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Dallas ISD Bond Propositions

Ballot LanguageProposition A: THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $5,928,820,000 for school facilities, land, and buses, including district-wide (a) safety and security, (b) new replacement schools, (c) renovated schools, (d) physical education facilities, and (e) technology infrastructure, and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.Vote “For” or “Against”Proposition B: THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $144,700,000 for technology upgrades for students, teachers, and staff and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.Vote “For” or “Against”Proposition C: THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $143,340,000 for the purpose of refunding all or a portion of the principal, interest, and redemption premium on certain previously issued maintenance tax obligations of the district, and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.Vote “For” or “Against”Proposition D: THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $26,250,000 for existing swimming pool facilities and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.Vote “For” or “Against”DESCRIPTIONOn Thursday, February 12, the Dallas ISD trustees voted to send a $6.2 billion bond proposal to voters in May. The proposal was developed over the past year with the help of the Citizens Bond Steering Committee, whose members were appointed by the board.The bond proposal is divided into four different sections called Propositions. Voters will be asked to approve or deny each Proposition separatelyIf approved by voters, these propositions would:build 26 brand-new replacement schools renovate and modernize all campusesremove the district's 700 remaining school portables (used by nearly 10,000 students)upgrade safety and security at all campusesupdate school furnitureupgrade student technology and purchase new school busesupgrade physical education facilitiesrepair the district's swimming poolsproposition C would allow the district to refinance $143 million in existing debt, realize savings and pay off debt soonerIf bonds are approved by the voters, they would be issued as needed and as existing bonds are paid off. If bonds are issued, the result could be a $.01 per $100 taxable property rate increase. (Note that homestead property tax exemptions and freezes, especially for over 65 and disabled taxpayers, significantly lower homeowner taxable values.)Dallas ISD’s current property tax rate per $100 taxable value compared to that of nearby school districts is:Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD .9481 Dallas ISD .993835Irving ISD 1.0159Fort Worth ISD 1.0291Plano ISD. 1.03955Grand Prairie ISD 1.062687Arlington ISD 1.1035Richardson ISD 1.1052Mesquite ISD. 1.1069Garland ISD 1.1709Dallas ISD’s bond rating is Aa1 from Moody’s and AA from Fitch. These ratings are good, but Fitch downgraded its rating in March from AA+ to AA due to high long-term liability and the size of the planned bond program. On the other hand, it noted that Dallas ISD has high reserves and budgetary flexibility. The outlook per Fitch is stable.The voters last authorized Dallas ISD General Obligation Bonds in 2020.For detail including a list of schools to be replaced and a list of renovations and modernizations to all campuses, see https://bond.dallasisd.org/bond2026

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    Yes - For the Measure

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    No - Against the Measure

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Reasons to Vote "For" or "Against" DISD Bond Propositions

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1. The district expects taxpayers to see a modest increase in the property tax rate if the bonds are approved and issued. However, even with the increase Dallas ISD’s tax rate would still be among the lowest in the area. Note also that property taxes for homeowners are lowered by property tax exemptions and freezes.

2. Dallas ISD’s financial management is strong as demonstrated by its high ratings from Fitch and Moody’s.

3. It is vital that Dallas ISD maintain school facilities and equipment to a high standard as expected by residents. If facilities are allowed to deteriorate, people could seek other places to live and raise their families, or opt for private or charter schools.

4. Proposition C for refunding bonds presents an outstanding opportunity for the district to lower costs and repay debt sooner.

5. A district’s first responsibility is to provide a quality education in an environment conducive to learning. This means attracting the best teachers and providing a safe and comfortable environment equipped with modern technology. These bonds would provide that environment.
1. In these times of economic uncertainty, taxpayers are struggling to meet their obligations. The district could help avoid a property tax increase if these bonds are not issued.

2. Dallas ISD should avoid a tax rate increase by not issuing these bonds. Low tax rates are an important factor for people and businesses deciding where to locate or whether to stay.

3. Dallas ISD’s facilities already meet high standards. Dallas County population is currently stable, but we don’t yet know what the impact of vouchers will be on Dallas ISD enrollment, so now is not the time to be upgrading.

4. Dallas ISD should refrain from issuing debt of any kind until the economy is more stable.

5. The city should explore different ways to fund these projects, such as cutting expenses in other areas or deferring projects until the economy is more stable.
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