Garland and Richardson Vote “FOR” Stronger Schools

This week brought major wins for two North Texas school communities committed to investing in students’ success. Voters in Garland Independent School District (ISD) approved a Voter Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE), while Richardson ISD residents overwhelmingly supported a bond package to modernize learning environments.  

We’re deeply grateful to the voters, families, educators, and district leaders in both Garland and Richardson who came together to put students first. These decisions will directly improve learning environments, retain talented teachers, and expand opportunities that prepare students for bright futures.

Garland ISD’s unlock crucial funding to strengthen classrooms, expand student programs, and support educators. The measure allows the district to:

• Support educators by increasing pay for more than 7,300 teachers and staff and adding planning periods for high school teachers to strengthen instruction and retention

• Expand student opportunities by continuing hands-on career and technical education for nearly 90% of high school students, sustaining Fine Arts programs for nearly 40,000 learners, and maintaining Magnet and Gifted and Talented pathways

• Enhance student support by continuing individualized dyslexia services for nearly 4,900 students, and

• Protect student safety by retaining trained, armed security officers to keep campuses safe

Just to their west, Richardson ISD voters demonstrated the same spirit of investment in their students and educators, approving a $1.4 billion bond package that modernizes learning environments, expands technology access, and strengthens safety districtwide. The package includes three propositions designed to meet the district’s most pressing needs by:

• Investing in modern learning spaces through $1.34 billion (Proposition A) for new middle schools, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, updates to the Environmental Center, and new instructional materials aligned with today’s classrooms

• Expanding access to technology with $54 million (Proposition B) to provide updated devices for students and teachers, ensuring equitable access to digital tools that enhance instruction, and

• Improving facilities and safety through $7.4 million (Proposition C) for accessibility upgrades, lighting improvements, and turf replacements at both district stadiums to maintain safe, inclusive athletic spaces

Together, these two victories, Garland’s VATRE and Richardson’s bond package, reflect a growing regional commitment to strengthen public education and create learning environments where every student can thrive. Across Dallas County, that commitment continues to deliver results.  

The Commit Partnership is proud to support our local school systems, who have accessed 93% of the bond dollars they’ve put on the ballot, including Richardson’s win last night, compared to a statewide average of 74%. These outcomes show what’s possible when communities come together around data, transparency, and a shared belief that every student deserves a stronger, more vibrant public school system.

To learn more about  Garland’s VATRE visit  https://garlandisd.net/about/prop-2025/prop-funding-overview. To learn more about Richardson bond package visit https://web.risd.org/home/bond2025/.

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