Stan Britton - Rockwall ISD Trustee, Place 4

08/23/2025

Thank you for Heath DPS for cooling off the Rockwall-Heath Mighty Hawk Band after a great rehearsal!

08/21/2025

I’m reading several mixed reviews about the recent authorization of a VATRE on the November ballot. As you form your opinion, please keep the following items in mind:

➡️ Rockwall ISD’s tax rate is not determined at the local level. It is a very complex formula mandated by the state and based on several factors. Many, if not all, of those factors are completely out of the district’s control.
➡️If the district does not levy enough taxes, the state can penalize the district by withdrawing funding.
➡️If the district levies too much taxes, the state can penalize the district by withdrawing funding.
➡️A VATRE is not debt. It is a mechanism to keep local tax dollars within the district while forcing the state to maintain its level of funding.
➡️As a way to ensure accountability, the district has already adopted its budget and compensation plan to show exactly how the VATRE funds will be spent - teacher/staff pay, special education funding and safety/security. Nothing else.
➡️By state law, an efficiency audit had to be performed and presented before the VATRE could be authorized. If we didn’t pass the audit, we couldn’t authorize the vote. Note: RISD passed the audit with flying colors, receiving a 98 out of 100 points.
➡️RISD has one of the lowest ratios in funding per student, admin per student, admin salaries per student and debt per student.
➡️RISD lowered its debt service tax rate (I&S) by 22.2%. The district is currently 7 years ahead of schedule on the payoff of its outstanding bonds. This is due to local growth. Fun fact: there is a state law prohibiting the district from paying off its debt any faster than we are now. 🤔
➡️Calling for the VATRE isn’t because the district lacks foresight, planning or projection ability. The amount of research, calculations and planning just to be able to call for a VATRE takes nearly a year. It isn’t flippant or without serious investment of time and energy from many stakeholders.
➡️Regardless of where you land on the subject, make sure your vote is educated and informed. This isn’t the time for social media shouting matches. Be civil, be courteous, be kind, and seek truth - just like we were taught to do.

08/20/2025

Please take a moment to read the informational materials regarding the VATRE proposal and upcoming election.

An important note: this request is 66% less impact on local taxpayers than the November 2024 election. Our district administration worked tirelessly to find ways to lessen the burden including refinancing long term debt, saving nearly $90M in interest and redirecting taxpayer funds in support of teachers and staff. Find out more at the link below.

🗳️ Rockwall ISD Calls Nov. 4 VATRE

The Rockwall ISD School Board has called a Voter-Approval Tax Ratification Election for Nov. 4.

Voters will be asked to consider allowing Rockwall ISD to access $16.5 million in additional funding to help support staff compensation, student programs, and underfunded special education and school safety.

Trustees voted to reduce the Interest & Sinking Tax Rate by 8 cents before calling the VATRE for 12 cents on the Maintenance & Operations Tax Rate, for a net increase of 4 cents.

The VATRE will cost about $160 a year or $13 per month for the average Rockwall ISD taxpayer.

Get the full details ⬇️
🔗rockwallisd.com/vatre25