The Richardson High School Eagle Fund was established in 2004 by RHS parents who were concerned
about the reduction in funding available to RISD as a result of the State of Texas recapturing property tax
revenue and distributing it to other districts (also known as “Robin Hood”).  

The purpose of the fund is to maintain the tradition of academic excellence at Richardson
High School by providing funds for critical programs and resources.  

The RHS Eagle Fund is a component fund of the RISD Excellence in Education Foundation and is a 501(c)
(3) charitable organization.
About the Fund
Why Do We Need to Raise Money for a Public School?
Each year, RISD is mandated to send money back to the State of Texas as directed by the current “Robin
Hood” system of school finance.  District operating budgets are capped at 2005-6 spending levels with no
allowance for inflation, merit increases for teachers or even extraordinary items such as rising energy costs.

What exactly does this mean to RISD and RHS?

  • Amount the State of Texas will recapture from RISD in 2008-09: $20.3 million
  • Funding per child lost due to recapture: $498
  • Amount recaptured from Richardson High School: $1.3 million
What is the Impact of This Loss of Funding?
Not enough money to...

  • Purchase state-of-the-art equipment for instruction.
  • Pay for SAT / ACT college prep courses.
  • Pay for teachers to attend professional development courses that help them keep up-to-date in their
    areas of expertise.
  • Provide support for tutoring programs.
  • Pay sponsors to support student participation in extracurricular competitions.
  • Give grants to teachers to enhance academics in their classroom.
  • Extend library hours, allowing students to research, read, study and receive additional instruction.
  • Provide Advanced Placement (AP) scholarships to needy students.
  • Keep class sizes smaller so that teachers have more time to work with students on an individual basis.