UPDATE: Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) is calling for immediate community input on its proposed 2026 bond program as a decisive board workshop approaches on December 18, 2025. This workshop will finalize project recommendations that are crucial for shaping the future of local schools.
As the district wraps up its current $3 billion bond initiative from 2020, officials emphasize that there is still significant work ahead. Recent improvements have been made, but ongoing issues persist, prompting leaders to seek public feedback to guide the new bond proposal.
Dallas ISD trustee Ed Turner addressed concerns during a meeting on December 9, highlighting the importance of community engagement. “Every single dollar stays in Dallas ISD,” he asserted, stressing that the upcoming bond is essential for funding major repairs, new buildings, and technology upgrades that directly impact student learning.
The district has seen positive changes since the last bond, including over 200 renovations and the establishment of 15 new campuses. This has reduced the average age of school buildings from 51.7 years to 42.8 years, improving academic performance and enrollment, as in the case of Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy, which gained over 200 students.
At community meetings, trustee Byron Sanders highlighted that while not every need can be met, significant improvements are on the horizon. “We can’t get it all done, but we’re going to get a lot done,” he emphasized, urging residents to prioritize their needs through various surveys.
The proposed bond will include four key propositions: Proposition A focuses on major repairs, new buildings, and upgrades for safety and accessibility; Proposition B targets technology enhancements critical for modern learning environments; Proposition C aims to refund certain debts to manage borrowing costs effectively; and Proposition D addresses urgent repairs for five district pool facilities, which have seen little maintenance in a decade.
District officials are committed to ensuring that the bond will enhance classroom environments and modernize outdated facilities. “What we’re doing is bringing our school district’s physical space up to speed with the worth of the community and the people themselves,” said Sanders.
The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated. With board meetings scheduled for January 8 and January 20, trustees are poised to finalize the bond proposal in time for a May 2026 election. Surveys indicate that a May election would be less crowded and reduce construction inflation, making it a critical window for decision-making.
Parents, teachers, and staff have voiced their support for the bond, even with a potential small tax increase. Many expressed frustration over the state of facilities, with one parent noting that her son’s elementary school looks unchanged since her graduation in 1999.
However, skepticism remains regarding the district’s ability to deliver on promises without clear timelines and scopes of work. Supporters argue that delaying necessary repairs only increases costs and impacts student learning.
“With a 2026 bond, we will get rid of every single portable in this district, and every teacher will have their own classroom,” pledged David Bates, Dallas ISD’s chief of operations, emphasizing the transformative potential of the upcoming bond.
As community members rally for these vital improvements, the December 18 workshop will be a pivotal moment for Dallas ISD. Stakeholders are urged to participate and make their voices heard, ensuring the future of education in Dallas reflects the needs and aspirations of its students and families.
This reporting is made possible through community support from various local organizations, underscoring the collaborative efforts to enhance educational opportunities across Dallas.
