Richardson ISD’s 2025 Bond Steering Committee, composed of a diverse group of parents, staff, community members, and business leaders, presented its recommendations for a future bond election to the district’s Board of Trustees on July 24, 2025.
The committee’s purpose is to ensure the district’s short and long-term facility, equipment, and infrastructure needs are met, aligning with the district’s North Star Goal: “Every student, teacher and leader will meet or exceed their academic growth goals”.
Key Recommendations:
- Bond Referendum in November 2025: The committee unanimously recommended holding a bond referendum in November 2025.
- Tax Rate Increase: The committee, with more than two-thirds of votes, recommended a $0.04 I&S (Interest & Sinking) tax rate increase. For a home with an average market value of $500,000 in RISD, this would result in an estimated annual increase of $124, or $10 per month.
- Three Propositions: With more than two-thirds of votes, the committee also recommended having three propositions on the November 4 ballot, totaling $1.4 billion:
- Proposition A: General ($1,338,600,000) This proposition would cover:
- Complete Middle School Transformation for the remaining six junior high campuses. The first two junior highs were completed as part of Bond 2021 capital projects.
- CTE (Career and Technical Education) Center
- Environmental Center Renovations
- Refresh elementary school restrooms and furniture across the district
- Other department recommendations include: facilities, safety and security, transportation, fine arts, athletics, PE/Health, curriculum and instruction, advanced learning, ESL, bilingual, Pre-K, special education services, and health services.
- Proposition B: Technology Devices ($54,000,000)
- Proposition C: Stadium Upgrades ($7,400,000)
- Proposition A: General ($1,338,600,000) This proposition would cover:
Background and Context:
The presentation highlighted the successful 2021 Bond, which totaled $750 million across two propositions, and noted that all bonds have been issued with the I&S tax rate remaining at $0.35 as promised. Richardson ISD currently holds strong bond ratings of Aaa from Moody’s and AA+ from S&P.
A Baselice Survey Review indicated that RISD has a 65% positive image within the community. While initial support for a bond was at 46%, this increased to 59% after voters learned more about the proposals. The survey also found no statistically significant difference in support between bond amounts of $999 million and $1.4 billion.
The committee emphasized that this bond addresses identified needs to maintain and enhance learning environments across the district, including significant investments in Middle School transformation, a new CTE center, and technology infrastructure.
The Board of Trustees will consider the recommendation at the regularly scheduled August 7, 2025 meeting.
Watch the Meeting Presentation
Learn more about the Bond Steering Committee 2025
