Voters in Richardson ISD are set to vote on a $1.4 billion bond package in next month’s election, nearly double the amount of the most recently approved bond package in 2021.
The package is split into three propositions, which voters can decide separately. Proposition A will set aside $1.34 billion for construction projects and updated instructional material for middle schools, a career and technical education center and an environmental studies center. Proposition B allocates $54 million to update technology devices in the district, while Proposition C will provide $7.4 million to the two largest stadiums in the district for various improvements.
Approval of the bonds will result in a tax rate increase in the district of $0.04, equating to an annual increase of $124 for homeowners with an average market value home, which the district said is about $500,000. Richardson ISD trustees voted in August to call the bond election, based on recommendations from the district’s bond steering committee.
Here’s what to know about the bond package.
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What is a bond election?
A bond election is called when an entity wishes to use taxpayer-approved funds for improvement projects. In the case for Richardson ISD, those funds would be used for various improvements to district facilities and programs.
When a district issues bonds, it is borrowing money from the entities that buy bonds. The debt is usually repaid through a tax increase.
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Richardson ISD voters previously approved a $750 million bond package in 2021, which was used to fund the middle school model transition and updates on all campuses.
The previous bond did not include a tax rate increase, and has already been exhausted, according to the district.
What is included in each proposition?
Proposition A, the bulk of the bond package, will primarily be used to transform the remaining six junior high campuses into middle schools. Previously, Richardson ISD used a junior high model, which had schools with 7th and 8th grade. In 2020, the district adopted a middle school model, which serves grades 6 through 8, and transforms the district junior highs into middle schools.
The previous bond in 2021 renovated Forest Meadow and Lake Highlands Middle Schools; now the district is seeking to renovate and expand the remaining six junior high schools: Apollo, Liberty, Richardson North, Parkhill, Richardson West and Westwood junior highs.
Funding gathered through Proposition A also will be used to build a new career and technical education center, which would expand access to hands-on, specialized programs that allow students to earn industry certifications for high-demand careers. It would also pay for renovations to modernize the district’s environmental studies center.
Proposition B includes a technology update, allowing students and teachers to receive new, modern devices. Richardson ISD has for the last two decades included new technology funding in bond packages every five years, allowing the district to consistently have the newest tech, such as iPads and Chromebooks for students and laptops for teachers.
The funding also allows older and out-of-service devices to be replaced.
Finally, Proposition C includes funding to add Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant seating, LED lighting upgrades, and replace the turf at Wildcat-Ram Stadium and Eagle-Mustang Stadium, the two largest stadiums in the district. Wildcat-Ram is shared between Lake Highlands High School and Berkner High School, while Eagle-Mustang is shared between Richardson High School and J.J. Pearce High School.
According to the district, the turf at each stadium was last replaced in 2016, and the current turf is near the end of its lifespan.
If the propositions aren’t approved, the district said it will have to wait to expand the middle schools until a future bond is approved.
How much will my Richardson ISD taxes increase?
Tax rates will increase by $0.04 in the district, if the bond is approved by voters. The total increase in annual taxes is dependent on the property value of homes. Homeowners 65 or older are not impacted by the tax rate increase.
According to Richardson ISD, the average market value of a home in the district is $500,000; for those homeowners, their taxes will increase by about $124 per year, or $10.33 per month.
Homeowners with values of $200,000 will see an increase of $16 per year in taxes. For every $100,000 a home is worth, an additional $36 in yearly tax increases can be expected.
At the higher end of the bracket, homeowners with values of $900,000 can expect a $268 yearly increase in taxes.
When is the Richardson ISD bond election?
Election day is Nov. 4. The early voting period runs from October 20 to October 31. The district is planning to have information sessions about the bond election at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Richardson ISD administration building auditorium, and at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Westwood Junior High School.