Royal ISD voters approve part of bond package; Branch re-elected Brookshire mayor

By George Slaughter, News Editor
Posted 5/6/23

Royal ISD voters Saturday approved one bond proposition, while rejecting another, as the district works to manage ongoing growth.

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Royal ISD voters approve part of bond package; Branch re-elected Brookshire mayor

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Royal ISD voters Saturday approved one bond proposition, while rejecting another, as the district works to manage ongoing growth, according to unofficial election results.

Voters approved Proposition A, for $138,069,530. It covered safety and security measures, new construction, renovations and remodeling, upgrading existing facilities and improving the district’s technology infrastructure.

The proposition’s approval comes as district officials expect continued student enrollment growth over the next few years. It’s a significant win, also, as voters rejected the last bond proposition in 2021.

“We’re extremely grateful to the community for voting in Proposition A,” Royal ISD Superintendent Rick Kershner said. “It’s a huge win. I couldn’t be prouder of our community.”

Kershner acknowledged disappointment about the failure of Proposition B. The proposition, for $6,351,000, covered Falcon Stadium improvements, which included a new turf field, a new track, replacing the visitor bleachers, renovating the home bleachers, and improving site safety and security.

“That’s a little bit disappointing for our kids,” Kershner said, adding that Falcon Stadium is the only one in its athletic district that does not have field turf. The stadium also has a six-lane track, while standard tracks all have eight lanes. Royal athletes preparing to compete in track meets will be at a disadvantage if they draw lane 7 or 8, and they cannot practice on those lanes beforehand, he said.

“We’re going to have to reevaluate the situation,” Kershner said. “There are definitely some things we need there, and we will work at it. But we are extremely grateful for the passage of Proposition A and the support of the community.”

Proposition A drew 531 votes, or 51%, for and 509 votes, or 49%, against.

Proposition B drew 545 votes, or 53%, against and 487 votes, or 47%, for.

The district's board of trustees is expected to certify the results and proceed with the approved work.

The Royal ISD bond is one of several area elections held in Waller and Fort Bend counties that impact the Katy area. Here’s a summary of other area election results.

Fort Bend County ESD #2

Voters in the Fort Bend County Emergency Services District #2 rejected a proposition that would have authorized up to 2% to be captured by the district in all areas not yet at the state maximum sales and use tax rate of 8.25%.

The proposition drew 430 votes, or 55%, against and 355 votes, or 45%, for, according to unofficial results.

Brookshire Mayor

Incumbent Mayor Darrell Branch, who was elected in 2019, defeated former Mayor Eric Scott, who served from 2013-19. Branch is a facility manager. Scott listed himself as unemployed on his candidate application form.

Branch drew 249 votes, or 52%. Scott drew 230 votes, or 48%, according to unofficial results.

Brookshire City Council

Tony McAnally, a retired nonprofit executive, defeated Jimmy Sanders, a teacher, who ran as a write-in candidate for the position 2 alderman seat. Incumbent Lyndon Stamps did not seek re-election.

McNally drew 247 votes, or 64%. Sanders drew 139 votes, or 36%, according to unofficial results.

Position 1 Alderman Monique Taylor drew no opponents and will continue serving on the council.

Pattison City Council

Three council positions were up for election Saturday, with no incumbents seeking re-election.

Daphney Kirby, who is a business owner, defeated Princella Beckley Lazard, who is a bus monitor, for the position 5 council seat.

Kirby drew 66 votes, or 58%. Lazard drew 47 votes, or 42%, according to unofficial results.

The other two positions were uncontested. Ken Coulter, who is retired, won the position 3 seat. Wesley “Sandy” Buller, who is self-employed, won the position 4 seat.

Royal ISD, Fort Bend County ESD #2, City of Brookshire, City of Pattison, election