Round Rock ISD cutting stipends for some dual-language staff

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) — Parents with children in Round Rock ISD's Bilingual Education Program said they're worried the program will suffer now that the district plans to cut stipends for some dual-language staff.

In June, RRISD's board of trustees approved the budget for the 2024-25 school year. In it, cutting stipends for non-classroom bilingual educators.

According to the district, teachers and intervention teachers will retain the $7,000 dual language stipend. That same stipend no longer being given to to non-classroom teachers this upcoming school year.

Round Rock education advocates have been vocal in their opposition to the cut. A Change.com petition circulated before the trustee's vote, gaining more than 300 signatures. The petition stressed that the non-classroom teachers at risk of losing stipends are administrative personnel.

Allison Stewart has two elementary-aged children in the Bilingual Education Program and said she wants the district to reinstate the stipends.

“Programs like this are our programs that keep families like mine in the district. Quite frankly, it's one of the main reasons we moved into Round Rock ISD," Stewart said.

The district gave a statement in response to these changes.

These cuts to stipends for bilingual non-teaching staff will not impact the Dual Language program itself. The DL program remains fully supported and will continue to be closely monitored to ensure that students receive a robust educational experience. We are committed to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the Dual Language program.

- Spokesperson for Round Rock ISD