Update from Sarah Weinberg: Turning the page to summer in District 2

Summer is here, and another school year has come to a close in Dallas ISD.

This is always a good time to pause and recognize the students, families, teachers, principals, and staff who make our schools thrive every day. I am especially grateful to the District 2 community as I begin a new term serving on the Board of Trustees.

Their hard work, discipline, and perseverance are worth celebrating, and I know they will continue to make Dallas proud.

Even as students and staff begin the summer, the Board of Trustees work continues. One of our most important recent responsibilities was approving the 2026–2027 budget.

This year’s budget includes a $56.4 million investment in employee compensation. That includes a new minimum hourly rate of $17.50, pay increases for teachers, central staff, and campus support staff, and a starting teacher salary of $68,000. These investments matter because strong schools depend on the people who serve our students every day — in classrooms, offices, cafeterias, buses, and campuses across the district.

Thank you to everyone who attended the recent budget community meetings. Your questions, concerns, and priorities help shape the decisions we make as trustees. Community input is an important part of that process.

Over the summer, Dallas ISD offered free learning opportunities for students. These programs help students stay engaged, build skills, and avoid losing academic ground during the school break. Through Summer Breeze, students received academic support along with enrichment activities such as sports, science, and music. Younger students participated in the full-day Summer Cool program, which combines reading, math, and theme-based activities.

Finally, I want to thank our teachers, administrators, and staff for everything they gave to students this year. I hope each of you has time this summer to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends.