Greetings, District 2!
As we enter the season of celebration and gratitude, I want to share that I am grateful for the District 2 community, schools, staff, and families. I am proud to represent you on the Board of Trustees and support the work you do every day to ensure our students’ success. I hope your families continue to enjoy the fresh, cool, and beautiful weather we are having. It has been a busy month for Dallas ISD. Please see below for highlights and updates.
Dallas ISD District 2 Monthly Update:
- Choices abound! Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Rooted in tradition, driven by excellence, and designed to serve a wide range of interests, Dallas ISD offers programs in International Baccalaureate, dual language, Montessori, magnet, talented and gifted, hybrid, project-based learning, career institutes, and more. Click on the link above to see the numerous programs offered.
- Woodrow Wilson leadership transition: Woodrow Wilson High School welcomes Interim Principal Danielle Petters, who stepped in to lead the school following the recent leadership changes. Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde, who oversees all personnel appointments, expressed full faith in Petters’ ability to build trust in this community and confidence in our campus leadership. The focus moving forward remains on students and fostering a school culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and connection.
- Athletics: It’s a pleasure to highlight our District 2 high school athletic coordinators, Coach Candace Balderas-Miller (Hillcrest High School) and Coach Keylon Kincaide (Woodrow). Athletic coordinators support an important offering in our menu of student experiences and help make participation in sports a vital part of student growth, leadership, and connection.
October board meeting debrief: Last month, Dallas ISD had its regular board briefing and meeting. I’ve chosen to highlight a few items below:
- Teaching students Habits of Mind: When Dallas ISD trustees held community listening sessions across the district, parents and community members made it clear that in addition to academic readiness, they want students to leave with communication skills, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy. The board listened and charged the superintendent with developing ways to measure progress in these areas. This month, Elizalde shared early progress on a districtwide framework titled “Habits of Mind” to help track and strengthen these essential skills.
- Dallas ISD leads the way in lowering class size ratios: Dallas ISD made significant strides in academic readiness this year, resulting in more than 70% of Dallas ISD’s campuses being rated an A or a B by the state of Texas. To build on this success, the board and district have prioritized lowering class sizes below 20:1 ratio in the campuses that need additional support, helping to accelerate learning where it’s needed most.
Dallas ISD bond construction update: Our 2020 State of the Bond event provided an update on how the bond program continues to modernize facilities, attract families, and strengthen the Dallas economy. A task force of more than 100 community members is exploring ideas for a future bond program. Stay tuned for more detailed information as the board reviews its recommendations.
As always, please reach out to me if you have thoughts, ideas, questions, concerns, or just to say hello.
Best,
Sarah Weinberg
Stay up to date on the news from the district by following us on social media @Dallasisd and @dallasisdEspanol.
