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Apr 7, 2008 7:23 pm US/Central
Education Group Opposes DISD $1 Billion Bond Plan
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The Dallas Independent School District wants voter approval on a $1-billion bond package to build 15 new schools. But now there is a public campaign against the vote.
"It should be obvious the district is not achieving its mission," said Lewis Rhone, a member of the Black Coalition to Maximize Education.
"To pass the bond, it will create jobs," said Rhone. "Construction companies are gonna make a lot of money, but what about the education of the children?"
Low test scores and high dropout rates are just two reasons offered for the education advocacy group's opposition to the "Our Students, Our Future" DISD campaign.
One part of the district plan could address the coalition's concerns. Under the plan, three schools from the defunct Wilmer-Hutchins school district would be remodeled and reopened.
Proponents of the bond say new schools can generate better results.
"We're trying to relieve overcrowding, trying to renovate, trying to modernize, in areas that most desperately need it," said DISD Bond Chair Craig Reynolds.
The school district has needed backing from groups like Rhone's before. This time, it appears they won't get it.
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