A look at the 2026-2027 budget
During its regular monthly meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the 2026-2027 budget, which reflects the district’s continued investment in students and team members across Dallas ISD. The budget includes raises for exempt campus and central team members, increased pay for employees in excellence initiatives, and a new minimum wage of $17.50 per hour.
It also sets the new certified teacher minimum salary to $68,000, which makes it competitive in the region. Dallas ISD continues to have one of the highest teacher retention rates in the DFW area and across Texas. These are strategic investments in employees, classrooms, and students while responsibly planning for long-term financial stability.
Budget snapshot
- $1.8 billion total operation budget
- $104 million projected budget deficit
- $56.4 million employee compensation
- $73 million projected recapture payment to the state
Why is there a deficit?
Several factors are impacting school district budgets across Texas, including Dallas ISD’s.
- Rising recapture payments to the State of Texas
- Reduced state revenue
- Declining student enrollment
Dallas ISD is projected to send $73 million back to the state next year through the recapture system, compared to $60 million this year.
HOW EVERY DOLLAR IS SPENT
80¢ of every dollar goes directly to employees.
For every $1 spent:
- 80¢ Payroll
- 12¢ Contracted Services
- 6¢ Supplies & Materials
- 2¢ Other Costs
Over the past three years, more than 250 central office positions have been reduced, outside contracts and operational expenses have been reduced, and the district continues identifying additional efficiencies.
Looking ahead
Dallas ISD’s long-term goal is to achieve a balanced budget by the 2028–2029 school year while continuing investments that support students, employees, and school communities.
