Dallas ISD Invites Community Input for Upcoming Bond Proposal

Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) is seeking community feedback as it prepares for a significant bond proposal slated for a May 2026 election. The last in a series of community meetings will take place on December 18, 2025, where district leaders will present project recommendations to the trustees for their review. While no vote is scheduled at this meeting, the feedback gathered will be crucial in shaping the final proposal.

The groundwork for this bond proposal builds on the success of the district’s previous historic bond in 2020, which totaled over $3 billion. This initiative funded more than 200 renovations, 15 new campuses, and 10 facilities, significantly reducing the average age of Dallas ISD buildings from 51.7 years to 42.8 years. Despite these improvements, district officials acknowledge that ongoing work is necessary to enhance educational facilities and ensure they meet the needs of students and families.

At several recent community meetings, including one at Lincoln High School on December 9, 2025, trustee Ed Turner addressed community concerns and emphasized the importance of input from parents and staff. “We can’t get it all done, but we’re going to get a lot done,” trustee Byron Sanders stated at an event held at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. The district is committed to addressing facility needs, which have been prioritized by both staff and parents.

Planning for the bond began in October 2024, with the formation of an executive bond steering committee in February and a preliminary survey launched in March. Over the past months, district leaders have engaged with over 100 committee members, hosting pop-up events and surveys to gather community input.

The proposed bond includes several key propositions. Proposition A, the largest component, is focused on funding new buildings, essential repairs, safety and accessibility upgrades, and improvements to playgrounds and athletic facilities. Addressing deferred maintenance is also a priority, as it maximizes learning time and prevents potential facility shutdowns.

Proposition B is dedicated to technological enhancements, ensuring that students have access to reliable devices and internet connectivity. “Students can’t learn if the network or devices fail,” said Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde. Proposition C aims to refund certain debts to manage borrowing costs effectively, while Proposition D targets repair work for the district’s five pool facilities, which have not received significant updates in a decade.

Community members have voiced their support for the bond, even with the potential for a small tax increase. Parents like Melissa Esparza, whose son attends Leila P. Cowart Elementary, have pointed out that many schools have not seen updates since their own time as students. “There needs to be an update,” she remarked during a recent meeting.

Despite the district’s achievements, some schools still face significant challenges. At the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet, parents and alumni expressed the need for improvements at Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School and Harry Stone Montessori Academy. Community members have highlighted overcrowding and outdated facilities as pressing issues that need addressing.

The Dallas ISD board is scheduled to meet on January 8 and January 20, 2026, where they will review and likely finalize the bond proposal. The decision to hold the election in May is strategic, as surveys indicate that this timing would be less crowded and more cost-effective for educating voters.

As Dallas ISD prepares for the potential approval of this bond, the emphasis remains on modernizing educational spaces to align with the community’s expectations. The district’s leadership is determined to ensure that every student has access to a conducive learning environment, emphasizing that this initiative is not solely about funding but about enhancing educational quality across the district.