By Ken Hutchenrider
Chairman, Richardson Chamber of Commerce
President of Methodist Richardson Medical Center
Outstanding public schools drive the future of growing and vibrant communities, and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce is proud to endorse both the RISD and PISD bond elections as a critical step in the growth of our community and its workforce. Please join us in supporting our students, teachers and comunity by voting yes. Early voting has already begun and will continue through next Tuesday, May 3. Election day is next Saturday, May 7.
Richardson Independent School District
The evidence is clear that exceptional schools attract and keep great employers and great families, and failing schools tend to repel both. In fact, we are fortunate that the Richardson ISD is considered a “destination district,” one so strong that the RISD reputation is a top consideration when families are choosing which community to make their home.
The $437.1 million bond proposal is absolutely necessary to keep RISD among the best in the area and provide tools and facilities to meet the demands of producing an exceptional 21st century workforce. If the bond proposal passes, the district’s tax levy would remain the third lowest in Dallas and Collin counties. If approved, the bond package would increase the debt service tax rate by a maximum of 8 cents. That translates to about $ 138.95 per year ($11.58 per month) for an average valued home in the Richardson ISD of $220,758.
The size of the bond issue and its priorities were set after months of public input received by staff and the trustees. The bond proceeds will directly benefit each of the nearly 39,000 students in the district and all 55 campuses.
This election is only about capital expenditures – items that have a useful life of a year or more. Further, the term of the bonds – the length of time items will be financed – will depend on the life expectancy of the item being financed. In other words, items like computers that have a short technical lifespan, would be financed with short term bonds. New buildings, expansions and heating/air conditioning, could be financed with longer term bonds.
Read more about where expenditures would be allocated for RISD.
Plano Independent School District
The $481 million bond proposal would accommodate rapid student growth during the past 10 years with new facilities or upgrades to meet the increased demands. If the bond proposal passes, the district will be able to fund eight major project areas for district-wide security updates, building renovations, construction of a new elementary school and permanent classrooms to replace portables, and technology improvements with no increase to the tax rate.
The bond would also fund an auditorium for large and acoustically appropriate performances. More than 60 percent of Plano ISD’s secondary students participate in fine arts programs, making other improvements such as increased storage capability and better space functionality necessary. Plus, the money would impact each of the nearly 55,000 students in the district and all 72 campuses.
Plano ISD currently holds the highest stand-alone credit rating of Aaa/AA+ carried by any Texas school district. The district’s strong fiscal management has supported its budget for eight years, when the last bond was approved. The 29-community member task force developed the proposed bond program over five months, using research, prioritization and public input to design the plan.
Read more about where expenditures would be allocated for PISD.