Richardson Independent School District voters will soon decide whether to approve a $1.4 billion package bond, aimed at upgrading computers, tablets, and physical/digital infrastructure across district schools.

Three proposals are on the ballot, each labeled as a tax increase. Here is the key information from the district’s voter information document:

  • Proposition A: “The issuance of $1,338,600,000 of school building bonds for acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving and equipping school buildings, for the purchase of necessary sites for school buildings, the retrofitting of school buses with emergency, safety, or security equipment, and for the purchase or retrofitting of vehicles to be used for emergency, safety, or security purposes and for the purchase of new school buses; and the levying of a tax sufficient, without limit as to rate or amount, to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and to pay the costs of any credit agreements executed or authorized in anticipation of, in relation to or in connection with the bonds.”
  • Proposition B: “The issuance of $54,000,000 of school building bonds for acquiring and equipping technology infrastructure, including computers, tablets and other technology devices; and the levying of a tax sufficient, without limit as to rate or amount, to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and to pay the costs of any credit agreements executed or authorized in anticipation of, in relation to or in connection with the bonds.”
  • Proposition C: “The issuance of $7,400,000 of school building bonds for acquiring and equipping district football stadium facilities, including led lighting, turf replacement and improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and the levying of a tax sufficient, without limit as to rate or amount, to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and to pay the costs of any credit agreements executed or authorized in anticipation of, in relation to or in connection with the bonds.”

The following table presents responses from both sides of the debate, based on a questionnaire sent by The Dallas Express to Vote Yes for RISD Kids, the pro-bond special purpose action committee, and Lynn Davenport, an education policy analyst and longtime Richardson ISD parent who opposes the measure.

Ellipses (…) indicate lightly abbreviated quotations, used for clarity and length; full responses are embedded below the table.

Issue Questionnaire: Richardson ISD Proposition A, B, C 

Question Pro Position – Vote Yes for RISD Kids Anti Position – Lynn Davenport
1. What do you think are the most important factors Richardson ISD voters should understand about the $1.4 billion bond proposal and its total cost, including interest? “This bond is an investment — not just an expense. The $1.4 billion proposal addresses critical needs… aging and outdated campuses that no longer meet today’s learning standards. Thanks to RISD’s AAA bond rating, the district can borrow at low rates… At roughly $10 a month for the average homeowner, this bond ensures safe, modern, and innovative environments… The costs of not acting… would be far greater for our community in the long run.” “The most important factor voters should consider is the anticipated $28 million shortfall. Trustees voted to close five campuses… With the projected decline in enrollment, RISD cannot justify building new campuses using the proposed $1.4 billion in principal and additional interest totaling $2.3 billion. Families struggle to afford the cost of homes and property taxes in RISD due to over-taxation from the property tax rate set by the school board. The second major factor for voters to consider is the amount of money spent on [the bond election by outside/special interests]. Eight-day campaign finance reports [for RISD Bond PAC] show more than $100,000 on marketing, signs, ads, and media expenditures to influence voters to incur this excessive debt.
2. Supporters say the bond is essential to maintain aging campuses and modernize technology. How do you respond to that argument? “These investments go straight to the heart of Richardson ISD’s most pressing needs — creating safe, functional, and future-ready classrooms. The average age of an RISD school is 58 years… Upgrading technology is equally critical — it ensures that students have access to the tools and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world and teachers have access to the needed training to implement technological innovation in the classroom.… From updated devices to enhanced infrastructure, this bond keeps RISD competitive and prepares students for college, careers, and life.”

“Marketing and PR firms hired to pass bonds are skilled at tugging on the emotional strings… [RISD trustees] failed to address basic maintenance and prioritized new buildings, devices, consultants, and learning fads… The district’s accountability rating is a 79 – C. More money spent through bonds and tax ratification elections has not moved the needle on academic achievement.”
3. The Texas Public Policy Foundation estimates the full cost could exceed $2.3 billion when interest is included. How would you explain that figure to voters concerned about taxpayer impact and fiscal responsibility? “RISD is borrowing responsibly, with a strong AAA bond rating that keeps interest rates low and protects taxpayers. Including interest, the cost per household is modest — roughly $10 a month… It funds essential upgrades… and delivers lasting value for every student.” “… [I agree with TPPF’s] assessment of the full cost of the $1.4 billion in principal plus the interest for a combined total of $2.3 billion. Interest costs are excluded from the deceptive proposition language given to voters. The burden on taxpayers is 60% higher than what the campaign literature reveals and will result in higher property taxes. RISD’s property tax rate is one of the highest in the metroplex — 11% higher than Dallas ISD and 21% higher than Highland Park ISD..”
4. How do you think this bond package would affect the classroom experience, teacher resources, or student outcomes? “This bond package will have a direct, positive impact… It’s about giving every student in RISD the tools and spaces they deserve to thrive. By modernizing aging campuses and providing updated technology, teachers can deliver lessons in functional and fully equipped environments that support academic achievement. Classrooms will be more engaging, collaborative, and adaptable to students’ needs. “The previous bonds within the last two decades did not result in better academic success or teacher classroom experience. Proposition B allocates $54 million for experimental technology devices with $7.7 million in interest owed… [RISD] seeks to purchase iPads and MacBooks for all 36,000 students. The devices have been tried and proven unsuccessful… RISD would be wise to pay our teachers well and train them in a classical model…
5. If the bond does not pass, what alternative approaches or priorities should the district pursue? “If the bond doesn’t pass, our district will face significant challenges in keeping our schools safe, modern, and effective for learning, as well as have a negative impact on academic achievement. Aging campuses will continue to require costly emergency repairs instead of planned, comprehensive upgrades, and outdated technology could limit students’ access to the tools they need to succeed in a digital world. Simply put, without this bond… the cost of inaction will only grow over time, both financially and in terms of student opportunities and academic outcomes.” “Regardless of passage or failure, RISD should adopt zero-based budgeting… sell the campuses that were shuttered and repurposed. Administrators could be dispersed amongst the full capacity campuses and benefit from interacting with faculty and witnessing how campuses operate on a daily basis.”

Context and Next Steps

 

Both Yes for RISD Kids and Davenport’s full statements are available above.

Election Day is scheduled for November 4, 2025.

The district’s last bond election, held in 2021, passed with $750 million in authorizations. Superintendent Tabitha Branum has reportedly said the current needs exceed $2 billion, but the 63-member bond steering committee recommended a smaller package this year.

Branum acknowledged skepticism over stadium funding in Proposition C, telling KERA, “We are not trying to build a big football stadium… It’s really dedicated to upgrading ADA seating, turf replacement, and lighting upgrades.”

If voters reject the bond, Branum said officials would “go back and listen to the community and make adjustments” before bringing a revised package forward, but warned that the cost of any project would rise the longer the district waits.