RCISD buys land for future Magness Middle School
Jan. 12—The Royse City ISD school board intends this week to consider a bond election to pay for a new middle school.
The board is expected to vote on the measure during Thursday's regular session. The district has announced it had closed on a transaction with Shirley Magness on a land transaction that would be the home of the future David & Shirley Magness Middle School.
The 40-acre tract of land is just south of Interstate 30 on FM 35. Funds from the May 2021 bond referendum were used for the purchase.
According to the district's announcement, a bond steering committee included a new middle school in a proposal to the school board in December.
The board will consider calling a bond election on May 6 to include the middle school project.
"The Magness family is incredibly special to the community and to Royse City ISD. Shirley's career as an educator and continued volunteerism are a testament to her contributions and dedication to service. Commissioner Magness was a friend to all and a tireless advocate for Rockwall County and specifically Royse City," said Superintendent Kevin Worthy. "We look forward to the day when the doors open on this future campus and to see the legacy of this special family continue to impact generations of students."
The contributions of the Magness family to the community and school district are many.
Mrs. Magness taught for 37 years, 30 of which were in Royse City ISD. She is an active director of the Royse City ISD Education Foundation. She is also an alumna of Royse City High School and was valedictorian of her class.
The late Commissioner Magness served on the Royse City ISD School Board for 12 years and was the first president of the Royse City Rotary Club. He became a Rockwall County Commissioner in 2003. Hundreds of community members, friends and family gathered in the Royse City High School Performing Arts Center in 2021 for a celebration of his life.
About the future campus, Shirley Magness said, "I am so pleased and happy about this future campus and school site. It means a great deal to me to know that children's lives will be enriched. I know that David would feel just as honored as I do. Royse City is a special place that means a lot to my family. I look forward to supporting the students and staff of this school."
The May 6 election will also include ballots for municipal and school board elections.
Updates on the status of projects approved in the 2021 bond package, and information on future bond proposals is available online at https://www.rcisd.org/bondprojects.
