Thomas Jefferson High School. Photo courtesy of Dallas ISD HUB.
Looking ahead in District 1
District 1 Trustee Lance Currie
Dallas ISD has advanced a bond proposal to voters, W.T. White High School is preparing to launch a new advanced academic pathway, and several District 1 leaders have been named finalists for Principal and Teacher of the Year. Here is what is happening across Dallas ISD and District 1.
2026 Bond proposal headed to voters
Dallas ISD trustees voted unanimously to place a bond proposal before voters this May. The proposal totals approximately $6.2 billion and would include a 1-cent increase in the interest and sinking (I&S) tax rate.
For a home valued at $500,000, a 1-cent increase would equal approximately $33 per year. Homeowners age 65 and older would see no increase unless major improvements are made. Even with a 1-cent increase, Dallas ISD’s I&S tax rate would remain among the lowest compared with other large districts in North Texas.
The proposal includes four propositions:
- Proposition A would fund facility upgrades, including removal of portable classrooms, rebuilds of 26 schools, renovations at 204 campuses and safety and security improvements.
- Proposition B would support updated technology devices for students and teachers.
- Proposition C would allow the district to refinance a previous bond, with projected savings of approximately $10 million.
- Proposition D would provide approximately $26 million to renovate district swim facilities.
W.T. White to launch scholar program
W.T. White High School is preparing to implement a new scholar program built around the Advanced Placement capstone curriculum. The program will feature especially trained faculty and emphasize research, inquiry, evidence-based argument, and professional presentation skills.
The pilot will begin in the 2026-2027 school year with juniors and freshmen from Thomas C. Marsh Preparatory Academy and E.D. Walker Middle School. Students will be identified based on grades, course load, and test scores. The full program will launch in the 2027-2028 school year and will be application-based, similar to other Dallas ISD advanced programs.
Board vote on government-sponsored prayer period
Existing federal law and district policy already protect voluntary student prayer and participation in student-led religious organizations on campus. The board voted unanimously against creating a government-sponsored period for prayer and the reading of religious texts, as required by recent legislative action.
Prekindergarten enrollment opens April 1
Enrollment for pre-K begins April 1. Early childhood education plays an important role in preparing students for long-term academic success.
Finalists for Teacher and Principal of the Year
We are grateful for the leadership and service to our students of the District 1 finalists for the Teacher and Principal of The Year awards. Congratulations!
- Philip Meeker, principal, Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy
- Ralph Ibarra, teacher, Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker
- Adrian Hernandez, principal, North Lake Early College High School
- Michael Dixon-Peabody, teacher, Thomas Jefferson High School
Thomas Jefferson High School celebrates 70 Years
Thomas Jefferson High School will celebrate its 70th anniversary on March 28 with a special ceremony. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the ceremony begins at 2 p.m.
Upcoming Events
- Board Meeting at 6 p.m. on March 26
- DeGolyer Night at the Museum on March 31
- More Choice Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 11 at the Automobile Building in Fair Park
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our students and community. If you have questions or would like to connect, please email LanceCurrie@dallasisd.org or lance@lancecurrie.com.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our students. If you have questions, thoughts, or want to talk about how we can work together to make Dallas ISD the best school district, please reach out at LanceCurrie@dallasisd.org.
Best,
Lance Currie
