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. 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. 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.