In a recent meeting, the Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) Board of Trustees discussed the upcoming school building bond election scheduled for November 5, 2024. The board emphasized the urgency of calling the election, with a deadline for filing candidacy set for August 19. The election will be managed in partnership with Williamson and Travis counties, which the board noted is a cost-effective and efficient approach.

The primary focus of the meeting was to adopt an order calling for the bond election, which aims to address significant infrastructure needs across the district. The proposed bond includes multiple propositions, with a total principal amount estimated at $798 million and projected interest of approximately $468 million, bringing the total debt service to around $1 billion. Trustees discussed the necessity of transparency in the bond's financial implications, with plans to make detailed documents available to the public through various channels, including the district's website.

Trustees expressed differing opinions on the bond's size and implications. Some members praised the thoroughness of the Community Bond Committee (CBC) for their work in developing the bond proposal, highlighting its focus on student needs and the importance of addressing deferred maintenance across all campuses. Others raised concerns about the district's existing debt, suggesting that the proposed bond could lead to an unsustainable financial burden on taxpayers, with estimates indicating a potential debt of nearly $40,000 per student.

The discussion also touched on the bond guarantee program and its implications for future financing, with assurances from financial advisors that the district would likely have access to necessary funds despite recent changes in state funding policies.

As the meeting progressed, trustees debated the merits of the bond, with some advocating for a more cautious approach given the current economic climate. Ultimately, the board moved forward with the motion to adopt the order calling for the bond election, reflecting a commitment to addressing the district's pressing infrastructure needs while navigating the complexities of public financing and community expectations.