UPDATE: Dallas ISD has announced an urgent call for community feedback on its proposed 2026 bond program, with a critical workshop scheduled for December 18, 2025. This meeting will conclude a series of community discussions aimed at refining project recommendations before they are presented to the board of trustees.
Following the success of a historic $3 billion bond in 2020, which significantly improved school facilities, district leaders emphasize that ongoing work is essential to address remaining challenges. “Every single dollar stays in Dallas ISD,” stated Brent Alfred, the district’s Chief Construction Officer, highlighting the bond’s direct impact on local education.
While no vote will occur during the workshop, the session is pivotal in shaping the final proposal for a potential May 2026 election. With recent upgrades lifting Dallas ISD’s overall ratings, officials are focused on modernizing classrooms and enhancing safety. “We can’t get it all done, but we’re going to get a lot done,” said trustee Byron Sanders during a community meeting.
The proposed bond includes four key propositions:
– **Proposition A** focuses on funding new buildings, major repairs, and safety upgrades for existing facilities.
– **Proposition B** aims to enhance technology infrastructure, ensuring reliable access to learning tools.
– **Proposition C** addresses debt refinancing to manage borrowing costs effectively.
– **Proposition D** targets overdue repairs for Dallas ISD’s pool facilities, which have not seen upgrades in a decade.
Parents and staff have expressed their concerns at recent meetings, emphasizing the need for improvements at schools such as Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School and Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School. Community member Melissa Esparza highlighted the urgent need for updates at her son’s school, stating it “looks exactly the same” as when she graduated in 1999.
The timeline for the bond proposal is pressing, with board meetings set for January 8 and January 20, where trustees will review and potentially finalize the proposal. “With a 2026 bond, we will get rid of every single portable in this district, and every teacher will have their own classroom,” asserted David Bates, Dallas ISD’s Chief of Operations.
Community engagement has been extensive, with over 100 committee members contributing to the planning phase. Surveys indicate that a May election would mitigate costs and streamline the voting process, allowing for quicker responses to construction inflation.
As the December 18 workshop approaches, Dallas ISD urges all community members to participate and voice their opinions. The future of local education depends on collective input to ensure that all schools meet the evolving needs of students and families.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds and the community continues to shape the educational landscape in Dallas.
