INFRASTRUCTURE AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY RFISD demonstrates prudent financial stewardship while maintaining modern facilities. As a district unable to levy taxes, RFISD carefully manages state aid, federal impact aid, and grants. “We have to be extremely careful with the state aid from Texas that we’re given, but we do a good job of managing that fiscally,” explains Dr. Holt, highlighting their disciplined approach to budgeting. Recent successes include their new elementary school, completed by F.A. Nunnelly and Gallagher builders. “That builder and that construction manager produced us a product on time on budget and it is a quality build,” Dr. Holt states emphatically. The district also prioritizes essential maintenance, from HVAC systems battling Texas’ scorching heat to rigorous door maintenance for safety compliance. “We now employ somebody just to maintain our exterior doors,” Dr. Holt notes, underscoring their commitment to security. Looking ahead, RFISD is implementing classroom panic alert systems (Informacast) and addressing two key needs including lighting for baseball/softball fields and expanded pre-K space. “Our pre-K is out of room,” Dr. Holt explains, as state mandates now require districts to accommodate faculty children. These strategic investments balance immediate needs with long-term planning, ensuring facilities support educational excellence. LOOKING AHEAD: PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS As RFISD charts its course forward, Dr. Holt outlines three clear priorities that will guide the district’s evolution. “Number one of course is safety and security of students,” he states, emphasizing comprehensive protection that includes “safety from the elements” and enhanced emergency systems like the new Informacast alert technology. The second pillar focuses on educational excellence. “Always providing high quality instruction...that 312 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
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