Dallas ISD Seeks Community Input for 2026 Bond Proposal

Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) is engaging the community in discussions regarding a proposed bond program for 2026. A board workshop scheduled for December 18, 2025, will conclude a series of meetings where district leaders will present project recommendations for review by trustees. Although no vote is planned at this session, the feedback gathered will significantly influence the final bond package.

The district has made notable strides since its historic bond of over $3 billion in 2020, which funded more than 200 renovations and constructed 15 new campuses. Dallas ISD’s average building age has decreased from 51.7 years to 42.8 years. Despite these advancements, officials assert that further improvements are necessary to enhance educational environments.

Trustee Ed Turner emphasized the importance of community feedback during trustee-led meetings earlier this month. Parents and staff expressed ongoing challenges at various campuses, prompting trustees to encourage residents to prioritize their needs. “We can’t get it all done, but we’re going to get a lot done,” stated Trustee Byron Sanders at a recent gathering.

Planning for the bond began in October 2024, with the establishment of a steering committee and community surveys to ensure comprehensive engagement. District leaders aim to modernize classrooms and enhance security within facilities. The proposed bond includes several key components:

Proposition A focuses on funding for new buildings, major repairs, and safety upgrades. Proposition B is dedicated to technology improvements, ensuring reliable access to devices and Wi-Fi. “Students can’t learn if the network or devices fail,” noted Superintendent Elizalde. Proposition C seeks to refund certain debts, managing costs and preventing tax spikes. Lastly, Proposition D addresses repairs to the district’s five pool facilities, which have not been maintained in a decade.

Community members have expressed their support for the bond, even with a potential increase in property taxes. At a meeting at Sunset High School, Melissa Esparza highlighted the need for updates at local schools, stating that her son’s elementary school “looks exactly the same” as it did when she graduated in 1999. Similarly, Mary Lou Paras pointed out that her grandchildren’s school still features original wooden seating.

Participants at Lincoln High School praised improvements funded by a separate $35 million bond, but some, like Bridget Smith, raised concerns over the lack of substantial upgrades at the Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School. Despite the school’s accolades, she noted that students often “sit on the floor or stand during assemblies” due to cramped spaces.

At the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet, parents and alumni discussed the urgent need for enhancements at Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School and Harry Stone Montessori Academy. Clifford Sherman, an alumni representative, called for expansion to alleviate overcrowding.

Dallas ISD officials emphasized that the upcoming bond is not solely about funding but about aligning facilities with community expectations. Trustee Ben Mackey highlighted that the district’s total tax rate has decreased since the 2018-19 school year, even as bonds supported necessary work.

With board meetings scheduled for January 8 and January 20, trustees are expected to finalize the bond proposal in time for a potential election in May 2026. This timeline is considered advantageous for voter engagement and managing construction inflation.

As Dallas ISD prepares for the future, district leaders assert that the proposed bond will address critical needs, including eliminating portable classrooms and ensuring that every teacher has their own space. “With a 2026 bond, we will get rid of every single portable in this district,” said David Bates, chief of operations.

This article is part of a community-funded journalism initiative supported by various local organizations, including the Commit Partnership and the Dallas Mavericks. The reporting aims to provide transparency and foster community engagement in educational developments.