward-thinking customers with evolving density needs,” said Tim Mirick, president of Sabey Data Centers. The announcement follows a surge of recent

Sabey Data Centers

data center development happening in the Austin metro, including the construction of Sabey’s first building in Round Rock, which was completed in October 2024. What else? In August 2024, the Texas Advanced Comput- ing Center at The University of Texas at Austin announced it had chosen Sabey’s Round Rock campus to support a new supercomputer. The supercomputer, Horizon, is expected to begin operating in 2026.

Dell Technologies Bldg. 3

GREENLAWN BLVD.

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Transportation

BY GRACIE WARHURST

Ongoing projects

110

5 Gattis School Road Segment 3 Project: This project includes expanding the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane divided road with updated pedestrian paths and turn lanes. Update: Construction is underway and approximately 50% complete. • Timeline: Completion expected in fall 2026 • Cost: $33 million • Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue, Road CO bonds, Texas Department of Transportation loan 6 Old Settlers Boulevard Extension Project: Old Settlers Boulevard will connect Red Bud Lane to CR 110, creating a new four-lane roadway with a center median and twin bridges over McNutt Creek. Update: Construction is underway and approximately 35% complete. • Timeline: Completion expected in spring 2026 • Cost: $23.4 million • Funding source: Type B sales tax, Road CO bonds, Williamson County Road Bond Program 7 Red Bud Lane North Project: This project will expand the existing two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided road with intersection and pedestrian improvements. Update: Construction is underway and approximately 10% complete. • Timeline: Completion expected in spring 2027 • Cost: $34.7 million • Funding source: Developer contributions, Type B sales tax revenue, CO bonds 8 Wyoming Springs Segment 1 Project: This project will construct a new four-lane divided roadway with shared use paths, extending over Brushy Creek from Creek Bend Boulevard to Old Settlers Boulevard. Update: Construction began in December 2024 and is approximately 25% complete. • Timeline: Completion expected in fall 2026 • Cost: $25.9 million • Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue

Round Rock

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GREENLAWN BLVD. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: TBD

Upcoming projects

• Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue 3 Gattis School Road Segment 6

1 Kenney Fort Boulevard Segments 5 & 6 Project: This segment will connect Old Settlers Boulevard to University Boulevard and will be a six-lane divided urban facility with signals, bridges, pedestrian elements and lighting. Update: Under design with 60% completion of design • Timeline: Construction expected to begin in early 2026 • Cost: $4.5 million for design • Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue and CO bonds 2 Hwy. 79 Improvements from I-35 to A.W. Grimes Boulevard Project: This is a long-term project in the early planning phases that would create a six-lane divided roadway, from I-35 to just past A.W. Grimes Boulevard. This is a TxDOT road, but the city of Round Rock is moving forward with design to prioritize the project. Update: City Council approved a $1.3 million contract in February for preliminary engineering work only and the estimated design total at this time is $4 million.

Project: Reconstruct existing four-lane roadway to six lanes with median, intersection and pedestrian improvements from Via Sonoma Trail to Red Bud Lane. Update: Design is complete and the project will be bid this summer • Timeline: Construction expected to begin in fall 2025 and finish in winter 2027 • Cost: $20 million estimated construction funding • Funding source: Road COs and Type B sales tax revenue 4 Deepwood Drive Extension Project: Extend Deepwood Drive as a four-lane divided road between RM 620 and Sam Bass Road, including twin bridges over Brushy Creek. Update: The city approved engineering services in August.

• Timeline: Construction to begin in late 2027 • Cost: $831,222.77 for engineering services. • Funding source: Type B sales tax revenue

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Education Education Edition

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition! Thank you for reading our annual Education Edition, your guide to the latest news about K-12 education. Our journalists have been busy uncovering what’s new in your community, from Round Rock ISD’s enrollment projections and funding concerns to valuable information and deadlines for the college application process. You’ll also learn about a local nonprot dedicated to supporting students and teachers in our school district. Every story is a result of our local team’s dedication to providing free and useful news about Round Rock, and every advertisement is by a local business or organization that partners with Community Impact for their print and digital marketing. Please show your support for their commitment to our community by patronizing their businesses, attending their events or donating to their nonprot organizations.

What's inside

Catch up on Round Rock ISD’s latest school accountability ratings (Page 16)

Amy Leonard Bryant General Manager abryant@ communityimpact.com

Learn about requirements, deadlines for college admissions (Page 18)

Read about the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation (Page 20)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

Round Rock ISD ocials approved updates to a policy guiding how the district purchases library materials, what qualies as such, as well as how and who might challenge these materials in August. The update includes among its proposed changes: • Public input and board adoption of a list of materials planned for procurement for the district’s libraries, or to receive as donations. • Expanding the scope of who can challenge library materials to once again include residents. The board updated its policy last year to limit challenges to parents, guardians and employees of the district. The policy update was approved 6-0, with Board Secretary Amber Landrum abstaining. RRISD begins new book policy

What’s next?

“I feel that it is grossly inappropriate to put this back on the board and to take that responsibility away from our highly trained librarians who have master’s degrees in this area.” AMBER LANDRUM, RRISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES SECRETARY

RRISD General Counsel Cindy Hill said additional updates for dierent district policies will be brought to the board at future meetings. The new policy is part of legislation which will go into eect Sept. 1. A district employee, parent or guardian of a district student, or a district resident may challenge material in RRISD’s library system. What is a book challenge?

Landrum expressed concern about the policy changes, which would have the board approve new acquisitions for the district’s catalog of library materials, which previously was the responsibility of administrators and library sta. The policy would have administrators recommend books for procurement and make this list available to the public for 30 days before going to the board for approval.

Challenge submitted

The Challenge Committee will determine whether the material conforms to district policy. Books being challenged will not be available to students. The decision to remove it from the catalog can be appealed to the school board. If the board nds the book to conform to district policies, it can’t be challenged again for two years.

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ROUND ROCK EDITION

Education

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

Round Rock ISD received a “B” for the 2024-2025 school year, with 87 out of a possible 100 points, in the Texas Education Agency’s school accountability ratings. year, for which RRISD also received a “B.” This marks three school years in a row for RRISD to receive a “B” in the accountability ratings, after the TEA released its 2022-2023 figures in April. Round Rock ISD earns B in 2024-25 TEA accountability ratings The ratings were released Aug. 15, after the 15th Court of Appeals overturned a Travis County district court’s injunction of the scores’ release. The TEA also released ratings for the 2023-24 school

Campus Round Rock ISD accountability ratings, 2024-25 Elementary schools Campus Rating Early childhood

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Middle schools

Rating

Campus

Rating

C.D. Fulkes Middle Canyon Vista Middle Cedar Valley Middle Chisholm Trail Middle

D A A B C B A A C A A

RRISD PK3

Gattis Elementary

C A F B A A A A D B A B A B A A C C C B

Great Oaks Elementary

Joe Lee Johnson Elementary

Elementary schools

Jollyville Elementary

Deer Park Middle Hopewell Middle

Campus

Rating

Kathy Caraway Elementary Laurel Mountain Elementary Linda Herrington Elementary

Anderson Mill Elementary Blackland Prairie Elementary Bluebonnet Elementary Brushy Creek Elementary Cactus Ranch Elementary Caldwell Heights Elementary Canyon Creek Elementary Chandler Oaks Elementary Claude Berkman Elementary Deep Wood Elementary Double File Trail Elementary Elsa England Elementary Fern Bluff Elementary Forest Creek Elementary Forest North Elementary

F A D A A C A A C A C A A B B

James Garland Walsh Middle

Noel Grisham Middle

Live Oak Elementary

PFC Robert P. Hernandez Middle

Neysa Callison Elementary

Pearson Ranch Middle

Old Town Elementary

Ridgeview Middle

Patsy Sommer Elementary Pond Springs Elementary Purple Sage Elementary Redbud Elementary Spicewood Elementary Teravista Elementary Union Hill Elementary Vic Robertson Elementary Wells Branch Elementary Xenia Voigt Elementary

High schools

Campus

Rating

Cedar Ridge High

B A A B A C A

McNeil High

Round Rock High Stony Point High Westwood High

Success High

Round Rock Early College High

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Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

Teachers now have more disciplinary authority House Bill 6 gives public school teachers more discretion to remove students from the classroom if they are repeatedly disruptive or threaten the safety of others. The change comes after nearly half of Texas public school teachers cited discipline issues as a top workplace chal- lenge in 2022, according to the Texas Education Agency. What you need to know The law, which took eect immediately when Gov. Greg Abbott signed it on June 20, allows schools to suspend students of any age who engage in “repeated or signicant” disrup- tions, reversing a 2017 state law that generally prohibited schools from suspending students in pre-K through second grade. If students in kindergarten through third grade are sent home for behavioral issues, schools must provide

Districts to level-set high school GPAs Texas school districts will soon be required to use a standard system to calculate high school students’ grade point averages. At a glance Senate Bill 1191, which became law June 20, directs the Texas Education Agency to create a new GPA standard “as soon as practicable.” The system must give equal weight to advanced placement, international baccalaureate and dual enrollment courses. “It most likely won’t impact kids that are currently enrolled in high school, … because it’s going to take a while to make sure every- one is on the same page,” said Bob Popinski, who leads the policy team for public school advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas.

“A lot of the problems we see with our kids in high school is because they did not have consequences, none whatsoever, when

they were younger.” REP. JEFF LEACH, RPLANO

documentation explaining their decision. HB 6 gives schools the option to place students in an in-school suspension for as long as they see t. State law previously mandated that students could not be suspended for more than three school days, whether they were inside a school building or at home. The three-day time limit on out-of-school suspensions remains unchanged. “This is simply an additional tool in the tool- box,” bill author Rep. Je Leach, RPlano, said on the House oor. “Our educators and our teachers do not want to kick kids out of school, period.”

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

What to know about college applications Austin-area colleges and universities have different deadlines and requirements for applications. View the table to see admissions information for some local schools. This list is not comprehensive. St. Edward’s University did not respond. For more information, visit the respective college or university’s website.

Minimum number of credit hours needed to transfer

College/ university

Admissions GPA minimum

Spring application deadline

Terms to know

Acceptance rate

Earned when one successfully completes college-level course; some exams can also count

College credit

The University of Texas at Austin

21%

None

Sept. 1

College/university Acceptance rate

Test required?

SAT range ACT range

Regular deadline

Admissions contact info

Early action

Application sent in before regular deadline; can apply to other colleges

Huston- Tillotson University

admissions@austin.utexas.edu 512-475-7399

The University of Texas at Austin

100%

2.3

Nov. 1

26%

1230-1480*

29-34*

Dec. 1

Binding application; application sent in early to first-choice college; receive decision in advance The Free Application for Federal Student Aid determines eligibility for financial assistance Deadline by which an application must be received to be given strongest consideration

Early decision

admissions@htu.edu 512-505-3160

Huston-Tillotson University

900 minimum

16 minimum composite

100%

May 1

Southwestern University

33%

2.5

Oct. 1

FAFSA

admission@southwestern.edu 800-252-3166 student.records@austincc.edu 512-223-4636

Southwestern University

43%

1140-1290 26-31

Feb. 3

Austin Community College

100%

N/A

None

Rolling admissions

Priority deadline

Austin Community College

100%

TSI-required

N/A

Rolling admissions

Varies by amount of transferable hours completed

Not required for students ranked in top 75% of high school class

Rolling admissions, advised to apply sooner to meet scholarship deadlines Rolling admissions, advised to apply sooner to meet scholarship deadlines

Texas State University

https://onestop.txst.edu 512-245-8978

1330 combined*

29 composite*

69.7%

N/A

Nov. 15

Rolling admission

Application is considered as soon as all required information is received

Texas State University

67.1%

Concordia University Texas

Applicants are given the option to submit SAT and ACT scores with their application

90%

N/A

admissions@concordia.edu

Test optional

Concordia University Texas

90%

Rolling admissions

*STUDENTS IN THE TOP 5% AND 25% OF THEIR GRADUATING CLASS WILL RECEIVE AUTOMATIC ADMITTANCE FROM QUALIFYING HIGH SCHOOLS PROGRAMS TO UT AND TXST, RESPECTIVELY.

THIS LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

SOURCES: APPLY TEXAS, COLLEGE BOARD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

ROUND ROCK 201 University Oaks Blvd (512) 341-9066 CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681

GEORGETOWN 1013 W University Ave (512) 868-6696

PFLUGERVILLE 19000 Limestone Commercial Dr (512) 953-4070

Nonpro t

BY KATLYNN FOX

Executive Director Marianne Reap, far right, said $130,000 in grants are awarded to RRISD teachers annually.

KATLYNN FOXCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Round Rock Education Foundation volunteers collect and distribute donated school supplies to students and teachers.

KATLYNN FOXCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Partners in Education Foundation supports RRISD Since 1998, the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation, often referred to as PIE, has awarded $11.2 million toward providing students the best quality education and rewarding exemplary teaching. The big picture 17 Title I schools through its campus champion program, garnering additional help from local churches and service organizations as the district faces funding challenges. Get involved

Volunteers can help pack gifts for unhoused students.

COURTESY ROUND ROCK ISD PARTNERS IN EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Community members can support the foun- dation in several ways, including one-time or monthly monetary donations, sponsoring an event, donating supplies or volunteering. A new chapter Reap recently announced that she will retire at the end of this year. “We’re all here to help the students and teach- ers,” Reap said.

Led by Executive Director Marianne Reap, the foundation gave $1.1 million in support last year. The team of ve employees collaborates to address the needs of students and sta by fullling requests for supplies or assistance within 24-48 hours. In addition to providing support to all 56 campuses across the district, this year the founda- tion will continue to focus extra attention on the

ROUND ROCK W. DRIVE

595 Round Rock West Drive, Ste. 404, Round Rock www.rrisdeducationfoundation.org

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY! HOURS: Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm • Saturday, 10am - 2pm Donations Accepted: Monday - Saturday 8am - 4pm TREASURES

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ROUND ROCK EDITION

From the cover

Enrollment in flux as home sales slow

Falling home sales Home sales within RRISD fell by about 50% in recent years. This means student enrollment numbers could drop, which would result in less funding for RRISD.

The conditions

Current situation

Housing market activity has consequences for the district financially, via the route of enrollment, school administrators said. Enrollment numbers, along with the district’s average daily attendance, determine how much state funding RRISD receives. With less families buying homes within the district, enrollment growth could stall. Facilities, transportation and programming costs have all grown beyond the $55 per-student increase to the basic allotment approved through House Bill 2, Round Rock ISD Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez said. Without enrollment growth or an increase in per-student funding, he said the district has less and less purchasing power. While HB 2 will provide an $8.4 billion boost to public education statewide, Azaiez said require- ments around how the new money is spent is limiting for the district. “That’s why for a long time we’ve been asking the legislators, ‘Please increase the basic allot- ment,’ because that’s really what we use,” Azaiez said. “It’s the foundation of what it costs to educate a child.” The legislation requires Texas public schools to use new monies in a specific way, largely to

Despite a large number of homes being built within Round Rock ISD, the school district’s future enrollment is uncertain, demographers said. A report capturing data from the last quarter of 2024 shows home sales in RRISD fell by roughly half over the past three years. Based on this data, as well as housing starts, closings and home prices, Zonda predicted three enrollment scenarios for RRISD— ranging from a decrease of 1,061 students to an increase of about 1,730 students—by the 2034-35 school year. The high-growth scenario still falls 2,263 students short from the district’s peak enrollment of 50,953 in the 2019-20 school year. The difference, Zonda President Bob Templeton said, is dependent on the local housing market, as well as other factors. One cause, he said, is that people are choosing to stay in their homes longer. “These homeowners are staying in their homes past the kids graduating,” Templeton said. “They don’t move until the grandkids come into the picture.” Historically, younger families have purchased existing homes because they tend to be more affordable. However, the report shows there is little difference between the price of new and existing homes within RRISD. “More and more first-time homebuyers are looking for new homes because they’re a little more affordable,” Templeton said.

5,777

2023 2022 2024 2020 2019 2021

5,607

5,781

4,199

3,288

2,940

increase compensation for nonadministrator employees. Throughout the budgetary process, Azaiez and other district administrators stated that this directed use of funds limits their ability to fund other programs as needed. Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, who spon- sored HB 2 in the Senate, told Community Impact that the targeted funding will help ensure a larger share goes directly to the classroom. Several area districts, including RRISD, approved smaller pay increases for staff who didn’t qualify for HB 2 raises, citing the bill as a reason they weren’t able to provide larger increases. SOURCES: ROUND ROCK ISD, ZONDA EDUCATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT Homes sold 0 1K 5K 3K 7K 2K 6K 4K

Home prices The average price for new builds and existing homes were similar in 2024, data shows.

A closer look

Azaiez said the district is experiencing a slow- down of development overall, due to higher inter- est rates and a reluctance to sell land to developers. The district is also one of many across the state experiencing lower birth rates, he said. At the same time, undeveloped land within RRISD’s borders is dwindling, Templeton said. He estimated that within five years the district will be built out. “They’re kind of landlocked,” Templeton said. “They still have a little bit of land on the east side, but for the most part, their developable land mass is virtually at the end.” Over time, and if the trend of homeowners choosing to remain in their houses persists, this could lead to a decline in enrollment, he said. Tanya Kerr, a Realtor and former RRISD campus assistant principal, said the housing market is correcting itself, with interest rates and prices in better proportion. She said this is due to a larger number of homes available and fewer buyers in the market.

Average new home price

Average existing home price

$700K

Enrollment projections Demographers at Zonda Education have created three enrollment scenarios for RRISD. Historical enrollment Low Mid High

$600K

$500K

$400K

$300K

55K

50K

SOURCE: ZONDA EDUCATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Higher interest rates have lowered the purchasing power of buyers, she said. Conversely, homeowners who were able to buy at a lower interest rate are remaining in their homes, leading to less movement in the housing market. “I do think families are trying to make a move, but the desire has to be stronger than the fear of the interest rate and the economy,” Kerr said.

45K

SOURCES: ROUND ROCK ISD, ZONDA EDUCATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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