Access for All Texas Children
“The mission of the public education system of this state is to ensure that all Texas children have access to a quality education that enables them to achieve their potential and fully participate now and in the future in the social, economic, and educational opportunities of our state and nation.”
– Texas Education Code
The simple truth is Rockwall ISD receives less and spends less than its peer districts and statewide averages.
In FY2023-2024, Rockwall ISD received less funding per student than its peer districts and the statewide average, approximately $1,495 per student less than its peer districts and $2,970 less than the statewide average. The disparity in revenue per student compared to our peer districts is the equivalent of approximately $28.8 million per year.
Source: TEA PEIMS Financial Reports.
By Comparison: Expenditure Per Student in Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Among the 26 districts with higher Niche ratings, Rockwall ISD ranked #26 in expenditure per student — the lowest of the group. The District’s spending was $1,075 less per student than the average and was also the lowest of any district in the DFW metroplex.
Keeping Administrative Costs Down
Student enrollment and campus staffing have increased over the past 10 years, but the district’s administrative costs have not. Still, for 2024-25, the district adopted a $7.3 million budget deficit. A significant number of public school districts in Texas have had to adopt deficit budgets and dip into their fund balance reserves to make ends meet. Public schools are struggling to address rising costs and inflation, and local taxpayers are covering most of the costs to meet student needs.
By Comparison: Expenditure Per Student
Rockwall ISD is still growing! The district’s current enrollment is 19,226 as of the last day of the 24-25 school year. Enrollment under a moderate growth scenario is forecasted to reach roughly 20,926 in five years (2029-2030) and nearly 23,519 in 10 years (2034-2054).
Based upon the most recent demographic projections, over the next ten years the school district’s projected student enrollment growth is approximately +4,300.
Student Growth
2025
2030
2035
85% of spending goes directly to campus/student costs
Here's a breakdown of spending:
TOTAL: $195,754,316
Change in Staffing Levels
Public education spends most of its budget on hiring and retaining quality educators. In fact, as student enrollment continues to increase, Rockwall ISD has allocated additional campus staffing to meet student needs, but has not increased district administrative staff.
When comparing campus and central administration as a percentage of the overall staff, Rockwall ISD allocates less resources to administrative staff relative to 10 years ago.
Serving More Students, Without Growing Overhead
Over the previous 10-year time period, the student enrollment increased approximately 28.5% and the total number of teachers increased by 28.7%. The combined campus and central administration positions essentially remained the same only increasing 0.1% over the same 10-year time span. Central administration decreased over 23% in the timeframe.
Did you know?
Rockwall ISD allocates less resources to administrative staffing than it did 10 years ago. In fact, the simple truth is the amount of money spent on central administration decreased more than 23% since 2015.
| 2013-2014 | 2023-2024 | 10-year Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students | 14,626 | 18,798 | +28.5% |
| Teachers | 903 | 1,162 | +29.7% |
| Campus- Admin | 47 | 58 | +23.4% |
| Central- Admin | 30 | 23 | (-23.3%) |
Rockwall ISD budget dedicated to personnel and benefit costs: 83%
With a track record of Fiscal Responsibility, Rockwall ISD:
- Received the highest possible audit opinion regarding its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
- Earned very strong credit ratings from bond agencies who have commented that the district has a “strong track record of positive budgetary performance.”
- Commissioned an independent efficiency audit which found that the district maintains an extremely efficient operation.
- Ranked as one of the most efficient school districts in the state, for “Very High Academic Progress” combined with “Very Low Spending” by the Texas Comptroller’s rating Smart Schools system.
- Earned an A Superior Rating 22 years in a row on School Finance Integrity System of Texas (FIRST).
