16 May 2008
Program will build 15 new schools, 12 additions and provide renovations
DALLAS–For the second time in six years, Dallas voters have approved a bond program of more than $1 billion to make facility improvements in schools throughout the city.
The $1.35 billion proposal passed by a 54-46 percent margin in an election held Saturday, May 10.
"Dallas voters made a courageous decision during a tough economic time to support many needed facilities updates in our schools," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. "Thank you, Dallas. Your support is indeed important to future generations of this great city."
The 2008 bond program will pay for the construction of 15 new schools, including 8 elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 3 high schools. Twelve existing schools will receive additions to provide 177 new classrooms.
The bond program will earmark approximately $521 million to renovate more than 200 schools. Nineteen new science labs are proposed to be built at 6 existing secondary schools while $20 million will be set aside for kitchen renovations at 16 schools and expansion of lunchrooms at 22 campuses.
The 2008 bond program also includes $96 million for updated classroom and lab computers, campus supporting infrastructure and interactive student technology as well as classroom presentation devices. Fourteen million dollars will be used to refurbish the district's regional sports complexes.
"The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees deserves a great deal of thanks for the passage of this election," said Hinojosa. "They held several town hall meetings on their own time to explain the details of this proposal. To those individuals who did not support this election, please know that all of us within Dallas ISD are working diligently to earn your trust."
Dallas ISD's $1.37 billion bond program in 2002 provided funding for 20 new schools, additions at 33 schools, 20 early childhood additions, renovations at 148 schools, a new food services facility and a new athletic complex. The program provided more than 1,500 new classrooms to the district.
Information on how funds from the 2002 Dallas ISD bond program were spent can be found at www.dallasisd.org/bond