School District Develops Public Dashboard for Bond Program Project Updates

In a recent called meeting of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District (ISD) on August 5, 2025, school board members discussed the implementation of a public-facing dashboard designed to enhance transparency regarding ongoing construction projects funded by a previous bond program. This initiative aims to provide the community with accessible information about project timelines, stages, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

The proposed dashboard will serve as a centralized platform where the public can view high-level details about various projects, including visual renderings and contextual maps. Board members emphasized the importance of making this information easily accessible, noting that community engagement is crucial for fostering trust and understanding. However, they also acknowledged the need for a careful approach to avoid generating unnecessary questions or concerns from the public, particularly regarding the timelines of different projects.

One significant point of discussion was the balance between public transparency and internal governance. Board members expressed the necessity of having a more detailed internal dashboard for executive leadership team (ELT) members, which would include sensitive financial data and project specifics not intended for public consumption. This dual approach aims to ensure that while the public remains informed, the board can manage internal discussions without prematurely disclosing sensitive information.

Feedback from previous community engagements indicated that while some residents actively utilized online resources, not all community members were engaged with the digital platform. The board recognized the importance of diversifying communication methods, including social media channels like Facebook, to reach a broader audience. They also discussed the potential for the dashboard to communicate real-time updates about project delays or issues, such as unexpected findings during construction.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to transparency while navigating the complexities of public communication. As the district embarks on multiple construction projects, the board will continue to refine the dashboard's content and functionality, ensuring it meets the needs of both the community and the district's governance requirements. The next steps will involve further discussions on the dashboard's design and the establishment of a quality assurance process before public release.