The RCISD School Board held a regularly scheduled meeting last night with a packed agenda of recognitions and action items. We aim to keep you informed and up-to-date on board activities with these brief recaps. As always, complete minutes from each meeting are publicly posted upon their approval each month for your reference.
IMPORTANT DATES
PreK Roundup: April 16 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. (come & go)
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 6-10
Regular School Board Meeting: May 13
North Texas Food Bank Food Assistance Opportunity: May 20
Early Release Days: May 22 & May 23
Last Day of School: May 23
RCHS Graduation: May 24
District Closed for Memorial Day: May 27
VARSITY CHEER RECOGNIZED AS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Varsity Cheer Coach Kara Williams and Coach Staff introduced the first ever Small Varsity NCAA National Champions from Royse City High School. The student athletes donned their National Champion letterman jackets and were recognized by the board of trustees. They are:
Ally Adams
Easton Boysen
Emma Brown
Kaitlyn Chaires
Jenna Embrey
Saniyah Hooper
Landry Howell
Jayden Mosley
Lily Russell
Laney Russell
Alyssa Stephens
Madison Sullivan
FUTURE TEACHERS HONORED FOR TAFE SUCCESS
Texas Association of Future Teachers (TAFE) Advisor Elizabeth Watson recognized three students for success within the organization. TAFE helps attract and train the next generation of educators. Students in this organization get hands-on experience in the field of education by serving at local elementary schools. They prepare and deliver lessons and explore the many facets of teaching. Various works are submitted for state-level awards and the following students were honored for their work this year.
Adrianna Morse, Interactive Bulletin Board on Math Functions
Jenna Davis, Kindergarten Lesson Planning and Delivery
Audrey Anderson, Impromptu Speaking about Education Issues
POWERLIFTING REGIONAL & STATE QUALIFIERS HONORED
Royse City High School Powerlifting Coach Kyle Alvarado and Assistant Coach Ariel Causey shared a long list of accomplishments by student-athletes this year. The Lady Bulldogs took 1st place in Regionals and 2nd place in the 6A State Meet. On the men’s side, the team finished 1st place in Regionals for the fourth consecutive year. The program has shown notable growth in the past few years and is poised for future success with young and hardworking talent. Click here to review individual honors racked up by RCHS Powerlifting.
ELEMENTARY #8 PRINCIPAL HIRED
The board unanimously approved Dr. Ryan McCoy as principal for future Elementary School #8 to be located in the Creekside development located on Hwy 66. Dr. McCoy comes to Royse City ISD from Mansfield ISD where he also served as an elementary school principal. He has served public schools in Texas for 25 years and holds degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas. He will begin work with Royse City ISD in July of 2024 where he will spend a year planning for the opening of the district’s next elementary school in August of 2025.
CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT - RUTH CHERRY ELEMENTARY
Principal Emily Hays, Assistant Principal Jennifer Rhodes and Assistant Principal Dave Christensen shared a video update with the board on the happenings of Ruth Cherry Elementary in 2023-2024. The campus is booming with enrollment growth and works to engage and welcome all new families. Efforts to make connections within the building allow older students to mentor younger students throughout the year. The school leaders are proud and thankful for the family involvement that comes through All Pro Dads and other opportunities. Watch this video to learn more!
COMPENSATION PACKAGE APPROVED - RAISES FOR ALL!
Trustees unanimously approved the 2024-2025 Compensation Package that includes 3% raises for all staff and a boost to starting teacher pay. While the district is still hopeful that the Texas Legislature and state leadership will increase the basic allotment in future sessions, the Royse City ISD is committed to increasing teacher pay and across-the-board raises within existing ISD budgets. Fast growth and conservative budget practices through the years have allowed Royse City ISD to continue to invest in payroll increases without dipping into district savings. Click here to read the details of the approved compensation plan that will go into effect in July of 2024.
ENROLLMENT UPDATE
Total district enrollment reached 9,543 by March 21, 2024 which is up from 9,536 in March of 2024.
BOND 2023 UPDATE
Bond issuance is underway for many large projects in Bond 2023. Plans are in the works for Worthy Fate High School off of FM 552 which is expected to open in August of 2027. Groundwork has begun in the Creekside neighborhood off of Highway 66 and east of Ouida Baley Middle School. The school naming process will take place this summer and the campus will open in August of 2025. Plans are also underway for David & Shirley Magness Middle School on FM 35 just south of Royse City High School. That campus will open in August of 2026.
BOND 2021 UPDATE
Paula Walker Elementary School in Waterscape is nearing completion. Furniture delivery and campus access is expected within the next two months. The school will open for students in the 2024-2025 school year. The construction of Royse City ISD Event Center (adjacent to RCISD Stadium) is also underway and will eventually be home to community events, school board meetings and district-wide professional development training. The Event Center is slated for completion in September of 2024. A school expansion project at Ouida Baley Middle School is nearing completion to accommodate a growing community. Land purchases continue for future school sites and district facilities.
Thank you for your interest in our school board activities and business of Royse City ISD.
Communications Office
communityrelations@rcisd.org
ayudaenespanol@rcisd.org