RISD district map 2019

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Planning a run for the school board? Brace yourself for long hours of service, countless trips to Richardson ISD’s 54 campuses in support of its nearly 40,000 students, and the undying gratitude of parents, teachers and taxpayers.

You should also plan to attend the upcoming board candidate training session at 6 p.m. on Aug. 1.

Current board members Jean Bono, Kim Caston and Kristin Kuhne will present information and training for prospective candidates. The session is free and open to the public.

RISD’s regularly-scheduled election in May was postponed until November after the district settled a lawsuit by former trustee David Tyson alleging racial inequality and unequal representation on the board. A new 5-2 system will be implemented, with 5 single member districts and 2 at-large seats.

Thus far, only Karen Clardy, first elected to the board in 2017, has filed to run in single member district District 5, mostly comprised of Lake Highlands residents. Eron Linn, elected to the board in 2015, has filed to run in single member District 2 containing Berkner High School. Hamilton Park residents Taler Jefferson and Patricia Hicks have filed to run in single member District 4, classified as an “opportunity district” for its likelihood of electing a person of color, and Regina Harris, another longtime HP resident, has said she also intends to run. Rev. Vannessee Burns filed to run in District 4 before the election was postponed but has yet to submit an application for the November ballot.

The filing deadline is Aug. 19, and Election Day is Nov. 5.

In May 2020, voters will elect reps for District 3, another “opportunity district,” and at-large Place 6. The election for District 1, containing Pearce High, and at-large Place 7, will be held in May 2021.

Board of Trustees candidate training will be held in Room 211 of the Arzell Ball Center, 410 S. Greenville Ave., adjacent to RISD’s Administration Building.