RISD Bond Election

Saturday May 13th Polling hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The $145.4 million bond referendum package includes the following:
Instruction:
Equipment/facilities for expanded Career and Technology Education (CATE) courses
New curriculum (other than textbooks)
New instructional equipment
Instructional equipment cycles, etc.
Technology:
Updates/cycles in accordance with the Strategic Technology Implementation Plan
Technology infrastructure updates.
Facilities:
Renovations at LHHS (office/clinic area expansion, etc.)
Security management systems
Facility revitalization at 1960s-era campuses not previously renewed
Stadium renovation and handicap accessibility improvements
Roof and heating/air conditioning replacements
Sanitary sewer line replacements
Water management systems.
In addition, after receiving input from the 2006 Community Bond Reflector Group, the Board decided to include the following in the package:
Renovations to High School auditorium restrooms
High School sound and lighting enhancements to ensure consistency among campuses
High School large gym sound enhancements
High School tiles in non-renovated corridors to match new areas
Replace wooden bleachers at Pearce High School small gym.
All items in the bond package were selected for inclusion after instructional review of new regulations, selections of new *Career and Technology Education (CATE) courses, based on input from each high school; review of the Facility Assessment Study of 2000 and the 20-year facility maintenance plan; campus visits and review of work order history; input from the community, staff and Board of Trustees; and review of RISD’s 30-year debt management plan.
With a bond of $145.4 million, the district would be able to reduce the debt tax rate for property owners by one to two cents based on current total property value assumptions. A two-cent tax reduction in the debt rate would lower property taxes by $31.25 per year for the average market value homestead in RISD ($190,364 is the average value) or $15 for a $100,000 homestead.
Also on the ballot are RISD trustee elections for Places 1 and 2, but since only one person filed to run for each of these places, the candidates will appear on the ballot unopposed. Luke Davis is the candidate for Place 1; Pat Epstein is the candidate for Place 2.