UPDATE: Dallas ISD is calling for urgent community input on its upcoming bond proposal, with a crucial workshop set for December 18, 2025. This meeting will conclude a series of discussions where district leaders will unveil project recommendations aimed at bolstering educational facilities across the district.
The bond proposal follows the success of the $3 billion bond passed in 2020, which significantly improved school conditions. However, district officials assert that much work remains to be done. As they prepare for the May 2026 election, community feedback is essential for shaping the final package.
During community meetings, parents and staff voiced pressing needs for renovations and upgrades, emphasizing that many schools still reflect outdated conditions. Dallas ISD trustee Byron Sanders stated, “We can’t get it all done, but we’re going to get a lot done,” indicating a strong commitment to addressing these challenges.
The bond aims to modernize classrooms and enhance security, blending urgent repairs with necessary upgrades. The proposal consists of several key propositions: Proposition A focuses on funding new buildings and major repairs; Proposition B targets technology improvements; Proposition C addresses debt refinancing to stabilize costs; while Proposition D is dedicated to restoring five neglected pool facilities.
Dallas ISD Chief Construction Officer Brent Alfred highlighted that “every single dollar stays in Dallas ISD,” reiterating the importance of community support for these improvements. The district has already seen positive outcomes from past investments, such as a noted increase in enrollment at schools like Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy and South Oak Cliff.
“What we’re doing is we’re bringing our school district’s physical space up to speed with the worth of the community and the people themselves,” said Sanders.
As planning for the new bond proposal kicked off last year, over 100 committee members participated in surveys and discussions. The district aims to ensure that the bond meets both immediate and long-term needs, balancing repairs with modernizations.
The upcoming workshop will not include a vote, but it is critical for shaping the proposal that will be presented to the board for finalization. Community members are encouraged to participate actively in the discussion and express their priorities.
With board meetings scheduled for January 8 and January 20, the trustees are expected to finalize the bond proposal next month. This timeline is strategically designed to facilitate a May 2026 election, which officials believe will reduce construction inflation and streamline voter education efforts.
As residents express their concerns over aging facilities and overcrowding, the urgency for action has never been greater. Parents like Melissa Esparza, whose son attends Leila P. Cowart Elementary, emphasize the need for updates, stating, “There needs to be an update.”
District leaders are committed to transparent communication regarding the impact of the new bond on household taxes, which have been steadily decreasing since 2018. With the community’s support, the goal is to eliminate portable classrooms and ensure every teacher has their own dedicated space.
The Dallas ISD bond proposal is not just about infrastructure; it’s about creating a conducive learning environment for students and addressing the educational disparities that affect the community. As discussions continue, the district urges all stakeholders to engage and advocate for the future of education in Dallas.
