Dallas ISD - txurbancouncil

Quick Facts

159,000 students. 228 schools. 20,000 dedicated professionals.

Superintendent
Dr. Stephanie Elizalde

The Dallas Independent School District sits in the heart of a large, diverse and dynamic region with a metropolitan population of 6.5 million people in the 12 counties in North Central Texas. Dallas ISD comprises 384 square miles and encompasses the cities of Dallas, Cockrell Hill, Seagoville, Addison, Wilmer and parts of Carrollton, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Garland, Grand Prairie, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster and Mesquite. The district is the second-largest public school district in the state, and the 14th-largest district in the nation.

We are proud of our award-winning schools, outstanding teachers and staff, hard-working students and committed parents and volunteers. The school district serves approximately 159,000 students in pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade, in 228 schools, employing nearly 20,000 dedicated professionals.

Dallas ISD has seen continual gains in student achievement, and strives to help ensure the success of every student. Upon graduation, more district graduates are college and career ready, primed to be productive, contributing members to the community.

Voters approved a $1.4 billion construction program in 2015 to upgrade, renovate and expand many existing facilities as well as build new schools. The goal is to provide more effective learning environments that are safe, welcoming and energy-efficient.

Superintendent

Dr. Stephanie Elizalde

“The Texas Urban Council is an invaluable forum for large urban school district leaders to share, learn and support one another. The collective impact of TUC elevates the needs and unique challenges district leaders face in serving diverse student bodies and communities.”

Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, a native Texan, is a lifelong educator committed to equity and excellence in education for EVERY student. Most recently, Dr. Elizalde served as Superintendent of Austin ISD. Previously, she served as Chief Schools Officer for Dallas ISD. She joined Dallas ISD in 2011 as Director of Mathematics in the division of Teaching and Learning. Dr. Elizalde has held various roles including teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and deputy chief. Her career has included working in diverse school systems from small to large urban settings including Southwest ISD and San Antonio ISD.

Dr. Elizalde is focused on the development of great school leaders as the foundation for success in every school. By supporting, rewarding, and retaining excellent teachers, she stands behind the belief that the “Teacher is the Program”. She has a proven track record of raising student academic achievement focused on building a culture of inclusion and equity with diverse communities. She understands the importance of developing collaborative relationships with the city and individual communities that are home to each individual school.

Dr. Elizalde’s recognitions include being named one of four Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Hispanics in Education for 2014 and a recognition in 2016 by the Dallas Morning News as a Point Person for her work in the community. She was awarded the UT-Austin Dr. Nolan Estes Leadership Ascension Award four times, most recently in 2017 and awarded a Presidential Medal by Ana G. Mendez University. She currently serves on the UT Advisory Council for the Texas Principal Leadership Academy and Cooperative Superintendency Program.

Dr. Elizalde is a third-generation public school educator following in her grandmother’s and father’s footsteps. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at San Antonio and holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Austin.