Bond 2025 - West JH
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Richardson ISD announced on October 27, 2025, that RWJH will be rebuilt. Here you’ll find background details and an FAQ designed to explain the district’s decision-making process.
Projected Rebuild cost is $119 million (estimated)
Rebuilding Pros:
- Ability to maintain current enrollment at RWJH, which is 748 as of 10/17/25, and serving both neighborhood and intra district transfers from other learning communities
- Ability to maintain current magnet programming and staffing
- Negatively impacts fewer students overall
- RHS would have a new baseball field in two years, that includes additional parking, seating and a new press box. The cost of the new baseball field would be $2.3 million, which is included in the total rebuilding estimated cost of $119 million
Rebuilding Cons:
- Disruptions to RHS baseball program for two years
- Need to find alternative baseball practice and game fields during construction
Proposed New Rebuild Site Plan:
frequently asked questions
Why couldn’t RWJH be located during construction, for example utilizing the Professional Development Center (PDC) or one of the recent elementary schools that were consolidated?
There are several reasons why this isn’t a viable option, including building capacity at these facilities, safety and security equipment, no cafeteria or classrooms at the PDC, as well as age appropriate restrooms, athletic fields, or science labs. There would also be additional transportation costs associated with a relocation. The recently consolidated elementary campuses are currently utilized for the following programs and needs:
- Dobie – Community Center in partnership with Dallas County
- Springridge hosts one of three employee Child Learning Academies as well as PreK programs
- Greenwood Hills currently hosts student experience programs for To Be Like Me and will host the new Enterprise City in 2026. The RISD Council of PTAs also uses this facility for their annual Used Book Fair and they also host the Prom Closet at this site.
- Spring Valley is currently an office and professional learning space for the Teaching and Learning Department and capacity is not large enough to accommodate current enrollment.
- Thurgood Marshall Elementary houses alternative student programs, including DAEP and Memorial Park Academy.
Would either option have an impact on district enrollment and funding?
Yes. The renovation option would mean fewer students could enroll in current magnet programs hosted at RWJH, which also has an impact for RHS Magnet programs. There is the possibility that the district would lose families that identify other choice program options outside of the district.
Will the decision to rebuild have any impact on district enrollment and funding?
The district does not anticipate an impact on current enrollment and funding because the rebuild will allow existing enrollment to continue in the magnet programs at RWJH and will not negatively affect future enrollment in magnet programs at RHS.
What was the Bond Steering Committee’s role and responsibility in reviewing options?
The committee discussed the proposal of three campuses possibly being renovated and three campuses possibly being rebuilt. The committee is not responsible for final approval of the plans as that is a district administrative decision.
What is the current enrollment at RWJH?
There are 748 students enrolled as of 10/17/25.
For RWJH, why is a rebuild less expensive than a renovation?
There are several factors impacting the proposed budget to rebuild versus renovate, including:
- Construction phasing required which includes installing portables, temporary lighting, safety requirements and other needs
- Depending on the Facility Condition Index (FCI) to repair failing systems, it costs more to renovate versus rebuilding.
- Unknown building hidden challenges
- Need for required storm shelter
- Ongoing maintenance issues if they currently exist, including foundation
- Ensuring the building complies with current city coding requirements
What was the enrollment at the current Junior Highs when they hosted grade 7-9 previously?
Until 2004-2005, the district grade configuration included hosting 9th grade at the current junior high campuses. At that time, enrollment was between 600-900 at each campus.
What are the options for the RHS baseball team for practices and games if the current field is not available for two years?
The district is currently studying several options, including collaborating with the City of Richardson on utilizing existing park spaces for practices. Games could be played at current district facilities. Further information to be available once the district reaches a decision.
What is the current proposed timeline for the Middle School Transformation?
- 2018 — RISD Strategic Plan Adopted: Strategic plan includes a recommendation to study middle school model.
- 2019–2020 — Grade Configuration Committee Study: Grade Configuration Committee conducts study on middle school model.
- May 2020 — Grade Configuration Committee Recs: Recommendations presented to Board on May 4.
- January 2021 — Board Resolution: Board of Trustees adopts Middle School Transformation Resolution.
- February 2021 — Bond Election Called: Board of Trustees calls for bond election.
- May 2021 — RISD Bond Package Approved: Voters approve the RISD Bond Package, including transformation of Lake Highlands Junior High and Forest Meadow Junior High.
- July 2023 — MS Transformation Team: District Transformation Team develops implementation plans.
- August 2024 — MS Transformation Implemented: Forest Meadow Middle School and Lake Highlands Middle School become the first middle schools in RISD.
What is the proposed timeline for RWJH to open as a Middle School?
The proposed timeline if Proposition A passes is to open the remaining 6 junior high schools as middle schools for the 2028-2029 school year.
Wasn't new turf for the current RHS baseball field purchased and installed with Bond 2021? What will happen to that and is there a way that turf can be repurposed?
RISD is currently working with a vendor to determine the viability of using the turf at any of the potential new practice sites identified.
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