Legislative Action and Advocacy
The 86th Texas Legislative Session concluded on May 27, 2019. During Session, RRISD PTAs along with other Texas PTAs advocated for legislation to improve public education and other childhood issues.
House Bill 3 - Public School Funding Reform
Changes to the school finance system via House Bill 3 had a major impact on Round Rock ISD’s budget, providing approximately $24 million in additional funding from the state and eliminating a so-called “Robin Hood” payment that had been projected at roughly $50 million for the upcoming year.
It means our teachers, librarians, nurses, counsellors and licensed professionals received a 7 to 8% pay rise depending on their experience. All other employees received a 3.5% pay increase. The state will now be paying more for Teacher Retirement System contributions so the district will be paying less out of their budget.
HB3 prioritises early literacy, improves college, career and military readiness, increases support for special education and expands learning opportunities in many ways. College, career, and military readiness funding will go to all schools whose students meet the criteria. A bonus will be paid to schools for each high school graduate who meets the definition of college ready, career ready, or military ready. Campuses will receive bonuses of $2,000, $3,000 and $5,000 per annual graduate achieving above a specific threshold for special education, non-economically disadvantaged, and economically disadvantaged students who meet the definition of college ready, career ready, or military ready.
House Bill 3 is a sweeping and historic school finance bill and it is a great thing for our district. You can read more about it on the Texas Education Agency website.