BY DUSTIN BUTLER
Going forward
What they’re saying
Committee member Eric Stengal also said at the meeting he is supportive of a bond, but is concerned about how the tax increase could affect low-income families. Jeffery said the $1.4 billion package is needed to ensure facilities get the upgrades needed and students remain safe and secure while on campus. Additionally, the proposed CTE center could help ensure RISD students have high-wage and high-demand career training and earn certifica- tions before graduating high school, she said. “Another equally important aspect in this bond is our district’s commitment to middle school transformation,” Jeffery said. So far, four campuses have been transitioned and the 2025 bond would provide funding to transition the remaining junior high schools to middle schools.
Clair said the needs of the district were a driver for recommending such a large bond, adding that the average age of a school in RISD is 58 years. Because the district isn’t a fast-growth district like Celina or Prosper ISDs, it is not eligible for additional funding from the Fast-Growth Allot- ment created by state lawmakers during the 87th Legislative Session, Branum said. During the Aug. 7 board meeting, Euan Black- man, a resident within RISD boundaries and former teacher for the district, said he is support- ive of a bond, but said the $1.4 billion price tag is too high. “I’m a big fan of CTE … but is the right move an $85 million CTE center right now?” Blackman said. Additionally, Blackman said the bond should be broken out into more than three proposals, giving voters a greater chance to voice their opinions. He said he wanted a bond closer to $1.2 billion, which he said wouldn’t have increased the tax rate.
If voters do not approve the 2025 bond, the district would be unable to fund the vast majority of projects in the proposed package, a district representative said. District staff and the board of trustees would review whether projects could be funded from reserve funds. Some urgent needs, such as unanticipated HVAC replacements, could be funded through emergency withdrawals. Should voters decide not to approve the bond, district staff would look at calling another bond election in May 2026.
Last day to register to vote: Oct. 6
Early voting: Oct. 20-31
Election day: Nov. 4
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