Interim Richmond schools superintendent urges support for $51.8 million bond on May 5 ballot

Billy Syspaniak, interim superintendent of Richmond Community Schools, urged residents at the March 16 city council meeting to support a $51.8 million bond proposal on the May 5 ballot to expand school facilities and manage rapid enrollment growth. "We are coming back with the bond proposal on May 5," Syspaniak told the council during the public-comment period. He said the district is "already out of space" and outlined needs that include additional classrooms, larger cafeterias and improved parking.

Syspaniak said the bond is structured as a "no increase" compared with the district's current school tax rate, meaning the district is asking voters to continue paying the current rate rather than accept a higher levy. He explained that maintaining the present rate would allow the district to issue the $51,800,000 in bonds for capital work across every school building, with particular emphasis on the middle school where shared spaces have constrained gym and lunch schedules.

Syspaniak described outreach after the November election and said the district found many supporters who had not voted; the decision to return to the ballot was intended to give the community another chance to approve the measure. He also noted ancillary needs such as outdoor restrooms for large events and additional parking to accommodate growth and community uses.

The remarks were delivered during the council’s public-comment period and did not trigger any council vote. Details on the bond language, estimated tax impact, timelines for project design and construction, and any required next steps were not specified during the meeting.