Dallas ISD Studies $1.5B Bond Proposal

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DALLAS - Amid turmoil in its administration, the Dallas Independent School District is considering outgoing Superintendent Mike Miles' request for a $1.5 billion bond proposal on the November ballot.

Miles, who announced his resignation June 23, did not attend the DISD board meeting two days later when a $1.4 billion operating budget was approved and the bond proposal was received.

Miles suggested a large tax increase to support the bonds through a funding device called a Tax Ratification Election. But Craig Reynolds, co-chairman of the DISD's Future Facilities Task Force, said a tax increase would be unpopular.

Reynolds doubts that a regular construction bond issue without a tax increase would pass.

Included in the package is $550.3 million for new school buildings. Five new or replacement schools are included, three replacement buildings and one partial replacement. Another $172 million would be for classroom additions, including 116 classrooms, two gyms and a library expansion at six high schools; 36 classrooms and a cafeteria expansion at two middle schools; 24 classrooms, a cafeteria and gym lockers at a K-8 school; and 78 classrooms, four cafeteria expansions and two pre-kindergarten programs at six elementaries.

Other renovations and upgrades total $208 million. That includes technology upgrades, science labs for middle and high schools and gym, locker room, library and cafeteria improvements.

New programs would be allocated $74.6 million for such issues as additions and renovations and conversion of some classrooms for different programs. The plan proposes $500 million for upgrades such as roofing, HVAC systems and windows, doors and paint. The recommendations also include $85.2 million for land purchases and some building demolition.

Miles, a former military officer who was previously superintendent in Colorado Springs, Colo., was hired at DISD in 2012 and dealt with a number of controversies during his tenure.

Jerome Oberlton, Miles' chief of staff, resigned in 2013 after he was indicted by federal prosecutors. Oberlton later pleaded guilty to taking kickbacks in a prior job in Atlanta Public Schools.

 

 

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