September 2026 Board meetings recap

The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees met in September.

Below is a recap of the board meeting, held on Sept. 24.

Trustees review campus and facility naming policy

Trustees postponed amendments to the district’s policy for renaming schools and district facilities. Changes focus on creating a clearer process and increasing meaningful community input. The proposal would also limit to four renaming per trustee district per year.

Trustees will revisit the amendment in October. 

District continues investment in Career and Technical Education

Trustees approved up to $25.5 million over five years for Career and Technical Education supplies, equipment and services, supporting professional-grade equipment, supplies, and instructor training. 

The Board also approved up to $1.5 million over three years for flight simulation systems, equipment, and maintenance services to support students pursuing aviation pathways. The simulators allow students to gain experience with flight planning, navigation, weather and aircraft controls as part of their CTE training.

District invests in school bus fleet

Trustees approved up to $72 million over five years for the purchase of school buses, repairs, and parts. The district plans to replace 398 buses that are 10 years old or older.

The investment is designed to reduce risks associated with an aging fleet, minimize ongoing maintenance needs and help maximize safety for students traveling to and from school.

Bond projects reach completion at two schools

Trustees accepted the completion of renovations made possible through the bond program at William Brown Miller and John F. Peeler elementary schools.

At William Brown Miller, improvements included renovations to the gymnasium and administration areas, a new security vestibule, new corridor flooring, and more.

At John F. Peeler renovations included improvements to the main entrance and administration suite, security upgrades, exterior window replacements, a new school marquee, and more.

The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees also met on Sept. 10 for a briefing. Below are the highlights.

Student outcomes highlight college and career readiness

District leaders shared the latest student outcome goals data, highlighting continued progress in preparing students for life after graduation.

Among recent high school graduates, 94.5% met college, career and military readiness criteria. Additionally, 94% of students in grades nine through 11 for the 2025-2026 school year were on track to graduate, six percentage points above the district’s target.

Financial literacy was another area of focus. Last school year, about 20% of graduates completed a personal financial literacy course, surpassing the district’s 5% goal. The semester-long course can be taken as an elective or as an economics option within social studies.

District strengthens focus on student writing

Dallas ISD is sharpening its focus on writing as a foundational skill that can support students throughout their academic careers.

The district is taking a kindergarten through 12th grade approach to strengthening writing instruction, beginning with foundational skills in the earliest grades.

Strategies include professional learning for teachers, targeted grammar instruction, and opportunities for students to practice writing beyond reading language arts, including in science and social studies.

Bond program continues investments in district facilities

Dallas ISD continues to move forward with projects aimed at improving learning environments across the district through the Bond Program.

This includes work at Birdie Alexander Elementary School and Urban Park Elementary School.

At Birdie Alexander, renovations include a redesigned administration area and secure entry vestibule, kitchen addition, roofing and window improvements, LED lighting, accessibility upgrades and other campus improvements.

At Urban Park Elementary School, projects are related to abatement, site grading, demolition and storm shelter controls.