In November, voters can decide whether to approve a $1.6 billion bond program for Dallas ISD that would provide facility improvements across the district and support for growing academic programs.
The Board of Trustees today voted unanimously to place the bond program before voters in a November election. Board President Eric Cowan noted Trustees Joyce Foreman and Bernadette Nutall had scheduling conflicts and were unable to attend the called meeting, held at the district administrative building.
During the meeting, interim Superintendent Michael Hinojosa thanked the district’s leadership team and the community-led Future Facilities Task Force for their nearly year-long efforts to bringing the proposal forward. The proposal is based on recommendations compiled by the Future Facilities Task Force with input from numerous sources including Future Facilities Task Force members, Dallas ISD staff, school administrators, community members, and facility assessment reports commissioned by the district.
“I’m pleased the Board of Trustees has given voters a chance to decide,” Hinojosa said. “The timing is good, and we will do all we can to be transparent and provide information.”
The bond proposal, which is not projected to cause a tax increase, includes the following:
- $464 million for nine new campuses
- $195 million for 294 new classrooms and expanded facilities
- $233 million for educational adequacy, including new technology, science labs, gym/locker room enhancements and more
- $92 million for new educational programs including prekindergarten expansion, and career and technical programs
- $500 million for capital improvements such as new roofs, HVAC, windows and doors, plumbing, and site improvements.
- $105 million for land acquisition, demolition and early priority projects.
“I’m very excited about the bond package we will be putting in front of voters,” Cowan said. “As Trustee (Lew) Blackburn said (Wednesday at a community meeting), we’re just putting it in front of voters. This is the public’s vote, and the public’s schools. It’s not just nine Trustees deciding we want to spend $1.6 billion. We’re asking the public (to vote).”
Click here to see the full list of proposed projects recommended in the plan.
