Dallas ISD Seeks Community Input for Future Bond Proposal

The Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) is actively seeking community feedback as it prepares for a new bond proposal aimed at enhancing educational facilities and resources. A workshop scheduled for December 18, 2025, will conclude a series of community meetings where district leaders will present project recommendations for review by trustees. Although no immediate vote will take place during this session, the insights gathered will play a crucial role in shaping the final proposal for future educational improvements.

Trustee Ed Turner addressed concerns during a recent meeting at Lincoln High School, where discussions centered on the district’s proposed 2026 bond program. The budget aims to build on the success of the previous $3 billion bond issued in 2020, which funded over 200 renovations and the construction of 15 new campuses, significantly reducing the average age of Dallas ISD buildings from 51.7 years to 42.8 years.

While progress has been made, district officials acknowledge that many issues remain unresolved. As the 2020 bond program nears completion, Dallas ISD is focusing on the next steps to further improve facilities and technology. The bond proposal is designed not only to address urgent repairs but also to invest in modernizing classrooms and enhancing security measures that directly impact student life.

Trustees have been engaging with residents through various forums, urging them to prioritize needs based on community feedback. Trustee Byron Sanders emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We can’t get it all done, but we’re going to get a lot done.” He highlighted the district’s commitment to balancing immediate repairs and long-term upgrades.

Community planning began in October 2024 with a series of discussions and the establishment of an executive bond steering committee. The district conducted a preliminary survey in March and engaged more than 100 committee members to gather input through pop-up events and surveys. This extensive outreach aims to ensure that the upcoming bond proposal reflects the needs and expectations of families in the district.

The proposed bond consists of several key components, categorized as Proposition A, B, C, and D. Proposition A constitutes the largest portion, focusing on funding for new buildings, major repairs, safety upgrades, and improvements to transportation and athletics facilities. Addressing deferred maintenance is critical to preventing disruptions in learning, as district leaders emphasize the need for well-maintained facilities.

Proposition B aims to enhance technology infrastructure within the district, including devices and Wi-Fi systems essential for effective learning. Superintendent Michael Elizalde pointed out that reliable technology is vital for student success, stating, “Students can’t learn if the network or devices fail.”

To manage the financial implications of the bond, Proposition C focuses on refunding certain debts, allowing for better timing and cost management of the borrowing process. This approach aims to mitigate potential tax spikes when repaying old debt. District officials plan to share projected household impacts once the proposal details are finalized.

Proposition D is dedicated to addressing the long-neglected maintenance of Dallas ISD’s five pool facilities, which have not received significant upgrades in a decade. The need for pool maintenance has been framed as a safety issue, with some community members advocating for improved access to swimming facilities for students year-round.

Parents and educators voiced their concerns during recent meetings, with many supporting the bond proposal even with a minor tax increase. At Sunset High School, parent Melissa Esparza expressed the necessity for updates, noting that Leila P. Cowart Elementary School has not changed since her graduation in 1999. Similarly, Mary Lou Paras, whose grandchildren attend W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy, highlighted the outdated conditions of the school, which still features original wooden seating.

Community members also praised recent improvements funded by a $35 million bond investment at Lincoln High School. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of major facility upgrades at Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School despite its national recognition.

At the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, graduates and parents advocated for enhancements at Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School and Harry Stone Montessori Academy. Clifford Sherman, a founder of the L.G. Pinkston Class of 1969 Alumni nonprofit, called for either an expansion of Pinkston or the construction of a new facility to alleviate overcrowding.

Trustee Ben Mackey reassured attendees at Sunset High School that the district’s total tax rate has consistently decreased since the 2018-2019 school year, dropping from approximately $1.41 to under $1.00 per $100 of property valuation, even as bond funding has continued.

With board meetings scheduled for January 8 and January 20, trustees are expected to finalize the bond proposal in preparation for a potential election in May 2026. This timeline is strategic, as surveys indicate that a May election would be less crowded and more cost-effective for informing voters, while also helping to counter construction inflation.

Skeptics of the plan are calling for clearer project scopes and timelines that the district can reliably uphold. Supporters, however, argue that addressing critical infrastructure issues, such as roofs, HVAC systems, plumbing, and overcrowding, is essential to prevent future costs from escalating.

Dallas ISD’s Chief of Operations, David Bates, emphasized the urgency of the bond, stating, “With a 2026 bond, we will get rid of every single portable in this district, and every teacher will have their own classroom.” This focus on improving educational environments aims to meet the evolving needs of students and their families in the Dallas community.