DALLAS – Supporters of the Dallas Independent School District's $1.6-billion bond exhaled Tuesday night, as voters gave it overwhelming support.
With 89 percent of precincts reporting, the measure was winning by a convincing 60-40 margin.
"We'll sell bonds in the spring, and hopefully get to work in the summer," said DISD Board President Eric Cowan.
The district's $1.6-billion bond pays for nine new schools and puts millions more into improving classrooms.
Almost three times more people voted early this year than in the 2008 DISD bond.
"This was a year-and-a-half worth of planning. Each trustee got the opportunity to appoint a community member to be a part of the planning process. The school board members voted on this -- well, seven of them voted on this. Two decided not to vote," said Dallas ISD Trustee Miguel Solis.
Opponents had more motivation than they did money.
"This area is not getting what they need. Out of 23 schools, we've been allocated $64 million," said DISD Trustee Joyce Foreman.
She personally worked the polls during early voting and on Election Day.
Foreman said she supports putting money in schools, but said this bond does not deliver enough of an investment to students in her district.
"If anybody can tell me they me they believe that six percent of the budget for 23 schools out of 223 [district wide] is equal and fair, I challenge them," Foreman said.
Restoring trust among trustees, though, is a district problem without a plan.
