Dallas ISD District 2 Monthly Update

A Woodrow Wilson Community Foundation Impact Fund winner.

There is a lot happening across Dallas ISD and District 2 as we settle into the spring semester, and I wanted to highlight some items to celebrate.

  • MLK Jr.-inspired messages of hope: Congratulations to our very own D2 Preston Hollow Elementary student, Blen T., who won first place in the 34th MLK Jr. Oratory Competition. Sponsored by Foley & Lardner and held at the downtown Wyly Theatre, the competition showcased eight students whose creativity, presentation skills, and unique styles were truly inspiring!
  • Magic of Math Fluency: Practice and confidence are the foundational equation of Dallas ISD’s Math Magic initiative. Strong math fact fluency in the early grades helps students focus on deeper thinking and problem-solving.
  • Maximizing impact: Thank you to the Woodrow Wilson Community Foundation Impact Fund for the generous grants supporting teacher-led projects across every school in the Woodrow feeder pattern. Funded projects include the arts, robotics, inclusive play spaces, student enrichment, and more.
  • Bond update: The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to call for a bond election in May. Key specifics about the proposal are:
    • Approximately a $6.2 billion bond, which would result in a 1-cent increase in our interest and sinking (I&S) tax rate
    • This 1-cent property tax rate increase amounts to an increase of ~$2.79/month or ~$33.48 for the year for a home valued at $500,000. Homeowners over 65 years and older would see no increase, unless major improvements are made

The bond would:

  • Build 26 brand-new replacement schools at these campuses
  • Renovate and modernize all campuses (see proposed scope by campus)
  • Remove the district’s 700 remaining school portables (used by nearly 10,000 students)
  • Upgrade safety and security at all campuses
  • Update school furniture, student technology and purchase new school buses
  • Upgrade physical education facilities and repair the district’s swimming pools
  • Dallas ISD’s overall tax rate is projected to decrease next year to an estimated $0.99 per $100 of value and remain the lowest among larger districts in Dallas County and North Texas.
  • This bond would lower the average age of buildings from over 43 years to 33 years, remove every portable in the district, and nearly eliminate deferred maintenance.

January board meeting debrief: In January, Dallas ISD had its regular briefing and meeting. I’ve chosen to highlight a few key items below:

  • Mid-year student progress report: Middle-of-year student achievement results in both reading and math improved for kindergarten through eighth grade students. This positive progress is reflected in two ways: growth compared to the beginning of this school year (within-grade improvement), and gains compared to middle-of-year results from last year (year-over-year growth).
  • Dallas Education Foundation update: Providing $3 million in additional support in calendar year 2025 for our students and programs, the Dallas Education Foundation delivered an impressive 1,800% return on investment. These investments support initiatives such as campus book vending machines and career exploration mobile labs, among others. Click here to learn more.

Finally, I want to thank the community members and parents who came together this month to share their feedback on enhancing safety in our schools and community. District and City of Dallas leaders hosted a joint meeting, giving us an opportunity to hear a number of ideas on how to build on existing safety measures. Everyone’s input is important, and I thank you for your time and input.
As always, please reach out to me if you have thoughts, ideas, questions, concerns, or just to say hello!

Best,

Sarah Weinberg

 

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