Dallas ISD secures record $6.2B in voter-approved funding for school infrastructure, upgrades

Texas’s May 2 bond elections produced $31 billion in proposed funding, with 63 measures approved so far and major opportunities emerging across K-12, MUDs and local government infrastructure. SPI’s Texas Bond Reports track these elections, results and future ballot activity to help partners identify upcoming projects, monitor repeat bond attempts and prepare outreach strategies.

Voters in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) region overwhelmingly passed the state’s largest bond in history, totaling a $6.2 billion investment in new school infrastructure and upgrades. 

Propositions A, B, C and D received more than 70% of the vote, signaling a sweeping interest in improving school facilities. To accommodate these enhancements, residents will see a $2.79 a month school property tax increase on a $500,000 home. 

Of the four propositions, Proposition A calls for the largest investment of $5.9 billion. The lion’s share of that amount – $2.4 billion – will support renovations across the entire district. Another $1.9 billion will be spent on 26 replacement campuses. 

The district plans to invest $403 million to improve safety and security measures across all campuses. These improvements will target access control, facility safety improvements and new communication and video technology. DISD will also invest in an emergency management command vehicle and secure areas for emergency scenarios. 

Another $341 million will go toward physical education facilities. At the high school, the district will install turf, lights and field houses, while the middle school will receive new grass, sprinklers and tracks. Additional plans for new multi-use facilities include tennis courts, tracks, baseball and softball sites and bleachers. 

Technology investments totaling $275.7 million will include infrastructure upgrades and improved connectivity for devices and systems, improved cybersecurity measures and investments in enterprise systems. The district will spend $218.8 million to upgrade facilities by removing portables and another $210 million for model science labs and furniture replacements. 

For transportation, DISD will allocate $146.1 million for new buses and to upgrade the fleet with GPS software, DVR and cameras. The district plans to spend $36.8 million on playgrounds, courtyards and turf; $15.8 million on property and land use; and a final $15.8 million in solar panels, solar farms, mini grids and wind turbines. 

Proposition B calls for a $144.7 million allocation to upgrade technology. Planned improvements will target staff, student and classroom devices. 

Proposition C will use $143.3 million for debt service refinancing. With voter approval, DISD will refinance debt to save around $10 million, pay off debt quicker and free up $100 million in operating cash. 

Proposition D approves $26.3 million to invest in campus pool facilities. With the money in hand, DISD will execute needed repairs and renovations for pool infrastructure. 

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