Voters in the Dallas Independent School District were on their way to approving the full $6.2 billion bond package on Saturday, marking the largest school bond measure in Texas history and paving the way for sweeping upgrades to aging campuses across the district.
The bond, split into four propositions on the ballot, is designed to replace dozens of schools, modernize facilities districtwide and invest in student technology, safety and transportation. District leaders said the plan was developed over more than a year with input from a citizen steering committee and dozens of public meetings.
The measure is expected to cost the average Dallas ISD homeowner about $2.79 more per month, or roughly $33 to $34 per year, tied to a one-cent property tax rate increase. Homeowners age 65 and older with a homestead exemption would not see a tax increase unless major improvements are made to their property.
The district said the investment comes as many campuses age and student needs evolve, noting Dallas ISD currently has the lowest tax rate among the 10 largest school districts in North Texas, a distinction it expects to maintain even after the increase.
What each Dallas ISD bond proposition includesProposition A – $5.93 billionBuild 26 new replacement campusesRenovate and modernize all schools districtwideRemove about 700 portable classrooms used by nearly 10,000 studentsUpgrade safety and security systemsReplace furniture and improve student learning environmentsExpand physical education facilities, including fields, tracks and athletic spacesInvest in technology infrastructure, cybersecurity and data systemsPurchase new school buses and improve transportation safetyFund energy efficiency projects like solar and other upgradesImprove playgrounds, courtyards and outdoor spaces Proposition B – $144.7 millionUpgrade classroom, staff and student technology devices Proposition C – $143.3 millionRefinance existing debtPotentially save the district about $10 millionAllow faster debt payoff and free up roughly $100 million for classroom operations Proposition D – $26.25 millionRepair and renovate district swimming pool facilities
The bond builds on Dallas ISD’s 2020 program, which is still underway and has already funded new schools, career institutes and safety upgrades across more than 200 campuses.
District officials said the newly approved 2026 bond will allow them to address long-standing infrastructure needs while investing in modern classrooms and student resources for years to come.