Richardson ISD is asking voters to approve a record $1.4 billion bond package in next month\u2019s election.<\/p>\n
The bond is divided into three propositions<\/a>.<\/p>\n Proposition A seeks $1.3 billion, for new and updated schools and transportation. It would fund at least 3 new schools and renovate 3 others. It would also pay for a Career and Technical Education Center and renovate its aging Environmental Studies Center. The district, which last year closed four schools amid falling enrollment and a budget shortfall, says the new schools will replace aging facilities and complete its middle school transformation initiative started years ago.<\/p>\n The $54 million Proposition B would fund technology upgrades.<\/p>\n Proposition C seeks $7.4 million to upgrade RISD\u2019s two largest stadiums, which also serve for graduations.<\/p>\n Richardson ISD Superintendent Tabitha Branum said the monetary need in the district exceeds $2 billion, but the recommendations from the district\u2019s bond steering committee<\/a> settled on a package worth $1.4 billion. The committee consists of 63 community members who worked from March into August to determine district needs.<\/p>\n Branum said she\u2019s aware voters in other districts have rejected recent bond elections involving stadiums.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are not trying to build a big football stadium,\u201d said Branum. \u201cIt’s a very small amount, and it is really dedicated to upgrading our ADA seating, doing our turf replacement and then some lighting upgrades.\u201d<\/p>\n This is the district\u2019s first bond election since 2021, when voters approved $750 million.<\/p>\n Because of rising costs, Branum said the district \u201cbuilt in an average of a 10% inflationary cost\u201d for every year a project isn\u2019t started. She said if this bond fails, officials would \u201cgo back and listen to the community and make adjustments\u201d before bringing another bond forward. It also means the cost of any project would rise, when and if voters approve it.<\/p>\n Election day is Nov. 4. Early in-person voting starts Monday.<\/p>\n Bill Zeeble is KERA\u2019s education reporter. Got a tip? Email Bill at\u00a0bzeeble@kera.org<\/a>. You can follow him on X\u00a0@bzeeble<\/a>.<\/p>\n KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider\u00a0making a tax-deductible gift today<\/a>. Thank you.<\/p>\n