Last updated on November 14, 2024
Rockwall Voices Op-Ed
One Reason I’m Voting No on All Proposals This Year
Teachers in Rockwall ISD will never see the pay raises they deserve until the district manages its budget more responsibly. Year after year, the district prioritizes extravagant projects—massive stadiums, aquatics centers, high-end technology systems, and costly new schools—over meaningful investments in teacher salaries and classroom upkeep. There’s an old saying: “What you do speaks so loudly, I can’t hear what you say.” Despite repeated promises of pay raises, the district’s spending reflects a preference for prestige over practicality.
Extravagant Spending vs. Essential Investments
One glaring example is how Rockwall insists on building new schools in the most expensive way possible. While modern facilities are important, the district’s tendency to rebuild from scratch instead of maintaining existing buildings is not sustainable. Schools don’t have to be brand-new or luxurious to serve students well—they just need to be functional, well-maintained, and thoughtfully upgraded. This relentless pursuit of top-tier facilities adds unnecessary financial strain on taxpayers.
If the district has managed to find the financial horsepower to build state-of-the-art facilities and upgrade infrastructure, why can’t they put the same level of effort and focus into fixing teacher salaries?
Questionable Financial Management
Rockwall’s budgeting also shows poor financial management by bundling short-term assets—like laptops—into 30-year bonds. This practice can possibly turn a $600 laptop into a $3,000 expense by the time the debt is paid off. It’s an irresponsible way to manage taxpayer funds, adding long-term debt for items that will be obsolete in just a few years.
Misaligned Priorities and Strategic Emergencies
The district also claims rapid growth as a reason for new bonds, but historical data shows they have accurately predicted student enrollment for years. The truth is, these “emergencies” are strategic—they appeal to voter emotions, making it easier to pass expensive proposals at the last minute. The district has a pattern of releasing bond and VATRE details late in the election cycle, giving voters little time to engage thoughtfully. Those who raise concerns are often met with harsh online backlash, discouraging open discussion.
Lack of Transparency in VATRE Proposals
The VATRE proposal, which could directly fund raises, lacks specific commitments on how much will go to teachers. This is exactly the problem—if the district can organize, prioritize, and raise funds for luxury projects over decades, why can’t they do the same to improve teacher pay? VATRE funds can legally be allocated for a variety of operational expenses beyond teacher salaries, including administrative costs or other programs, leaving no guarantees that the promised raises will ever happen.
Essential Questions We Must Ask
It’s time to ask difficult but necessary questions:
- Why do teacher salaries keep getting delayed while Rockwall ISD pours resources into luxury projects?
- How can the district justify bundling short-term purchases into long-term bonds?
- Is it right to promote these bond measures while classrooms are neglected, and teachers continue to struggle?
- Why isn’t the teacher pay increase precisely outlined in the VATRE proposal?
Conclusion: Voting for Priorities That Matter
If Rockwall ISD can afford massive new facilities upgrades, it can afford to pay teachers fairly. This year, I’m voting NO on all bond and VATRE proposals. The district can bring back these measures next year, ideally with a plan that reflects smarter budgeting and real priorities—putting teachers and classrooms first. It’s time for change that benefits everyone, not just those pushing for high-end projects.
Clarification for Readers:
It seems some have misunderstood the purpose of my original post. Yes, I fully understand that bonds only pay for infrastructure and cannot be used for teacher salaries—that’s not the argument here. The point is that Rockwall ISD has consistently found the resources and momentum to build everything they’ve wanted—stadiums, aquatics centers, new buildings, and more—without hesitation. Yet, when it comes to teacher pay, we’ve heard the same excuse year after year: “We just don’t have the funds.” This post was meant to highlight the pattern.
If the district has managed to find the financial horsepower to build state-of-the-art facilities and upgrade infrastructure, why can’t they put the same level of effort and focus into fixing teacher salaries? The VATRE proposal, which could directly fund raises, lacks specific commitments on how much will go to teachers. This is exactly the problem—if the district can organize, prioritize, and raise funds for luxury projects over decades, why can’t they do the same to improve teacher pay?
This isn’t about whether the funds come from bonds or VATREs—it’s about priorities. Rockwall ISD has demonstrated that, when they want something built, they make it happen. The question is, why hasn’t teacher pay been treated with the same urgency and determination?
By adding this clarification at the end, I aim to ensure that both taxpayers and educators understand the core issue: it’s not just about where the funds come from, but about how priorities are set and managed within Rockwall ISD.
About the Author
For 20 years, Eric Bott has called Rockwall home, drawn by its strong sense of community and the chance to build a better future. Waking up to peaceful lakefront views reminds him why staying engaged matters.
His move to Texas was shaped by his experiences in San Diego, where disengaged citizens allowed politicians to reshape the city’s character. Inspired by Texas Scorecard’s documentaries and the True Texas Project’s grassroots efforts, Eric believes informed voters are key to keeping Rockwall’s future in the hands of its people.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this Op-Ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Rockwall Times. We encourage a respectful exchange of perspectives to enrich our community dialogue.
