UPDATE: Dallas ISD is calling for urgent community input on a proposed $3 billion bond initiative that aims to modernize schools and improve facilities across the district. A crucial workshop on December 18, 2025, will conclude a series of community meetings where district leaders will present project recommendations to the board of trustees for review.
Trustee Ed Turner emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating that no vote is scheduled yet, but this session is vital in shaping the final bond package. “We can’t get it all done, but we’re going to get a lot done,” said fellow trustee Byron Sanders during a recent meeting at Lincoln High School.
The bond proposal follows the successful implementation of a historic bond in 2020 that funded over 200 renovations and the construction of 15 new campuses. Dallas ISD officials report that the average age of school buildings has decreased from 51.7 years to 42.8 years, significantly enhancing educational environments.
As the district approaches the completion of the previous bond initiative, officials stress that ongoing issues remain, particularly around safety, technology, and overcrowding. “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,” Sanders added.
The proposed bond will address urgent repairs and upgrades, with Proposition A focusing on new buildings and major facility improvements. Proposition B will enhance technology, ensuring students have access to reliable devices and internet connectivity. “Students can’t learn if the network or devices fail,” warned Superintendent Michael Elizalde.
District leaders are committed to transparency regarding projected household impacts, which will be shared once finalized. The bond is designed to prevent tax spikes by managing debt responsibly, according to Chief Construction Officer Brent Alfred.
Community meetings have revealed strong support for the bond, with parents and teachers voicing the urgent need for upgrades. At a recent meeting, parent Melissa Esparza lamented the outdated conditions at her child’s school, stating, “It looks exactly the same as when I graduated in 1999. There needs to be an update.”
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. This timeline is crucial, as surveys indicate that a May election would be less crowded and more cost-effective for educating voters.
The Dallas ISD community is rallying for improvements, with calls for addressing critical needs such as overcrowding and outdated facilities. “With a 2026 bond, we will get rid of every single portable in this district, and every teacher will have their own classroom,” said Chief of Operations David Bates.
As the district prepares for the upcoming bond discussions, community engagement remains key. Parents, teachers, and alumni are urged to participate in the workshops and voice their priorities. The outcome of this bond proposal will significantly impact the educational landscape in Dallas ISD, shaping the future for thousands of students.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and the community’s voice is heard.
