Junior highs in the Pearce, Berkner and Richardson feeder patterns will convert to the middle school model using bond funds. Photo of LHMS by Carol Toler.
Voters approved Richardson ISD’s 3-part $1.4 billion bond package Tuesday. Their strongest endorsement was for Proposition B, which passed with 65% of the vote and will allocate $54 million to replace technology devices for students, staff, CTE (career and technology education) labs and library & media centers. Prop A passed with 64% of the vote and will provide $1.338 billion to pay for construction of six middle schools to complete the conversion from a junior high to a middle school model. It will also cover construction of a new CTE Center and renovations at the district’s Environmental Studies Center. Prop C passed with a narrower 53% margin and will use $7.4 million to fund upgrades at RISD stadiums, including new turf, lighting and ADA-compliant seating.
The bond will increase RISD’s I&S (interest & sinking) tax rate for property owners by $0.04. For RISD homeowners under age 65 with a home of an average market value of $500,000, this will result in an estimated annual increase of $124.
Chris Poteet, president of the school board in RISD, said he was “seriously humbled” by the community’s support. “It’s a big number and a big responsibility,” he said.
“This is the community’s bond program. We are so thankful that they entrusted RISD leadership with the strategic investment to continue a strategic vision. Much of this bond will benefit our students, staff and community not only next year, but for decades to come. We are reminded of ‘to whom much is given, much is expected,’ and we take that to heart. We also understand that executing this bond program successfully is equally important to passing the ballot measure. Again, we are thankful and humbled by the public trust and investment in the future of RISD.”
Turnout was light overall with just 16% of registered voters participating, but in several pockets of Lake Highlands, neighbors showed up at higher rates to make their voices heard. In precincts such as 1144 surrounding Lakeridge shopping center, 1044 just west of Lake Highlands High School and 1142 surrounding LH’s ABCDE streets, residents showed up to indicate their willingness to support quality schools. Vote totals were high, too, in precincts surrounding Moss Haven Elementary, Skyview Elementary, Lake Highlands Middle School and Stults Road Elementary.
District 5’s Rachel McGowan, who represents Lake Highlands and serves as vice president on the RISD school board, expressed gratitude to voters and excitement about the future.
“Thank you RISD,” McGowan said. “Thank you to all the volunteers who sat in countless meetings leaning in to make the best recommendation for our district. Thank you to all those who supported the district’s efforts to get the vote out. I am thankful that we live in a community that still trusts the experts, where we work hard to put politics aside, where we come together and find common ground to make the best decision for kids. RISD believes that kids come first and has always done the right thing for kids — agreeing that there is no better investment in our tax dollars than funding the future generations of professionals. Thank you for supporting kids, thank for supporting academic leaders, thank you for trusting our leadership.”
