Photo courtesy of Dallas ISD
Hello, District 7,
- Another school year is in the books, and I want to wish all our students, families, and educators a safe and restful summer. This month, Dallas ISD took action on several major items, including the 2025–2026 budget. You can find all the key updates from May below.
Dallas ISD District 7 monthly updates:
- H. Adamson High School excellence: W.H. Adamson High School’s tradition of excellence continues to break barriers. This past month, Stephanie Amaya was named Dallas ISD’s Secondary Principal of the Year. She leads with tenacity, humility, and unwavering dedication — qualities that make our community incredibly proud to have her at the helm. In the same spirit of leadership, recent graduate, Miguel R., concluded his role as a JROTC colonel — the highest student rank in the program. Thank you both for your outstanding leadership and integrity.
Texas Legislature passes ~$8.5 billion in education funding: The state legislature approved a significant education funding package that will greatly benefit Dallas ISD and districts across Texas. While the investment doesn’t fully close the gap due to inflation since 2020, it goes a long way and will ease substantial financial pressures on our district. Thank you to all of the legislators who fought for this desperately needed financial support for our students, educators, and communities.
May board meeting debrief: Dallas ISD held its regular board briefing and meeting this month. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Dallas ISD adopts 2025-26 budget: The Board of Trustees adopted the 2025-2026 budget for the new school year. This budget does not include any additional funding approved by the legislature at this time. This will be factored in with a budget amendment in the fall once it has been finalized. Below are some key elements of the 2025-26 budget:
- Dallas ISD adopted the lowest, legally allowable tax rate.
- Increased minimum wage to $17 per hour, staying significantly above the surrounding region.
- Increased expenditures on campuses by more than $20 million, while decreasing central office expenditures by more than $60 million.
- Increased teacher salaries by an average of 3.6%.
- Swearing in ceremony: I was deeply honored to be sworn in to continue serving as the District 7 trustee. I am honored and humbled by this, and will continue to do everything in my power to live up to the trust that you have placed in me —thank you. We also welcomed two new trustees to the board: Prisma Garcia (District 4) and Byron Sanders (District 5). These outstanding leaders will be incredible additions, and I’m proud to serve alongside them.
Upcoming events:
- 6 p.m., Thursday, June 26: Dallas ISD board meeting
- July: No meetings, no newsletter, enjoy your summer!
Ben Mackey
As always, please reach out to me if you have thoughts, ideas, questions, concerns, or simply want to say hello. Just reach out to me at BenMackey@dallasisd.org
Best,
Ben Mackey
