Below are highlights from the May 28 Board Meeting
Dallas ISD Board of Trustees swears in members and elects officers
The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees swore in three trustees who were reelected
- Sarah Weinberg: District 2
- Joyce Forman: District 6
- Joe Carreón: District 8
The Board also re-elected officers for the 2026–2027 school year:
- Joe Carreón: Board President
- Sarah Weinberg: First Vice President
- Byron Sanders: Second Vice President
- Prisma Y. García: Board Secretary
Dallas ISD Board of Trustees approve 2026-2027 budget
The Board of Trustees approved the $1.8 billion 2026–2027 budget, including increases to starting teacher pay and salary raises for campus support and central staff.
These investments are designed to help Dallas ISD continue attracting and retaining employees while supporting students on campuses across the district. Dallas ISD continues to have one of the highest teacher retention rates in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and across Texas.
Under the new budget, the starting teacher pay is set at $68,000 and the district’s minimum hourly wage increased to $17.50. Total, the budget includes a $56.4 million compensation package.
Board Briefing updates
District leadership provided the Board of Trustees with updates on key district priorities during the May 14, 2026, briefing.
Below is an overview of some of the main takeaways.
The proposed budget reflects strategic investments and long-term planning
District leaders discussed the 2026–2027 proposed budget, which includes a $56.4 million investment in compensation, including a $17.50 minimum hourly rate, pay raise for central staff and campus support team members, and a $68,000 starting teacher salary.
The proposal also includes funding for expanded learning time, Universal Pre-K, and college and career readiness.
During the discussion, trustees emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the district’s long-term financial plan and explaining the difference between bond funds and general funds.
For example, funding from the recently approved $6.2 billion bond can only be used for specific purposes, such as campus construction and renovation projects.
Trustees also highlighted the district’s continued focus on fiscal stewardship, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and prioritizing investments that directly support students and classrooms.
District leaders noted that projected deficits are built using worst-case scenario assumptions, while actual year-end results have historically performed better than projected. The district’s long-term goal is to achieve a balanced budget by the 2028–2029 school year.
Teacher satisfaction and campus culture continue to improve
District leaders also shared updates from the spring climate survey, which showed positive culture and environment responses from Dallas ISD team members increased to nearly 76%, which is almost 2% higher than the previous year. It also exceeds the district’s threshold goal.
The survey also showed growth in staff morale, workplace support, and teacher retention, reflecting the district’s continued investment in employees and campus culture.
Small Business Office updates
Dallas ISD continues to exceed its Small Business Enterprise goals in 2020 bond-funded projects.
The district established an aspirational SBE goal of 30% for construction, and 35% for bond-funded professional services and goods. Current utilization has reached nearly 60% in construction and more than 38% in professional services.
The next Board Briefing is scheduled for June 11, 2026, and can be livestreamed here.
