2026-04-20-rockdale-isd-regular-meeting-of-the-board-of-trustees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kayleigh Whitsel, Rockdale ISD
Communications Specialist
512-430-6000, ext 1011
kayleigh.whitsel@rockdaleisd.net
www.rockdaleisd.net
April 20, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
ROCKDALE, Texas (April 20, 2026) – The Rockdale Independent School District Board of Trustees
met Monday evening for its regular monthly meeting, opening the night by recognizing student
achievement and celebrating success across all campuses.
Trustees honored a wide range of student groups for their accomplishments, including Special
Olympics athletes, junior high district track medalists, boys and girls soccer teams following postseason
play, state powerlifting qualifiers, FFA students and participants in the Milam County Junior Livestock
Show, and high school Academic UIL competitors.
The Board also recognized Rockdale Elementary administrative assistant Maria Silva as this month’s
R.O.A.R. (Rockdale Outstanding Actions Recognized) recipient.
During the Superintendent’s Report, Transportation Director Robert Hunter provided an update on the
district’s bus fleet, including a new statewide requirement mandating seatbelts on all school buses.
Assistant Superintendent Tiffany Whitsel followed with an overview of potential next steps, outlining the
cost and considerations of retrofitting existing buses versus purchasing new ones.
Mrs. Whitsel also presented the SHAC (School Health Advisory Council) report, highlighting student
health initiatives across all campuses. Updates included enhancements to the Life Guard program,
which will transition from a single presentation to a week-long instructional unit integrated into science
classes, focusing on topics such as sexual health and abstinence.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Watson continued by recognizing additional student achievements,
including Mason Lillard and Zeb Skrhak advancing to the State Finals in golf and the Big Blue Band
earning a Division I rating at UIL. He also shared a brief district overview, highlighting current
enrollment and early observations from his first weeks in Rockdale ISD.
Under the consent agenda, the Board approved the minutes from the March Board of Trustees
meeting, along with several routine items including the TEA waiver for modified state assessment
testing days, the expedited waiver for the Teacher Data Portal of Texas, and the Rockdale ISD School
Library Advisory Committee (SLAC) book lists.
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In business items, the Board considered Senate Bill 546 regarding school bus seatbelt requirements.
Following discussion, Trustees determined that Rockdale ISD does not currently have the financial
capacity to meet the mandate and authorized submission of the required report to the Texas Education
Agency.
The Board also approved revisions to the district’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) eligibility criteria
for less-than-annual appraisals, as well as updates to student drug testing procedures, which will allow
for cheek swab testing as an alternative to urinalysis for students.
Trustees also approved both the monthly financial report and the Quarterly Investment Report as
presented by Business Manager Rebecca King. Additionally, the Board approved the 2026–2027
Certification of Provision of Instructional Materials form and received notification of Board member
continuing education for the 2025–2026 school year.
Trustees were also informed of upcoming district and campus end-of-year events, including the RISD
Employee Awards and Recognition Banquet and Senior Signing Day.
Lastly, the Board reviewed personnel updates, including new hires, resignations, and retirements.
Trustees approved certified hires for three leadership positions at Rockdale Elementary for the
2026–2027 school year, including principal, assistant principal, and counselor roles.
For more information about upcoming events, board actions, and district initiatives, visit
www.rockdaleisd.net
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