Richardson ISD earns ‘C’ for 2023-24, 2024-25 school year from TEA
Richardson ISD earned a C rating for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school year from the Texas Education Agency’s accountability report, according to the agency website.
The 2023-24 ratings were delayed because of a lawsuit filed by 33 districts, which argued the agency’s revamped guidelines did not follow state law.
In August 2024, a Travis County district court blocked the release of the ratings; however, the Texas Courts of Appeals ruled in July that the 2023-24 ratings can be released.
Plano ISD receives B rating from TEA for 2023-24, 2024-25 school years
Plano ISD received an overall B rating, 82 out of 100 points, from the Texas Education Agency’s 2024-25 accountability ratings.
The ratings for both the 2024-25 and 2023-24 school years were released Aug. 15 following a delay due to a lawsuit. PISD also received a B for the 2023-24 school year.
The score measures “how much students are learning in each grade and whether or not they are ready for the next grade. It also shows how well a school or district prepares their students for success after high school in college, the workforce, or the military,” according to TEA’s website.
Richardson ISD to require district issued badge for student bus riders
Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, a bus badge will be required for all Richardson ISD students who ride a school bus to and from campuses.
Students must scan their badge when they board and exit a bus, according to a news release from the district.
The new requirement is part of district staff’s ongoing effort to prioritize student safety. The measure is designed to help ensure students are on their assigned bus route and provide a quick response in the event of delays, route changes or emergencies, per the release.
Plano ISD adopts cell phone ban for 2025-26 school year
Plano ISD has banned the use of cell phones and other “personal communication devices” for the upcoming school year.
The new policy requires all cell phones be off and out of sight during school hours. Other personal telecommunication devices including wireless headphones, smart watches, tablets, non-issued school laptops and smart glasses are also banned, according to a presentation from district staff.
Students must keep phones out of sight in classrooms, passing periods, restrooms and at lunch. They are permitted access to devices after the school day in the school parking lot.
5 Richardson ISD projects completed over summer
Five Richardson ISD projects were completed in the summer, Executive Director of Facilities Le Estes said.
Of those projects, which were part of the 2021 bond, four were campus renovations and one completed several Career and Technology education student labs, Estes said during the Aug. 21 board workshop meeting.
Plano ISD adopts new tax rate for 2025-26
Plano ISD has adopted a new tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year.
The new rate of $1.03955 per $100 of assessed value was approved by the PISD board of trustees during its Aug. 19 meeting. The 2025-26 rate is a decrease from 2024-25’s rate $1.04245 per $100 of assessed value.
The approved rate is the maximum a taxing entity can adopt without triggering an election, according to district Chief Financial Officer Courtney Reeves.
