Just after the polls closed Tuesday, most early voters supported Richardson ISD’s bond proposal, according to unofficial returns.
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The early numbers are unofficial totals from early voting. Roughly 14,350 people in Richardson ISD voted during the early voting period from Oct. 20-31.
Proposition A had about 66% support from early voters, and Proposition B had 67% support. Proposition C is cutting it slightly closer, with 56% of counted ballots supporting the measure.
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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 would provide $7.4 million to the district’s two largest stadiums for various improvements.
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, the two largest stadiums in the district.
If passed, the bonds will result in a 4-cent tax rate increase, equating to an average annual increase of $124.
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Other bond elections in the Dallas area include a $192 million bond package in Prosper. Funds will be dedicated to street projects, expanding the police headquarters and a new library. As of 7 p.m., most propositions in the package had overall approval.