The average Dallas ISD teacher salary is now above $63,000–and the district continues retaining its’ most effective educators, even during the pandemic–under the Teacher Excellence Initiative, district officials told trustees during the Feb. 11 briefing. TEI is the district’s effort to define, support and reward teacher excellence. Through TEI, Dallas ISD was one of 26 school districts in Texas that received additional state funding ($28 million) under House Bill 3. In total, returning teachers received $43 million in compensation increases this school year, and the average teacher salary is now $10,000 higher than it was when the district first launched…

As of March 1, 55 Dallas ISD elementary and middle schools are considering adopting an alternative school year calendar to help ensure students don’t fall too far behind academically because of the pandemic. The alternative calendars for the next two school years represent a bold investment, of up to $100 million, to support the Dallas ISD students who need it the most. Forty-two schools are considering adopting an “intersession” calendar, which would extend the school year to start at the beginning of August and end in late June. Click here to see a list of schools considering the intersession calendar.…

Dallas ISD will host the district’s annual African American Read-in on Friday, Feb. 26, continuing a decades-long tradition of encouraging young people to read and promoting diversity in literature while spotlighting the work of African American authors. The read-in, presented by the district’s Racial Equity Office and Teaching and Learning division, will be virtual this year and will consist of two events: a Zoom session from 9 a.m.-noon for all K-12 students, followed by a community session that is open for parent participation from 3:30-5 p.m. “The African American Read-In is the nation’s first and oldest event that is dedicated…

With the aftermath of the inclement weather still presenting very real challenges for our families and schools, Dallas ISD schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 22 and 23, and there will be no virtual learning. District essential staff are working throughout the weekend to clean up and repair pipes and water damage at the schools. Meanwhile, curbside meal service from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, will provide two days worth of meals. Click here to see details on participating locations. Updates will be provided on the district website and social media channels. We appreciate your patience and…