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BOND 2001
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Bond 2001: Our Blueprint for the Future For an architect, a blueprint is everything. It is the starting point, the guide to each step along the way, and the vision on paper that ultimately transforms ideas and plans into real, tangible results. In the Richardson Independent School District, the blueprint for the future is just as important. It is our vision on paper that tells us exactly where we plan to go, and what the future of RISD students will look like -- five years from now, 10 years from now and beyond. Our blueprints, or plans for tomorrow, represent an ever-present community spirit that has shaped the RISD into a thriving, forward-moving school district where all students can achieve success. And just as an architect's blueprints are constructed with many layers, lines and perspectives, so is RISD's blueprint for the future. Many variables and insights have been considered, and the plan is solid. With these plans in place, and the RISD spirit moving it forward, the future will continue to hold unlimited possibilities for all students. Frequently Asked Questions: Table of Contents What is a bond?
Most school districts in Texas utilize bonds to finance their facilities. The first recorded bond referendum in Richardson Independent School District was in 1913 to build the Greenville Avenue school that is now the Administration Building. Bonds are repaid from local tax revenues. Tax
revenues to pay bond obligations are not subject to recapture by the state. Recapture, or Robin Hood, is a mandate by the State of Texas. It calls for Chapter 41, or so-called property-rich districts such as RISD, to send a large share of tax revenue to Austin. The money collected, some $500 million statewide this year, is then distributed to property-poor districts throughout the state in an attempt to equalize spending for education. Since the inception of recapture payments in 1993,
RISD has remitted $76 million to Austin, with an estimate of an additional
$132 million in recapture payments to be sent between now and 2003. Why did we need a bond election in 2001?
National studies indicate a strong correlation between the quality of facilities and the quality of student achievement. The RISD community has always believed in providing top-notch education to its students in quality facilities. Finally, the State's recapture severely cuts into the district's operating budget, preventing the district from paying for major maintenance of buildings with current tax dollars. These factors obligate the district to call a
bond election to keep pace with the spirit of high community standards
for education set in the RISD. Why can't we pay for this out of the normal annual operating budget?
Cycles for instructional capital purchases, i.e. maps, calculators, and math manipulatives as well as cycles for major repair of infrastructure and replacement of furniture, carpets, etc., can be added to ensure the continued quality instruction and well-maintained facilities expected by the RISD community. Cycles are planned replacement of equipment at
the expected end-of-life period. A study by Vanderweil Facilities Advisors
identified all major equipment at each school and estimated the year replacement
would be necessary. This information assists the district in making budgeting
decisions. $351.67 million on Proposition #1 5467 (86%) for,
903 (14%) against Proposition 2: "The issuance of $18,805,000 bonds for refunding all or any portion of the district’s presently outstanding bond indebtedness payable from the maintenance tax and the levying of a tax in payment thereof." (The district seeks permission to refinance some
old debt to shelter it from recapture.) Based on financial projections, the Board of Trustees
anticipates that the owner of a $100,000 home should expect a tax increase
of less than $8 per month over the next five years. What are our current and projected school tax rates? Current - $1.6683 per $100 valuation I'm 65... how will this sale of school bonds impact me? This bond election, and the subsequent sale of bonds, will have no effect on your tax rate. If you were 65 prior to January 1, 2001, your tax rate will not increase unless your property ceases to be a homestead. Studies show that quality instruction and facilities
positively affect economic development, making for a better community
and increasing property values. What exactly is included in this bond package? The $351,670,000 is divided into three critical areas of need:
Depending on the needs of individual buildings, the areas of construction could include such items as ADA compliance, building exteriors and interiors, lockers, kitchen equipment, lighting and electrical, grounds, HVAC, ramps, sidewalks, pavements, plumbing, roofs, restrooms, safety and security, utilities and telecom and data networking. Revitalization, or updates, of the district's 11 oldest schools may include office and/or clinic remodeling, safety issues, and drive-up appeal. Revitalization at each site will be planned by community and local staff needs. In addition, furniture, fixtures and equipment for buildings are included under this category. Maintenance and operations cycles, such as tractors and mowers, auditorium seating, custodial equipment, and restroom renovations are included. Land and New Schools The 1996 Bond provided for an elementary school on the west side of Richardson that is still in the drawing plans, but land has been difficult to purchase. It is hoped that a Fall 2002 start date can be accomplished. Because of continued growth of the district and a resettling of our population, the Lake Highlands area elementary schools continue to need relief from relocation of students. The Bond 2001 would provide for two additional elementary schools in that area, with opening dates of 2003 and 2005.
Because each high school campus is unique in architecture and size, the freshman programming at each campus will take on a different physical configuration, such as a freshman wing, a dedicated area of an existing building or a combination of the two. Community and staff input will be sought for each individual site before any implementation. Freshman programming allows for greater flexibility of instructional choices in the ninth grade. Seventh and eighth graders could also benefit. Instruction and Technology Program Requirements
Cycles for athletic uniforms and equipment will be included, as well as renovation of locker rooms where needed for gender equity compliance. Language labs, science labs and equipment, fencing for playgrounds and maps, globes and atlases are listed for many of RISD's schools. Career and technology classes will be enhanced
and desktop computers, printers, scanners and software can be updated
when necessary. Who decided what this bond package would include? Facilities assessment by Vanderweil Facilities
Advisors of Boston Can we anticipate another bond election? A long-range plan is in place with the necessity
for a new bond election estimated every five to six years to keep up with
growth and need. The district attempts to stay under the maximum tax levy
in order to allow for possible construction if community growth continues. What will happen if a bond package fails? If a bond package fails, RISD may not be able,
within a reasonable time period, to repair leaking roofs, replace old
plumbing, provide state-mandated instructional materials, expand fine
arts facilities, acquire new land or build the new schools needed.
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Similar
to a home mortgage, bonds are sold to competing lenders to raise funds
to pay the costs of construction and equipping facilities. They are repaid
over a period of years.
The
average age of school buildings in RISD is 31 years, with 11 buildings
being 40 years old or greater. Older buildings require vigilant maintenance
and periodic renovation. The Board of Trustees has determined that many
of these facilities should be renovated and improved. In addition, new
schools are needed to relieve overcrowding. 
Since
1913, RISD has asked for and has received permission from the community
to sell bonds for construction. Recapture has resulted in cuts in the
operating budget. Normal major capital needs, instructional program enhancements,
technology upgrades and major maintenance projects cannot be adequately
funded from the reduced budget. Therefore, these items and/or projects
must be repositioned into being funded from bond sales. 
Facilities
Renewal: approximately $124,900,000
Freshman
instructional programming for high school can offer additional opportunities
for ninth graders. The plan is for freshmen to become a separate, yet
connected, part of the high school where students can take advantage of
a wider variety of classes needed for graduation. The curriculum can be
enhanced and students can more easily fulfill state academic requirements.
Bond
revenue will allow the district to enhance the fine arts with space for
band, orchestra and choirs. Media centers in all schools will be completed
and library books, reading books, musical instruments and math manipulatives
can be put on regular replacement cycles. 