UPDATE: Dallas ISD is urging community feedback on its critical 2026 bond proposal, with a pivotal board workshop set for December 18, 2025. This session marks the conclusion of a series of community meetings, where district leaders will unveil project recommendations for trustee review. Though no vote is anticipated at this workshop, the discussions will significantly shape the final bond package aimed at enhancing educational facilities across the district.
The urgency of this bond proposal comes after the remarkable success of the district’s previous $3 billion bond in 2020, which led to over 200 renovations and the construction of 15 new campuses. Despite these advancements, Dallas ISD officials emphasize that ongoing challenges remain that require immediate attention.
Dallas ISD Chief Construction Officer Brent Alfred stated, “Every single dollar stays in Dallas ISD,” underscoring the importance of local investment in education. The proposed bond aims to address critical needs such as safety, modern technology, and essential repairs.
The bond package includes several key propositions:
– **Proposition A** focuses on new buildings and major repairs, ensuring classrooms meet modern safety and accessibility standards.
– **Proposition B** aims to enhance technology infrastructure, ensuring students have reliable access to devices and Wi-Fi essential for learning.
– **Proposition C** will help manage debt, preventing spikes in taxes as old debts are settled.
– **Proposition D** targets repairs for the district’s five pool facilities, which have remained untouched for a decade.
Community engagement has been robust, with trustees like Byron Sanders encouraging residents to prioritize needs. “We can’t get it all done, but we’re going to get a lot done,” he asserted during a recent meeting at the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet.
Dallas ISD’s commitment to modernizing facilities is underscored by the fact that the average age of schools has decreased from 51.7 years to 42.8 years since the last bond. Notably, schools such as Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy and South Oak Cliff have seen enrollment increases of over 200 and 250 students, respectively.
The district’s next board meetings are scheduled for January 8 and January 20, where the bond proposal could be finalized for a vote in the upcoming May 2026 election. This timeline is strategic, as surveys indicate that a May election would be less crowded and more cost-effective for educating voters.
However, skepticism exists within the community regarding the clarity of the district’s plans. Parents and staff at various meetings expressed concerns about the need for clearer timelines and scopes for the proposed projects.
The urgency of addressing infrastructure issues is palpable. As David Bates, Dallas ISD’s Chief of Operations, stated, “With a 2026 bond, we will get rid of every single portable in this district, and every teacher will have their own classroom.”
District leaders urge all stakeholders to participate actively in the upcoming workshop. The outcomes of this bond proposal not only impact infrastructure but also directly influence the educational environment for thousands of students across Dallas.
Join the conversation and make your voice heard as Dallas ISD prepares for a transformative step towards modernizing education facilities.
