Note: Funding for the proposed RISD 2011 bond program, if approved, will come from the sale of general obligation bonds. These bonds, in school districts, are intended to furnish and equip school buildings and programs. The proposed items in the program draft reflect the items that RISD expects to address in the 2011 bond program. However, under the governing rules, the proposed budget amount assigned to anticipated projects is an estimate and may vary or be redistributed based upon need.
Bond Projects Update
Facility bond project work has begun at several sites around RISD in order to be completed in time for the 2012-13 school year. Click here for more information.
Bond Issuance Update
The Board voted to authorize a combination of new money bond issuance for the second year sale of the 2011 bond program and a bond refunding for a combined total not to exceed $98,780,000. Click here for more information.
Summer 2012 Bond Construction Projects Planned
The second group of construction projects funded by the voter-approved 2011 bond package is planned for this year. Click here for more information.
RISD Retains Highest Bond Ratings
Rating agencies Moody's and Standard & Poor's have again granted RISD the highest stand-alone bond ratings of any school district in Texas. The AAA rating from Moody's and the AA+ rating from S&P are shared by just three other districts in the state – Highland Park ISD, Houston ISD and Austin ISD. Click here for more information.
RISD Receives $81,000 for Energy Efficiency
Richardson ISD was presented with a check for more than $81,000 at Monday's Board meeting from Oncor, the district's electricity provider, as a rebate for efforts to operate in an energy efficient manner. Click here for more information.
Update – Summer Bond Projects to Begin
On May 14, the RISD community approved the district's $170 million bond package to finance capital projects and equipment over the five-year cycle from 2011-2015. A number of initial projects from the new bond will begin after students and school staff members depart campuses for the summer. Work will be performed by RISD employees or by contracted vendors via ˆa Specified Best Value/Low Bid process. Unless otherwise noted, all projects are anticipated to be completed by the first day of classes on August 22, 2011.
Technology infrastructure upgrades (all schools and facilities). This major project will dramatically increase the number of students and teachers able to connect to online resources at the same time. This is a critical upgrade for the district as classroom instruction continues to move toward technology-based delivery methods. Work should begin in July and is expected to take a minimum of 18 months.
Video surveillance and security upgrades (all schools). This project will upgrade some current security cameras and increase the number of cameras districtwide, allowing for higher quality, and additional surveillance coverage inside and outside of schools. Work is expected to continue into the 2011-12 school year, but will not interfere with school operations.
Stadium Scoreboards (Eagle-Mustang Stadium and Wildcat-Ram Stadium). This project will replace the scoreboards at both district stadiums, each shared by two high school athletic programs. In addition, the scoreboards will be physically re-aligned to address neighborhood concerns related to sound.
HVAC Replacement (HPPM). This project will replace the rooftop HVAC system at Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet.
Chiller Replacements (Arapaho Classical Magnet, Canyon Creek Elementary, Northwood Hills Elementary) This project will replace the chillers at these schools that have reached the end of their useful life.
Roof Replacement (West Junior High) This project will replace the roof at Richardson West Junior High.
Laptop Orders (all schools and facilities) 3,600 laptop computers will be ordered over the summer, primarily for teachers and professional staff.
Campus Space Renovations (Forest Meadow J.H. & Richardson H.S.) These projects will capture more classroom space within the existing footprint of FMJH and increase efficiency in the RHS kitchen and cafeteria.
Web-Hosted Services (all schools and facilities) RISD will begin implementation of a new 'all-in-one' web-hosted system of applications to replace/augment current services which are now provided separately or not currently provided. The new system, provided by Edline, will replace and enhance RISD's current learning system, content management system, telephone/web notification system, and provide RISD with a new platform for campus websites. Basic components are expected to be ready for the new school year, with enhanced features being phased in throughout the 2011-12 school year.
ADA Improvements at B Field Bleachers (Berkner H.S. and Lake Highlands H.S.) These projects will improve access to grandstand bleachers under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Playground Equipment Replacements (Forestridge, Merriman Park, Northlake, Richardson Heights & Richardson Terrace) This project will replace end-of-life playground equipment at these schools.
Please direct questions about RISD's 2011 bond projects to district Communications at 469-593-0300, or visit RISD's Bond Program page at risd.org/bond.
Update – Bond Passes
The RISD bond passed Saturday, May 14, with 72.56% of voters supporting the measure in triple the turnout compared with the 2006 bond. The students and staff of RISD thanks all those who supported the district!
2011 Bond Called Added: Feb. 22, 2011
At its February 21 meeting, the RISD Board of Trustees called a $170 million bond election for May 14, 2011. The bond would fund capital and infrastructure items across RISD's 55 schools, and would not require a tax increase for RISD taxpayers.
