Round Rock Edition | March 2026

Education

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Round Rock ISD police to implement rst-time oense program

A school-based initiative to divert students from the criminal justice system will soon be imple- mented in Round Rock ISD. The district’s police chief shared information about the upcoming First Oenders pro- gram in January. What you need to know RRISD Police Chief Ryan Urrutia said the program would allow stu- dents to have their juvenile arrest record erased through structured intervention, avoiding prosecu- tion. The program outline shared by the police chief focused on THC and vaping-related oenses. The intervention model is intended to reduce recidivism, or the tendency for students to reoend, Urrutia said. The details Urrutia said the program will primarily serve students ages 10-16, but Williamson County Juvenile Services will allow the program to include 17- and 18-year-olds. Requirements of the program include but aren’t limited to:

"This is a great opportunity for our families not to have to take on the nancial burden of

retaining an attorney…" RYAN URRUTIA, RRISD POLICE CHIEF

• Students and parents must consent to participate. • Students must complete the program to avoid being referred to the court system. • Depending on the oense, the program may require restitution or community service. Student eligibility depends on the type of oense, and whether or not it is their rst, Urrutia said. Students must also not be truant or have excessive disciplinary referrals. Additional information about the program is available on the district’s BoardDocs website.

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

Round Rock ISD superintendent contract extended through 2029

Round Rock ISD’s superinten- dent received a 1% pay increase and a bonus in January. What you need to know Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez will continue to lead RRISD through at least 2029, after district ocials voted to extend his contract Jan. 29. In addition to a 1% increase to Azaiez’s base pay of $350,000,

trustees also awarded him a bonus of $18,520, according to the district. Azaiez was rst hired by the district in 2021 and has since had his contract extended four times. “I am so thankful to the board and to our campus sta and administration for the work they do every day. I’m excited at the chance to continue leading our district,” Azaiez said.

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