In response to a need for new schools and classrooms, innovative educational programs and upgraded facilities, the Dallas ISD trustees called an election for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015, asking Dallas voters to approve a proposed $1.6 billion bond program. If approved, the 2015 program WILL NOT require a tax-rate increase, and the current tax rate will remain in place. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and early voting runs Monday, Oct. 19, through Friday, Oct. 30.
“The 2015 Dallas ISD bond package is the key to improving our schools, providing a stronger workforce and keeping our city competitive so we can prosper and grow. It is an economic win for our city,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.
“This school bond campaign will have a big impact today in the lives of our children and a big impact tomorrow on our city’s economy. Let’s keep Dallas moving in the right direction by approving these bonds on November 3,” said former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk.
The proposed bond program will bring improvements to all 227 schools in the district, including funds to build nine new and replacement schools; construct 19 additions to existing schools creating 326 classrooms; enhance libraries, gyms, science labs, technology, fine arts and more; develop facilities for new educational programs; and improve infrastructure. See below for a specific breakout:
- $464 million to construct nine new and replacement schools (including two high schools, two PK–8 schools, one 3–8 school, one PK–5 school and three elementary schools)
- $195 million for expanded facilities and 286 classrooms (construct 19 additions to existing schools, including six high schools, two middle schools, one PK–8 school, and nine elementary schools, adding 326 classrooms)
- $233 million for educational adequacy improvements (improvements to technology, gyms, locker rooms, libraries, science labs, cafeterias, auditoriums, performing arts, fine arts, athletic facilities, and administration areas in schools)
- $92 million for new educational programs (construct or repurpose schools for new educational programs, including career technology, transformation schools, innovation schools, early childhood schools and overage schools)
- $500 million for capital improvements (including new roofs, heating and air conditioning units, plumbing updates, and interior and exterior façade improvements district-wide)
- $105 million for land acquisition and demolition for new schools
As of Oct. 15, the bond program has been endorsed by the Cliff Temple Baptist Church, Dallas Regional Chamber, Dallas Citizens Council, The Real Estate Council and the West Dallas Chamber.
“Our children are depending on us, so this bond program – which adds new schools, much-needed additions providing hundreds of classrooms, and upgraded science labs – is crucially important,” said Dr. Elba Garcia. “Just as importantly, significant funds are being devoted to innovative career-tech vocational programs, early education programs for our preschoolers and numerous PK-8 schools that have proven to be highly effective for learning.”
The Dallas Independent School District is “one of the nation’s fastest improving school districts,” according to the Council of the Great City Schools. With 227 schools and approximately 160,000 students, Dallas ISD is home to two of the top public high schools in the country (Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center’s School of Science and Engineering and School for the Talented and Gifted) as reported by The Washington Post and Newsweek.
Dallas ISD’s $1.35 billion bond program in 2008 provided for improvements across the district. The funds were used to build 14 new schools, construct 13 school additions creating 177 new classrooms, renovate more than 200 schools, build science labs, purchase classroom and lab computers, update technology and infrastructure, refurbish sports complexes, and renovate and expand lunchrooms.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Anyone 18 (by Nov. 3) or older may vote early by presenting his/her voter registration card or ID at specified locations. For additional voting information, contact the Dallas County Elections Office at (214) 819-6389 or go to dallascountyvotes.org
For more information on specific improvements to schools, please go to the “Putting Students First” campaign website at dallasisdbond.com or the Dallas ISD website at dallasisd.org/bond.
“As of Oct. 15, the bond program has been endorsed by the Cliff Temple Baptist Church, Dallas Regional Chamber, Dallas Citizens Council, The Real Estate Council and the West Dallas Chamber”…so what?…When have these organizations done anything for the 99 percent? When have these organizations done anything for the black community?…how about the poor Hispanics? From what I have been able to find out, this bond election is just another move by the business community to make some money for themselves at the expense of the tax payer. I ain’t gonna go for it! I’m voting NO!
Interesting – I listened to a podcast by Dallas Observer writers yesterday and they referred to reaction like yours as bizarre and they don’t understand why you would think the biz community is trying to take over the schools.
So my question to you is — why are you opposed to a plan to improve the facilities at no increase in the tax rate for tax payers? Surely they will have to use a number of minority contractors?
…not too sure about the “number of minority contractors” although the legal requirements for minority contractors for affirmative action quotas have been beaten time and again by scheming “non-minority” contractors. Therefore, even if this was about minority contracts, we all know the program is not set up well enough to be more than window dressing for what really goes on.
However, my main objection to this bond is that from what I hear from reliable sources; the black community is being shortchanged once again. The money is not being spent on schools in the black community. And even if it was, the money is for construction when it ought to be spent on the students and teachers. Pretty school buildings look good but don’t necessarily improve the quality of education. They do however make business folk and construction companies and architects and real estate folk richer. Everybody knows it’s the same old game. I’ll vote for the bond if the school board folk demonstrate that this will improve the quality of education for DISD students in the black community but they are not even talking about the issues to the public. So on November 3, I am voting NO!
Thanks for sharing the info.
Opponents to the bond are hosting a press conference tomorrow where they are promising 10 reasons why the community should not support it.
“a press conference tomorrow where they are promising 10 reasons why the community should not support it.”…please post the who, what, why, when and where….I want to know moremoremore…DISD has been ripping off the public for far too long…not that I am against public education and for charter schools and stuff, but functional public education is a key to a more productive world, and Dallas has been short changed in the name of more money for the 1 per cent for years.
stay tuned we are working on a story…