News Briefs

Trustees were briefed on a demographic report that shows the challenges—and opportunities—of projected student enrollment over the next 10 years. Dallas ISD hires an external demographer about every five years to get a detailed forecast on future student enrollment. The report presented at Thursday’s board meeting states the district could see an enrollment decline of 5,000 students over the next 10 years, though the high-growth estimate states the district could grow by 1 percent over that same time period. The growth of charter schools and housing availability and affordability are among the factors that could cause a future student enrollment…

Wednesday, March 15, is the Texas priority deadline for aspiring college students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the application is the first step toward receiving federal aid for college or a career school. Many colleges also use FAFSA data to determine student eligibility for state and school aid. Graduating seniors can receive up to $5,815 in Federal Pell Grant Funds, which do not have to be repaid, to help pay for tuition and fees at public and private colleges, community colleges and career schools. Hundreds of Dallas ISD seniors who are eligible to receive…

Wednesday, March 8, is International Women’s Day, a time to recognize and honor the achievements of women who have contributed to our culture and our lives. Several Dallas ISD schools have been named to honor women. Below is a list of district schools, with brief summaries of major accomplishments of some of the women whose names grace the buildings. Birdie Alexander Elementary School: Birdie Alexander (1870-1960) taught music in Dallas public schools, where she became supervisor of music in 1900. In Dallas she is credited with laying the foundation for the system of music education in the public schools. She…

The boys basketball teams at Skyline and Madison high schools have both advanced to the UIL State Basketball Championships. The teams will compete in the State Semifinals being held March 9-11 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The teams advanced in the regional tournaments held earlier in the month. The games are scheduled for: 3A State Semifinals – Thursday, March 9 Madison High School vs. Santa Rosa High School 1:30 p.m. 6A State Semifinals – Friday, March 10 Skyline High School vs Cypress Falls High School 7:00 p.m.