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Richards ISD starts year with board elections and budgets

August 31, 2022 - 00:00
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Examiner correspondent

Richards ISD kicks off the school year with changes abound, meeting Aug. 29, for budget and planning. The school district is still working through the 2021 approved bond with projects ranging from parking lots, to baseball fields in the works. “This year is going to be a difficult year for our staff,” explained RISD Superintendent William Boyce. “We will have to redirect patrons coming to games and ensure through all the changes our students stay safe, but we will manage it successfully.”

Work on the baseball field and parking lot in front of the gym have made the most noticeable difference and offered some of the biggest challenges for RISD staff. Due to the amount of construction going on, students are having to enter through front entrances multiple times to avoid the parking lot areas, and a sidewalk is being developed behind the school to allow access from the front entrance, through the current high school hallway to gym and ag areas. While this requires a lot of planning and effort from the administration team to ensure safety, the RISD team has worked hard to ensure sporting events, board meetings and other activities won’t be hindered.

Discussed during the Monday night special session was the lower tax rate being introduced this year. The new tax rate of $1.03, four cents lower than the 2021, was voted on and approved unanimously. “This is a direct result of our approved bond, and we’re happy to see that. We know that other costs are going up, but I am pleased to be able to announce this rate,” stated Boyce. Budget amendments discussed were increases to athletics, food services, and maintenance departments - all of which provide most of the daily needs to RISD. In the July 18 board meeting, RISD passed the option to offer all students free lunches during the school year. The option to provide staff lunches was approved Monday with a 4-1 vote. Board member Debbie Poole voted nay to the lunch option. Prior to beginning the Special board session, a ballot draw was held in preparation for the 2022 General Election. This fall, RISD will contract with all three counties served by the district, to host an election for School Board Trustee Positions 1,3,4, held by Rex Holland, Bonnie Stewart and Debbie Poole. Opponents for these positions are Britney Ketkoski, Phillip Burnett and Wendy Graves Board Trustee Position 2 is currently held by J.D. Curtis, who is not seeking re-election. Bobby Gene “Beau” Conner III is running as the unopposed candidate for the position. Early voting for RISD elections begins Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Nov. 4. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. For more information visit: www.grimescountytexas. gov/elections for Grimes County Voters, www.co.walker.tx.us for Walker County Voters, and www.elections.mctx.org for Montgomery County voters.

The next RISD school board meeting is Thursday, Sept. 15 at the RISD library, 9477 Panther Dr Richards, 77873.