Austin, TX – October 30, 2007 – ACCtion4Education, a group of Round Rock citizens pursuing annexation of the entire Round Rock Independent School District into the Austin Community College District, today turned in a petition with 8,000 signatures, surpassing the required 4,000 and beating their October 31 deadline to bring the issue before voters next May.

“As Round Rock continues to grow, it is imperative we provide additional educational opportunities for all residents,” said Glen Colby, committee co-chair. “Round Rock residents have a right to not only live here, but be educated here, work here and stay here.”

“The completion of the petition process marks a successful first step in expanding affordable access to higher education and training to Round Rock citizens,” said John Hernandez, ACC Board of Trustees chair.

Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC president/CEO, said the proposed annexation and expansion of higher education services in Round Rock will increase ACC’s instructional capacity and assist the college with meeting its regional Closing the Gaps enrollment targets.

“The demographics in Round Rock, like that of other cities in ACC’s eight-county service area, are changing and require expansion of education and training opportunities. With a successful annexation, we plan to build our largest campus in Round Rock and to include a major expansion of our health sciences programs to address the region’s healthcare needs,” Kinslow said.

In November, the college’s Board of Trustees is expected to certify the petition and officially call the RRISD annexation election for May 2008. Should RRISD voters approve, residents will benefit from the construction of a comprehensive campus, offering the following services and programs:

• Lower (in-district) tuition at $39 per semester credit hour
• Free Early College Start courses so students can earn up to one year of free, transferable college courses before high school graduation
• Free computer labs and tutoring
• Day, evening and weekend classes
• Full range of student services
o Admissions and Records
o Counseling and Advising
o Financial Aid
o Career Services
• Expanded programs
o General education/core curriculum courses that are transferable to any public college or university
 Science courses and labs
o Workforce education in high-demand career fields such as nursing and other allied healthcare areas that would meet community needs and align well with the expansion of hospitals in Round Rock
o “Access programs” (Developmental Education and Adult Education) that prepare students, who are not yet ready for college or a job
o Student Life programs that engaging students in clubs, events and organizations
• Access to affordable training in areas such as advanced technology, applied technology, healthcare, multimedia, public service and business
• Customized training, such as management skills, technical or leadership training, tailored to meet individual needs of businesses and organizations
• Entry-level job-training programs that can be completed in a year or less
• Continuing Education for professionals who need to brush up on skills

Round Rock residents and businesses will also see a return on investment:
• ACC provides high-quality, affordable education that helps Round Rock citizens find better jobs, earn higher wages, spend more at local businesses and contribute to the local tax base.
• According to the State Comptroller and economist Ray Perryman, for every dollar invested in education, $8-$10 is returned to the local economy.
• With an educated community, the need for social services decreases, lowering taxes that pay for services absorbed by the under- or unemployed.

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