Three major North Texas school districts are asking voters to approve nearly $7 billion in bond proposals during the May election, with Dallas ISD leading the charge with the largest request in the region.
Dallas Independent School District's $6.2 billion bond package tops the list of proposals heading to the May ballot. The massive request would fund facility upgrades, repairs, and improvements across the state's second-largest school district.
Lancaster ISD is seeking $376 million in bonds, while Arlington ISD's proposal totals nearly $500 million. Both districts say the funding would address critical infrastructure needs and building improvements.
The bond proposals come as North Texas districts grapple with aging facilities and growing maintenance backlogs. School officials say the funding is necessary to provide safe, modern learning environments for students and address years of deferred maintenance.
Bond packages typically fund construction and renovation projects, technology upgrades, and facility improvements. Unlike operating budgets, bond funds cannot be used for salaries or day-to-day expenses. Districts repay bonds through property tax revenues over several years.
If approved, Dallas ISD's $6.2 billion package would represent one of the largest school bond initiatives in Texas history. The district serves approximately 140,000 students across more than 200 campuses in Dallas and parts of surrounding communities.
Arlington ISD, the state's seventh-largest district, educates about 56,000 students. Lancaster ISD serves roughly 6,500 students in southern Dallas County.
Voters will decide the bond proposals during the May election. School districts are expected to release detailed information about specific projects and tax implications in the coming weeks as they campaign for voter approval.
Texas law requires school districts to seek voter authorization before issuing bonds. The proposals need a simple majority to pass.
District officials will likely hold public meetings and information sessions to explain the bond packages to voters before Election Day.
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