Residents in Prosper ISD have decided against the construction of another football stadium, according to preliminary results from its 2023 bond election.
This year’s Election Day saw people across the metroplex gather to cast their votes for amendments to the Texas Constitution, new officials, and more at various polling places across the metroplex, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Prosper ISD announced after the election that preliminary results show that voters passed Propositions A, B, and D in its bond election, approving a total of $2.7 billion for safety and security investments, new facilities, and a new performing arts center.
Unofficial results show that Proposition A had passed with 66% of voters’ approval, Proposition B passed with 65%, and Proposition D passed with 57%.
“We are profoundly grateful for the overwhelming support shown by our community,” said Holly Ferguson, Prosper ISD superintendent, according to the school district. “The 2023 Bond isn’t just an investment in the present; it is a commitment that will resonate positively within our community for generations to come.”
Proposition C, however, which would have authorized the construction of a new football stadium, failed to pass, with 46% of voters voting for it and 54% voting against it.
Proposition C would have seen a total of $102.4 million spent on improvements to the existing Prosper ISD athletic facilities and the construction of a new football stadium capable of seating 8,000 at Richland High School.
Some residents communicated concern about the amount of money that would have been used to fund such items.
“I’m all about supporting and funding education, but I’m concerned with an exorbitant amount of money being spent on a football stadium,” said Jean Loar, a resident of Prosper, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Valerie Little, Prosper ISD’s executive director of athletics and student engagement, told DMN that such a stadium could aid the district as new schools are constructed.
“We currently host Tuesday, Thursday and Friday football games at the stadium during the fall, as well as marching band practice for all three high schools,” said Little, per DMN. “With the addition of more high schools, this scheduling will become much more challenging. Keep in mind football games have over 500 additional students and employees participating that are not football players.”
The results of the election have yet to be canvassed. The Prosper ISD Board of Trustees has tentatively scheduled the canvass of votes for November 13.
