Dallas voters approve $1.6 billion school bond proposal

DALLAS - The Dallas Independent School District will get money for new schools and to repair old ones after voters approved a $1.6 billion bond proposal.

“I just want to say thank you and it’s a great day for the city,” said Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa.

The measure passed with about 60 percent approval.

The school district plans to build nine new schools and add more than 300 classrooms and upgrades to many aging campuses.

There was organized opposition to the bond from people who said it did not evenly spread out the money across the sprawling district.

“We are vigilant in trying to make sure that these children get access to the same quality education that all children should have throughout the DISD,” said Joyce Foreman, a Dallas ISD board member.

“This bond election was a test of the community’s will and support for our public school system and that support is loud and clear now,” added Eric Cowman, the Dallas ISD board president.

Now the district must issue the bonds, in effect borrowing the money for construction projects. Those projects will then be put out to bid.

Voters in Highland Park, Allen and Rockwall also approved school bond proposals. Highland Park ISD’s $361 million bond passed with about 55 percent of the vote. Rockwall’s $256 million proposal was the biggest in the school district’s history.

Voters statewide approved all seven proposed constitutional amendments.

For Prop 1, a homeowner property tax exemption will now be increased from $15,000 to $25,000. That will save the average family about $125 per year.

Prop 2 gives a tax exemption for spouses of disabled vets and Prop 3 frees up some top elected officials from having to live in the state capital of Austin.

Prop 4 gives professional sports teams the right to hold charitable raffles at games.

Small counties will be able to privatize road work because of Prop 5 and Prop 6 cements the right of Texans to hunt and fish.

Lastly, more tax money will go toward state highway construction and fixes on non-toll roads because of Prop 7.

For complete election results, visit fox4news.com/elections.