A Comprehensive Guide to the Richardson ISD Bond Referendum (November 4, 2025)

The Richardson Independent School District (RISD) Board of Trustees voted during the August 7, 2025, board meeting to place three separate bond propositions before voters in the upcoming November 4 election. This RISD Bond 2025 package, totaling $1.4 billion, is designed to address prioritized needs across facilities, safety, technology, and student instructional programs.

What is a School Bond?

Texas independent school districts issue bonds to pay for major capital expenditures, such as new construction, renovations, and large equipment purchases.

• How it Works: School district bonds are similar to a home mortgage. The district borrows money from investors and repays it over time using revenue generated from the district’s property taxes (specifically the Interest & Sinking or I&S rate).
• Total Amount: The total value of the three propositions in Bond 2025 is $1.4 billion.

 

Proposition A: Facilities, Safety, CTE, and Middle School Transformation

Proposition A is the largest component, addressing core facilities, security, and major academic infrastructure projects.

Key Projects Included in Proposition A:

1. Middle School Transformation Completion: This initiative will complete the conversion of the six remaining junior high campuses that were not part of Bond 2021 capital projects:
   • Apollo
   • Liberty
   • North
   • Parkhill
   • West
   • Westwood
   • Note: This initiative aligns RISD with over 95% of Texas districts by permanently moving 6th grade students from elementary schools into middle schools, based on a 2020 study and community input.
2. New Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center: Construction of a new facility to serve students from all four high schools. This center will:
   • Expand access to specialized, hands-on programs.
   • Prepare students for high-demand careers.
   • Offer options to earn industry certifications.

   

3. Renovation of the Environmental Studies Center: The center, which has served students for 50 years, will undergo significant updates due to its current condition and shifting into the floodplain. Planned improvements include:
   • Modernized facilities.
   • Improved accessibility.
   • Expanded capacity for student learning.

Proposition B: Technology Refresh

In accordance with state law, technology devices must be presented as a separate proposition.

Key Projects Included in Proposition B:

• Technology Refresh/Replacement: Funding for new devices for all staff and students (teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and students).

• Student Connectivity: Provision of WiFi hotspots to support digital learning access for students outside of school. 

Proposition C: Stadium Upgrades and ADA Compliance

Proposition C focuses on stadium infrastructure, which state law requires to be presented separately due to high occupancy.

• Total Value: $7,400,000
• Affected Facilities: Upgrades for the district’s two largest stadiums: Eagle/Mustang and Wildcat/Ram.

• Planned Projects:
  • ADA Seating Upgrades: To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
  • LED Lighting Replacement.
  • Turf Replacement.

Understanding the Tax Impact of RISD Bond 2025

Approval of the Bond 2025 is projected to result in a modest tax rate adjustment.

• Projected Tax Increase: An estimated $0.04 I&S (Interest & Sinking) tax rate increase is anticipated based on current projections.
• Estimated Monthly Impact: For a home with an average market value of $500,000 in RISD, this increase is estimated to be approximately $124 annually, or about $10 per month.

Important Tax Context:

• The calculation assumes the passage of a constitutional amendment to increase the state-mandated homestead exemption to $140,000.
• The tax increase calculation includes the RISD 10% local option homestead exemption.
• Exemptions for homeowners over 65 are not affected by this potential tax increase.
• The overall RISD tax rate ($1.1052 per $100 of taxable value) adopted by the Trustees recently is the district’s lowest since 1989.

Voting Dates and Historical Context

• Early Voting: October 20 to October 31
• Election Day: Tuesday, November 4

RISD has traditionally operated on a five-year bond cycle since 1996, and the community has historically supported all school bond referendums since 1951. Capital projects funded by the last bond referendum (Bond 2021) were completed this past summer.

For additional information, including the full schedule of community information sessions, visit the official district website at risd.org/bond2025.