Final update, Nov. 7, 9:41 a.m.
Final results released by Dallas County show that Richardson ISD's $0.13 property tax increase has passed with 39,500 votes or 53.45 percent of the votes.
Voter turnout for the proposition mirrored record-breaking numbers at the polls for midterm candidates, a phenomenon that has not occurred in recent memory, RISD board president Justin Bono said.
"We believe this is the largest number of voters to ever vote on a RISD school proposition," he said. "That makes the support in favor of the [tax ratification election] shown by our community that much more gratifying."
Passage of the increase unlocks funds for teacher and staff salary raises, hiring of additional safety and security staff as well as special education personnel, maintenance of current class sizes, and adjusted hourly wages for custodial and other paraprofessional employees.
"Our board and administration are excited to activate the initiatives in our budget that were contingent upon passage of this measure," Bono said. "The additional funds generated as a result of today's outcome will allow the district to take a big step forward in service to our students and families."
Euan Blackman, member of the Vote No Political Action Committee, said that while his group is disappointed by the outcome, they plan to continue to hold the district accountable for what it claims are irresponsible spending and budgeting actions.
"The school board works tirelessly and is unpaid, but people who have worked against this vote have also worked tirelessly," he said. "They are the unsung heroes that don't have the word 'trustee' before their name but gave their blood sweat and tears to hold [the school board] accountable and do this for the community."
Passage of Richardson ISD tax rate increase likely as night draws to a close
Updated 10:37 p.m.
Votes from only 10 precincts remain unaccounted for in Richardson ISD's tax ratification election. Those who support the property tax increase have maintained a steady lead throughout the evening. Of the 70,157 votes turned in so far, 53.50 percent are in favor.
“We are thrilled with this election outcome and that our Richardson ISD community has once again demonstrated its commitment to and support of our students, teachers and schools," Superintendent Jeannie Stone said. "We are anxious to get to work implementing the measures we promised to the community. On behalf of our students, teachers, staff and the board of trustees, I want to say thank you to all.”
Those in favor of Richardson ISD's tax increase maintain 8-point lead
Updated 9:59 p.m.
Over two-thirds of Dallas County precincts are reporting a roughly 8-point lead for those in support of the district's tax ratification election.
Of the 67,006 votes counted, 53.66 percent are in favor of the increase.
Richardson ISD officials, leaders of political action committees react to preliminary results of tax ratification election
Updated 9:08 p.m.
As of 9:26 p.m., voters in favor of Richardson ISD's tax increase maintain a roughly 7-point lead over those against. Thirty of 74 precincts are reporting that the tax increase has been approved by 53.80 percent.
Justin Bono, president of the school board, said he attributes the lead to high early voter turnout.
"We are certainly pleased with the early results. ... I am optimistic that those will hold, but we are still watching them and will continue watching through the night as other precincts continue to post."
Leaders of the Vote No Political Action Committee expressed their disappointment over the initial round of results.
"It's really hard to overcome a 5,000 point lead. ... We will see what happens with the results as the evening goes on. ... I think perhaps we lost this one," PAC member Euan Blackman said.
Eric Eager, co-chair of the Vote For PAC, said he is remaining "cautiously optimistic."
"You want to think positive, I'm a glass-half-full kind of guy, but you just never know," he said. "We never want to be assuming anything."
First round of Election Day results show majority of voters in support of Richardson ISD's tax increase
Updated 8:41 p.m., Nov. 6
The first round of Election Day results show that voters in favor of the Richardson ISD tax rate increase still hold a comfortable lead over those who have rejected the measure.
While only 6 of 74 precincts have reported results, votes in favor total 30,738 or 54.10 percent.
Early voting results show over half of Richardson ISD residents in favor of 13-cent tax increase
Posted 7:16 p.m., Nov. 6
Early voting results indicate that 54.27 percent of Richardson ISD residents have voted in favor of passing
the district's 13-cent property tax increase.
The measure put before voters seeks to raise the district's maintenance and operations tax rate from $1.04 to $1.17 per $100 property valuation, the maximum allowed by the state. By state law any operating tax rate set above $1.04 requires voter approval. A total tax rate of $1.52 also includes 35 cents to fund the district’s debt services.
The decision to pursue the maximum increase was motivated by a combination of factors, including reduced state funding; expenditure requirements; the ability to compete with nearby school districts and industries for staff members; and the costs associated with teaching special education, economically disadvantaged and non-English speaking-students, Chief Financial Officer David Pate said.
An increased operating tax rate would allow the district to increase teacher and staff salaries by 2.5 percent, hire additional safety and security staff and special education personnel, raise wages for hourly workers and maintain class sizes, according to district officials.
Without additional property tax revenue district officials said it will face a $54.1 million budget shortfall over the next five years.
