On July 15, Royal ISD welcomed 34 area land developers, real estate professionals, and local community leaders to showcase all of the great things happening at Royal ISD and how the district is truly “investing in our tomorrow”. Thank you to event sponsor Brookshire Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for sponsoring the event and for providing lunch and attendee gifts. Special thanks to Land Broker Susan Menke for her belief in Royal ISD and for her dedication for getting the word out about the great things happening in the district. Thanks also to everyone who played a role in the success of this event.
Attendees were treated to a presentation on the growth of RISD by Mike Barnes, President of Mike Barnes Group, and to presentations by several current and former Royal students. The event agenda was as follows:
- Welcome: RISD Superintendent Rick Kershner
- Area Growth: Mike Barnes, Brookshire EDC
- Falcon Snapshot: Rick Kershner
- Why Royal? Tonya Gage-Woods, Director of Special Services and Former Student
- Early College HS: Alexis Ibarra & Samantha Lopez, Current Students
- Homegrown Success: Jason Woods, RISD Teacher and Former Student
- ECHS Graduate / College Student: Shauna Odum, Former Student
- STEM Student: Lauren Hillsman, STEM Student
- Homegrown Success: Nick Gonzalez, RISD Teacher and Former Student
- The "Other Education": Melani Alanis, Current Student
- Geek Squad: Cameron Richards, Current Student
Mike Barnes shared that the main focus in location scouting for businesses used to be “location, location, location”. The focus has shifted in recent years to “education, education, education”, meaning that Royal ISD is a critical piece of what attracts new industry and businesses to the Brookshire/Pattison area. Stream Realty constructed 1,036,057 square feet four months ago in Empire West. This facility is fully occupied and/or leased. Another 2,131,305 square feet is planned for construction on the 300-acre park. Brookshire is also home to the North American headquarters of Grundfos. Brookshire was selected during a nationwide site search. Duro Hilx, Brookshire Hyundai, Brookshire Holiday Inn Express, and Brookshire Drying Company are just a few of the rapidly growing area businesses adding employment opportunities and revenue to the area.
In many school districts, growth primarily comes from new home sales. In Royal, however, business growth combined with the growing population within the Royal ISD boundaries puts the school district in a unique position to provide expanded opportunities and additional facilities for current and future Falcon students. In the space of one year, Royal ISD’s tax base increased from $1.45 billion (November 2020) to $2.10 billion (November 2021), allowing the district to support a nearly $100 million bond with no tax rate increase. Smart, strategic financial management and a recent bond refunding (which saved 2 years and $2,651,131) further solidifies the district’s strong financial standing.
In addition to presentations about growth and business development, current and former students spoke about what makes Royal such a special place to live, learn, and work. The TEA B-rated district has several programs designed to prepare each Falcon student for the future. Early College High School, Career & Technical Education programs, award-winning teams and extracurricular activities, a dedicated STEM program with Project Lead the Way Designated School recognition, a dual two-way language program, On-Ramps, Gifted & Talented services, special education services, and recognition as a Texas College & Career Readiness Model School are just some of the available programs. These opportunities allow Royal to prepare students to be successful adults in the fields that best meet their needs and abilities.
In the words of Tonya Gage-Woods, Falcon former student and Royal Director of Special Services, “We pour into our staff and teachers. A recent interviewee informed us that TEA recommended she look at Royal for employment opportunities due to the district’s dedication to staff development. I choose not to say, ‘Why Royal?’. Instead, I ask, ‘Why NOT Royal?’”
Royal ISD is a hidden gem in the state of Texas, and its students are well-equipped to compete with students from districts of all sizes.
