Jurisdiction Analysis

Dallas ISD

$6.2BTotal Bond
4Propositions
AAA (PSF)Credit Rating
$2.79/moMedian Home Cost

⚠ Credit Rating Note

Fitch downgraded Dallas ISD's underlying issuer rating from AA+ to AA on March 18, 2026, citing long-term liability concerns ahead of the $6.2B bond election. The PSF (Permanent School Fund) guarantee remains AAA-rated by S&P, Fitch, and Moody's — meaning bonds issued under the guarantee carry the state's full AAA backing regardless of the underlying district rating.

Read Fitch action ↗

Bond Overview

The largest school bond in Texas history. Dallas ISD is asking voters to approve $6.2 billion across four propositions to replace aging schools, upgrade technology, refinance existing debt, and build aquatic facilities. The bond would add just $0.01 per $100 of taxable value — about $2.79 per month for the median homeowner.

  • Largest school bond in Texas history
  • 26 replacement schools
  • ~700 portables eliminated
  • +$0.01/$100 rate

Proposition Breakdown

What It Costs You

$
$33.54/year

$2.79/month

+$0.01 per $100 taxable value. Seniors with qualifying homestead tax ceiling: $0 increase.

2020 Bond Accountability Record

The 2020 bond is the only evidence base for whether Dallas ISD can deliver at this scale. The record shows real results — and specific governance gaps the 2026 bond must fix.

What Was Delivered

  • 9-11 replacement schools opened by March 2026
  • Campus age reduced from 52 to ~43 years average
  • 64,000+ jobs created across construction and supply chain
  • AAA credit maintained — lowest I&S rate among top 10 North Texas districts

Concerns

  • 16 to 15 replacement schools — one fewer than promised, no public explanation
  • 3.8x budget discrepancy at MLK Arts Academy ($9M vs. $34.45M)
  • Zero CBSC public minutes — oversight committee left no accessible record
  • 43% commitment rate at 3-year mark ($1.48B of $3.47B)

HH Position

SUPPORT with accountability demands

Structurally equitable. Geographic targeting serves historically disinvested communities. $33/yr household cost justified. Demand: quarterly campus-level spending dashboards.

Accountability Demands

  • Quarterly campus-level spending dashboards with public access
  • Mandatory board scope-change votes for any project modification over $5M
  • CBSC minutes published within 30 days of each meeting

How did we reach this recommendation for Dallas ISD?

Read the full analytical framework and methodology

Get the Dallas ISD Voter Guide

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