Last week, the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approved a proposed $6.2 billion bond that will go before voters in May. The proposal would pay for a series of district-wide modernization efforts.
The Citizens Bond Steering Committee put the proposal together. It features 26 brand-new replacement schools, renovation of all campuses, removal of the district’s remaining 700 portables, safety and security upgrades, improved student technology, new school buses, as well as renovated physical education and pool facilities.
The bond will appear on the ballot in four propositions. Proposition A will include the bulk of the upgrades to the tune of $5.9 billion. Proposition B features $144 million in technology upgrade, and Proposition C would allow the district to refinance $143 million in debt at a lower cost, giving the district the ability to redirect resources back to classrooms.
Proposition D, if approved, would direct $26 million to district pool facilities in need of repairs and renovations.
If the full $6.2 billion proposal is approved, voters will see a 1-cent property tax increase. For the average property homeowner, that would mean an increase of about $35 annually. Of course, homeowners age 65 and older with a homestead exception won’t see any increase unless major improvements are made to their homestead.
According to the district, its tax rate is the lowest of the 10 largest school districts in North Texas. Even if the bond proposal passes, the district will maintain that distinction.
The entire bond process started in October 2024 with long-range master planning and continued in February 2025 with the appointment of a steering committee. That group met more than 65 times throughout the year to receive input and feedback on the proposal.