Parents of several student groups at Lake Highlands High received surveys this week, with questions about potential improvements to Wildcat Ram stadium and the venue’s scoreboard. RISD leaders are seeking input as they make decisions about how much money to ask for and how to spend it. A bond election will be held in May, and approximately $180 million is at stake.
Parents of the five student groups who most actively use the stadium – football, band, drill team, cheerleading and soccer – were asked:
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how does our scoreboard, sound system and clock compare to other schools in the area?
- If the scoreboard was replaced, what would you like to see?
- In order of importance, rank: advertising on the board; clearer numbers for score, period & time outs remaining; clarity of sound and announcements; and video capabilities.
- In order of importance, rank: athletic upgrades; facilities maintenance (air conditioning, roof, etc.); new construction; and technology (internet connectivity, etc.).
- Would you support in increase in the property tax rate for a bond program that included larger, more expensive projects?
RISD lags behind several comparable suburban school districts, which have high-tech video scoreboards which show replays of athletic action and close-ups of kids performing in the band, drill team and cheer squad. These boards also earn funds for their districts when they run video commercials for everything from the neighborhood real estate agent to national fast food chains.
Scoreboard updates were discussed at the time of the pressbox renovations, but apparently no one was ready to tack that money onto the total. In fact, at the time, even the size of the larger press box was controversial – even more so on the Richardson High side of town.
If you have an opinion on this or any other aspect of the bond (you can view a list of proposed projects here), you are invited to a Town Hall meeting Wednesday, January 19 at 6:30 pm in the LHHS library. RISD officials will present info and answer questions by parents and community members. You can also email your opinion here.
