Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin Edition | June 2023

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Leander & Round Rock ISDs

HIGHLIGHTS LEANDER ISD The board of trustees approved a 4% pay raise for all full-time employees for the 2023-24 school year May 25. The recommendation for a 4% across the board raise was approved over a package that would have raised salaries by 3% but would have also included a longevity pay plan to give employees an additional $4,000 every ve years of continuous employment. ROUND ROCK ISD In May, work on an expansion of Westwood High School added math classrooms, an art studio, a new band hall, orchestra and choir rooms, and two large dance studios. The $32.28 million project was funded through the 2018 bond. ROUND ROCK ISD As the district heads into its next budget planning cycle, ocials are exploring 2-3% pay increases for employees. District sta presented board members with several options on May 18 for raises that could be approved with a June budget adoption. NUMBER TO KNOW The total cost of a 4% pay raise compensation package for all full-time Leander ISD employees approved May 25 $12.75M Austin Community College board of trustees Will meet July 10 at 3 p.m. at 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, Austin 512-223-7613. www.austincc.edu Leander ISD board of trustees Will meet June 15 and Aug. 10 at 6:15 p.m. at 300 S. West Drive, Leander. 512-570-0000 www.leanderisd.org Round Rock ISD board of trustees Will meet June 20 at 5:30 p.m. at 300 Lake Creek Drive, Round Rock 512-464-5000 www.roundrockisd.org MEETINGS WE COVER

BY BROOKE SJOBERG First tax rate election in district history on horizon ROUND ROCK ISD Voters who live in Round Rock ISD’s boundaries may be asked for the rst time to approve a tax rate revenue increase in a voter-approved tax rate election, or VATRE. During a May 18 meeting, the IMPACT TO HOMEOWNERS Round Rock ISD ocials could include a voter approved tax rate election, or VATRE, in a November election that could result in property owners paying 3% more in taxes. For the average homeowner who saw a 10% value increase from $350,000 to $385,000 in 2023, taxes would go up $116 if the VATRE is passed. 2022-23 taxes 2023-24 rate no VATRE 2023-24 rate with VATRE

$1.0626

$0.9764

$1.0064

Tax rate

RRISD board of trustees discussed the district-sta-proposed VATRE, which could result in property owners paying 3% more in taxes for scal year 2023-24. Maritza Gallaga, RRISD’s interim chief of public aairs and communi- cations, said the district has no record of a prior tax rate election, which is the mechanism by which Texas school districts can levy a higher tax rate to generate more property tax revenue. The district levied a tax rate of

$3,719

$3,759

$3,875

Taxes due

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

$1.0626 for scal year 2022-23. If passed, the VATRE will levy a tax rate of $1.0064, which is expected to generate more revenue as property values rise within the district. If passed, the tax rate election would help with the district’s ongoing funding problem, as its state recapture

payments have increased from $14.8 million for the 2021-22 school year to more than $85 million for 2022-23, district sta said. Ocials have not yet ordered a VATRE, but the rst step in the elec- tion process would be for the board to adopt its proposed budget June 20.

District looks to defer construction, change zoning

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

from Danielson Middle School to Wiley Middle School. • Two Leander Middle School neigh- borhoods would fall under Running Brushy Middle School. • Six neighborhoods would transfer from Four Points Middle School to Henry Middle School. • Six neighborhoods from Henry Middle School would move to Cedar Park Middle School. • Students from 13 neighborhoods within the Glenn High School jurisdiction would move to Leander High School. • Students in 13 neighborhoods from Leander High School and six

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING “The goal of this rezoning is to push [construction of] High School [No.] 8 off the table entirely, which is

LEANDER ISD New attendance zones for some middle and high school students will be decided at the June 8 board meeting, after press time. The big picture: LISD passed a school bond May 6 to fund expansions to its facilities, but rezoning 1,414 middle school students and 1,482 high school students for the 2024-25 school year will maximize existing campus space and defer some construction. • Ten neighborhoods zoned for Dan- ielson Middle School would move to Leander Middle School. • Seven neighborhoods would move

[an estimated] $500 million. BRUCE GEARING, LEANDER ISD SUPERINTENDENT

neighborhoods from Vandegrift High School would move to Cedar Park High School.

More than a score.

Want better interest? CDs are a safe bet. Contact me to earn more on savings with competitive Certificate of Deposit (CD) rates from U.S. Bank.

At Kastner Hill, we believe that success extends beyond the test. We strive every day to be more than just tutors and to always remember that a student is more than a score.

JT Reisdorph ChFC ® CLU ® | Agent 103 N. Bell Blvd Suite B1, Cedar Park, TX 78613-2955 Bus: 512-219-7295 | www.insuremejt.com | jt@insuremejt.com

Scan Here to Learn More about our Summer Programs

What we offer:

• SAT, ACT, and GRE Test Prep •AP Test Prep and Course support • College Admissions Essays & Writing Center

Rates effective as of May 10, 2023. CD specials require $1,000 minimum opening deposit up to a maximum of $250,000. Subject to certain conditions and qualifications. Deposit Products offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.

www.kastnerhill.com | 512-961-4575 | 7035 Bee Caves Road, Unit 204 | Austin, TX 78746

CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION • JUNE 2023