Royse City ISD and Mrs. Shirley Magness have closed on a land transaction that will be the home of future David & Shirley Magness Middle School. The 40 acre tract of land is just south of I-30 on FM 35. Funds from a successful bond referendum in May of 2021 were used for this future school site purchase.
“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, Mrs. Magness shared, “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.”
Construction of the school itself will require voter approval in a future bond election. A bond steering committee included a new middle school in a proposal to the school board in December. On January 12, the school board will consider an action item to call a bond election in May of 2023 to include this project and more to relieve overcrowding and address enrollment growth across Royse City ISD. You can read more at www.rcisd.org/bondprojects.
