Richardson ISD Bond Proposals Receive Majority Support from Voters

The majority of voters supported Richardson ISD’s bond proposals, according to unofficial results.

Roughly 14,350 people in Richardson ISD voted during the early voting period from Oct. 20-31.

As of Wednesday at 7 a.m., unofficial totals showed Proposition A had about 64% support from voters, and Proposition B had 65% support. Proposition C cut it closer, with 53% of counted ballots supporting the measure.

What’s in the Bond Package?

The package includes $1.4 billion worth of improvements to various district programs and facilities, split across the three propositions. Proposition A sets aside $1.34 billion for construction projects and converting several of the district’s junior high campuses into middle schools, while Proposition B allocates $54 million for updated technology for students.

Proposition C will provide $7.4 million to the district’s two largest stadiums for various improvements.

Why Were the Bonds Needed?

Officials with Richardson ISD said the bonds were needed to continue expanding and renovating the district’s existing junior highs to turn them into middle schools, while also building a new career and technical education center and expanding access to hands-on, specialized programs that allow students to earn industry certifications in certain fields. The district is also seeking to modernize its environmental studies center.

Richardson ISD has used bond packages to continually fund upgrades to the technology the district provides students, which is on the ballot as Proposition B this year. The district also said Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades and new turf and LED lighting are needed at Wildcat-Ram Stadium and Eagle-Mustang Stadium.

Tax Rate Increase

The bonds will result in a 4-cent tax rate increase, equating to an average annual increase of $124.

Other School District Elections

Other school district elections on the ballot included two voter-approved tax rate increases in Garland ISD and Rockwall ISD. Unofficial voting results showed as of Wednesday morning, 61% of voters in Garland backed the measure, while 54% of voters in Rockwall ISD supported the increase.

Impact on Teacher Salaries and Student Programs

Officials in Garland ISD said the tax rate increase, which would raise the rate from $1.05 per $100 valuation to $1.17, would primarily be used to increase teacher salaries with the goal of recruiting new educators and retaining existing ones.

The measure could generate $56 million for the district, which is facing a $60 million shortfall and is below the market average for starting teacher salaries.

The district has also said student programs, like career education, athletics, fine arts and magnet programs, would benefit from the bond, while special education programs and safety and security would also get a boost.

In Rockwall ISD, the tax rate increase is planned to elevate teacher salaries, help special education programs and improve safety and security efforts. Of the total $16.5 million the district hopes to generate through a 4-cent tax rate increase, more than $10 million would go to increasing teacher salaries.

Conclusion

The approval of the bond proposals in Richardson ISD and the tax rate increases in Garland ISD and Rockwall ISD demonstrate the community’s commitment to investing in education and providing students with the resources they need to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the total amount of the bond package in Richardson ISD?

A: The total amount of the bond package is $1.4 billion, split across three propositions.

Q: What is the purpose of Proposition A?

A: Proposition A sets aside $1.34 billion for construction projects and converting several of the district’s junior high campuses into middle schools.

Q: How will the tax rate increase in Garland ISD be used?

A: The tax rate increase in Garland ISD will primarily be used to increase teacher salaries, with the goal of recruiting new educators and retaining existing ones.

Q: What is the estimated average annual tax increase for homeowners in Richardson ISD?

A: The estimated average annual tax increase for homeowners in Richardson ISD is $124.