URGENT UPDATE: Dallas ISD is calling for community input on a critical new bond proposal aimed at enhancing educational facilities across the district. A board workshop on December 18, 2025, will culminate a series of community meetings where district leaders will present project recommendations to school trustees.
This bond proposal is essential as it addresses the pressing needs of Dallas ISD, following a historic $3 billion bond in 2020 that significantly improved school conditions. While progress has been made, district officials emphasize that much work remains to modernize classrooms and facilities.
During community meetings, parents and staff stressed ongoing issues, urging trustees to prioritize urgent repairs and upgrades. “We can’t get it all done, but we’re going to get a lot done,” stated trustee Byron Sanders at a recent gathering at Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet. The upcoming workshop is pivotal, as no vote is planned, but the discussions will shape the final bond package for a potential vote in May 2026.
The proposed bond is designed to tackle immediate needs while planning for long-term improvements. Proposition A focuses on funding new buildings, major repairs, and enhancing safety and accessibility across campuses. Furthermore, Proposition B addresses technology upgrades, providing essential devices and Wi-Fi to ensure that students can thrive in a digital learning environment.
Dallas ISD Chief Construction Officer Brent Alfred highlighted the importance of addressing deferred maintenance to maximize learning time and prevent possible school shutdowns. The bond also aims to improve recreational facilities, with Proposition D targeting repairs for the district’s five pool facilities, which have gone untouched for a decade.
Surveys conducted among residents show a general consensus on the importance of these upgrades, even with a small tax increase. Parents like Melissa Esparza, whose son attends Leila P. Cowart Elementary, voiced the need for updates, stating the school “looks exactly the same” as it did when she graduated in 1999.
The district’s plan has already garnered praise for the successful implementation of the 2020 bond, which funded over 200 renovations and the construction of 15 new campuses, significantly improving the average building age from 51.7 years to 42.8 years. These enhancements have resulted in academic improvements, with the district achieving a B rating and increasing enrollment in several schools.
Looking ahead, trustees will hold further meetings on January 8 and January 20, 2026, where the bond proposal could be finalized. The urgency for a May election stems from survey results indicating it would be less crowded and more cost-effective for educating voters, ultimately expediting necessary construction amid rising costs.
Dallas ISD officials remain committed to ensuring that the bond proposal aligns with community expectations while maintaining a steady tax rate, which has decreased annually since the 2018-19 school year. The community’s feedback is crucial in shaping a more robust educational environment for students across Dallas.
As discussions unfold, the Dallas ISD community remains engaged and hopeful for a brighter future in education. Parents, teachers, and students alike are encouraged to participate in the upcoming workshop and share their insights, ensuring that every voice is heard in this significant decision-making process.
