Because of your dedication and unwavering commitment to our students, we are seeing gains across key STAAR subjects and outperforming several neighboring school districts. These results are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together and the bright future ahead for our students. I want to congratulate everyone across Dallas ISD on this outstanding accomplishment.
Celebrating the Class of 2026:
Our graduates from all three District 1 high schools achieved remarkable results this year. W.T. White High School graduated its largest class with 491 graduates, who collectively earned more than $40 million in scholarships. Thomas Jefferson High School also surpassed $40 million in scholarships, and 100% of its graduates met College, Career or Military Ready standards. At North Lake Early College High School, 100% of students were admitted to college.
These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our students, families, teachers and campus leaders. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Dallas ISD adopts 2026-2027 budget
The Board of Trustees adopted the district’s 2026-2027 budget, which totals approximately $1.9 billion.
The budget includes a projected shortfall of approximately $104 million, which will be covered through the district’s fund balance. Dallas ISD maintains a fund balance that exceeds the recommended reserve level of three months of operating expenses while continuing to work toward a balanced budget by the 2028-2029 school year.
Key investments include:
- A starting teacher salary of $68,000, with average returning teacher salaries exceeding $78,000
- More than $37.5 million in teacher compensation increases, averaging approximately 5%
- An increase in the district minimum wage to $17.50 per hour
- Full funding for universal prekindergarten
- Continued investment in campuses through the reduction of approximately 100 central office positions, part of a three-year effort that has redirected nearly $98 million to schools
- A projected tax rate of $0.99 per $100 of value, lower than the current rate
Board officer elections
The board elected officers for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Joe Carreón, Board President
- Sarah Weinberg, First Vice President
- Byron Sanders, Second Vice President
- Prisma García, Board Secretary
I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of Dallas ISD students and families.
Staff climate survey reaches new high
Staff morale continues to improve across the district. Positive culture and environment responses increased to nearly 76%, the highest level since the survey began in the 2017-2018 school year.
This marks the second consecutive year of record-high results and reflects the district’s continued focus on creating a positive work environment and retaining outstanding educators.
District 1 highlights
Tom C. Gooch Elementary School recently opened a new mini soccer pitch through a partnership with Vita Coco and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Thank you to these partners for creating new opportunities for students to stay active and engaged.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our students. If you have questions, thoughts, or want to talk about how we can work together to make Dallas ISD the best school district, please reach out at LanceCurrie@dallasisd.org.
Best,
Lance Currie
