How much current debt does Royal ISD have and when will it be paid off?
Royal ISD’s last bond was in 2006. It was for a total of $62,950,000 and funded the construction of the new Royal High School and Royal Early Childhood Center, along with other renovations and improvements. Prior to that the District voted $13,700,000 in May 2000.
Currently, Royal ISD has $62.9 million of principal outstanding (total P&I of approximately $88 million) from those two bond elections. Current annual payments on the outstanding bond is $4.6 million per year. Based on current amortization schedule, these outstanding bonds would be paid off in 20 years - 2039. The district does, however, have the ability to pay bonds off earlier and Royal ISD has always utilized opportunities to refinance bonds when able. Since 2013, the district has saved over $14.7 million in debt service by refinancing bonds at lower interest rates.
The district’s appraised taxable values have a large impact on its ability to pay back debt sooner. Royal ISD’s tax base has been on the rise in recent years with new commercial development that has come to the area. The district has averaged 8% growth per year the past 5 years and, in 2019 alone, experienced 22.6% growth in assessed taxable valuation.
School districts have the ability to finance bonds up to 40 years, and the proposed 2019 bond election is built on the assumption of a 25-year payback period, which will incur much less interest for the district.
What is Royal ISD’s total tax debt as a % of Taxable Assessed Valuation?
Royal ISD’s ratio of total tax debt to taxable assessed valuation is currently 4.12%. This percentage compares quite favorably to many Texas districts, including Royal’s neighbor Katy ISD, which has a ratio of total tax debt to taxable assessed valuation of 4.73%
It’s also important to note, that Royal ISD does not receive any funds from the state to support debt or put towards facilities. Based on its wealth per student it does not qualify for funds through the state’s Instructional Facilities Allotment (IFA) program or Existing Debt Allotment (EDA).
The largest portion of the district’s current debt is from the new high school. In planning for the new high school, it was decided to build a school large enough to sustain the district for decades to come and build a school large enough for expected long-term growth. The new high school has a program capacity of 938 students (maximum capacity of 1,250). The current enrollment sits at approximately 630 students, providing capacity to continue to grow. The high school will continue to serve our community past when we are well done financing it. Most school buildings serve communities for 50 or more years.
Lastly, for those of you referring to the Texas Comptroller’s website, please note that the data is from 2017 and is not a current accurate picture or comparison. For example, many of the districts Royal ISD is compared to have had bond elections in the past two years and their debt is not current, including Gilmer ISD’s $35,250,000 bond, Aubrey ISD’s $51,000,000 bond, and Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD’s $140,000,000 bond.
Try a kitchen timer to motivate your child
Kids hate to be told what to do. Nagging, arguing and scolding don't usually motivate them. But a kitchen timer can. When you want your child to do something, set the timer. Then see if she can "beat the clock." Say, "Let's see if you can pick up your toys before the timer goes off." A timer also works to enforce a time limit: "When the timer rings in 15 minutes, it will be time for bed."
http://niswc.com/15hdC320271
Your child needs your time more than screen time
Too much screen time isn't good for kids. And when parents focus on screens too much themselves, their children miss out on important time with them. So turn off your devices and play board games with your child. Plant an herb garden. Take a walk and look for unusual things. Try foods from a different country (and find the country on a map). Create a secret code. You'll be helping your child think and learn.
http://niswc.com/15hcC320271
Promote safety on the way to school
Whether your child walks or bikes to school or just to the bus stop, you want him to be safe on the way. Choose a route with the fewest street crossings. Then walk the route with your child. As you go, role-play situations he might face. What will he do if a large dog is in his path? If possible, arrange for him to walk with a friend or family member each day. And be sure your child knows never to talk to or ride with strangers.
http://niswc.com/15hbC320271
Celebrate your child's big accomplishments
Setting goals is an effective way to motivate your child, in school and at home. Sometimes reaching a goal feels so good, it's all the reward your child will need to keep going. But when she reaches a tough goal, it's time to celebrate! One way is to take (or have your child draw) a picture of her reaching her goal. Frame it and put it by her bed. Whenever she looks at it, she'll see herself as an achiever.
http://niswc.com/15haC320271
A short note can ease first-day jitters
Even children who are excited about the first day of school can be worried about it, too. One common worry is, "Will my teacher like me?" Ease your child's fears by writing a note introducing him to the teacher. You can include all the things he wants the teacher to know, like "Billy can count to 100." Read the note aloud to your child. Then send it to open the door to productive teamwork with the teacher.
http://niswc.com/15hZC320271
Please join us at at the
School Bond Informational Community Meeting
Thursday August 22, 2019
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Royal Junior High School Auditorium
Other meetings scheduled:
Saturday September 7, 2019 at 10:00 am
Monday September 23, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Sunday October 6, 2019 at 3:00 pm
Saturday November 2, 2019 at 10:00 am
all meetings will be at the RJH Auditorium
After a citizens’ committee process, the Royal ISD Board of Trustees has called a bond election for $34,824,000 to be held on November 5, 2019. Visit www.royalisdbond.com for details about the proposed projects, tax information, voting information and more.
The TEA 2019 Accountability Ratings are official. RISD is a B rated district! Thank you RISD students, staff and administrators for your hard work and dedication!
https://txschools.gov/districts/237905
Dear RISD Families,
Our transportation department is reviewing bus routes to ensure that all of our students get to and from school in a safe and timely manner. Delays in pick up and drop off times occur most in the first few weeks of school. We ask for your patience as we work to resolve any issues. Go Falcons!
Parents please check out the "Title 1 Parent & Family Engagement Newsletter" for this quarter. This is a great resource for everyone that can help build strong connections between our schools and our families. This newsletter is available in both English & Spanish at the links below.
English:
https://www.esc16.net/…/2019-20%201st%20Quarter%20English.p…
Spanish
https://www.esc16.net/…/2019-20%201st%20Quarter%20-%20Spani…
Thank you to Chief Jackson, Brookshire Police Department, RISD Police, and Waller County for making sure all of our students arrived safely! Thank you for your service!
Can’t wait to see all of our students!
Welcome back Falcons! It's going to be a great year!
RISD first day school is Wednesday August 14, 2019. Don't forget to download the app.
With the new app, you can access sports scores, cafeteria
menus, news updates, and even emergency notifications.
Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/2JfehJ9 or
iPhone: https://apple.co/2JlNbjp.
Meet the Teacher is tonight! Please call your campus for times and information. We can't wait to see everyone!
Royal FFA Exhibitor Places First at Waller County Goat Progress Show
Article By: Royal Ag Science Staff
On August 1st, Royal FFA members, Jalyn Danz, Remy Danz, Shelby Fontenot, Hanna Ulbricht, Maria Gomez, Andrea Gomez and Madison Meader exhibited their market goats at the Waller County Fair Goat Progress Show. Andrea Gomez placed 1st in the Novice Goat Division and Maria Gomez placed 3rd. The exhibitors plan on continuing their hard work, in hope of coming out on top at the Waller County Fair goat show! Congratulations Royal FFA exhibitors on your success and participation.
Pictured: Various Royal FFA Exhibitors with Market Goat Projects.
Immunization Clinic is at Royal High School today from 11:30-3:00 pm