Dallas ISD Approves Historic $6.2B Bond, Largest in Texas History

Dallas ISD made history Saturday when voters approved the largest school bond in Texas history, a sweeping $6.2 billion package designed to transform aging campuses across one of the state's largest urban school districts.[1] The four propositions on the ballot each passed with strong support, ranging from 71.3% to 75.3% of votes cast, according to unofficial results reported as of 9:35 p.m.[2] The bond dwarfs Dallas ISD's previous record set in 2020, when voters approved $3.5 billion of a $3.7 billion package.[2] District leaders spent more than a year developing the plan with input from a citizen steering committee and dozens of public meetings, reflecting an intensive effort to address long-standing infrastructure challenges.[1] The largest component, Proposition A at $5.93 billion, will build 26 new replacement campuses, renovate and modernize all schools districtwide, and remove approximately 700 portable classrooms currently serving nearly 10,000 students.[1] Beyond new construction, the bond addresses critical modernization across the district. Proposition B allocates $144.7 million for classroom, staff and student technology devices, while Proposition D directs $26.25 million toward repairing and renovating swimming pool facilities.[1] Proposition C's $143.3 million in debt refinancing is projected to save the district approximately $10 million and free up roughly $100 million for classroom operations.[1] The comprehensive package also funds upgraded safety and security systems, new school buses, energy efficiency projects including solar installations, and expansions of physical education facilities. For Dallas homeowners, the financial impact remains modest. The measure will cost the average Dallas ISD homeowner approximately $2.79 more per month, or about $33 to $34 annually, tied to a one-cent property tax rate increase.[1] Notably, homeowners age 65 and older with a homestead exemption will see no tax increase unless major improvements are made to their property.[1] District officials emphasized that the newly approved bond builds on momentum from the 2020 program, which is still underway and has already funded 15 replacement schools, six new facilities, and four career institutes while supporting safety and accessibility upgrades across more than 200 campuses.