Lake Dallas ISD board approves bond refunding, phone‑system contract and cell‑tower lease; previews 2026–27 budget

Lake Dallas ISD trustees on May 11 approved a set of action items intended to reduce long‑term debt costs, upgrade technology infrastructure, generate modest recurring revenue and prepare the district's budget calendar for 2026–27.

Bond refunding: Dr. Brown asked the board to authorize him to work with the district's financial adviser and bond counsel to issue unlimited tax refunding bonds "for the purpose of achieving debt service savings." After discussion, Mr. Applebee moved approval; the motion was seconded and the board voted unanimously to authorize the refunding effort. District staff said prior refundings have saved taxpayers millions over several past transactions.

Phone and communications systems: Technology staff presented a recommendation from a competitive RFP process to renew the district's phone, fax and public‑address services with an off‑premises/cloud option. John Modica said evaluators scored vendors on price, qualifications and fit; Delkcom Group (as presented) was recommended for a five‑year service agreement. The board approved the purchase unanimously following a motion by Mr. Bear, second by Mr. Bartley.

Cell‑tower ground lease: The board approved an option and ground lease with Diamond Communications to install a cell tower on district property (a 50x50 parcel behind the middle school near the bus barn). Modica said the district would receive a percentage of monthly carrier lease revenue — about 30% for one or two tenants and up to 40% as tenants increase — with an initial estimate of roughly $9,000 per year in revenue. Mr. Applebee moved to approve; Mr. Smith seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Administrator contracts and governance: Trustees approved 2026–27 administrator contracts (assistant principals) as presented in closed session; Miss Collier moved, Mr. Bay seconded and the vote was unanimous. Earlier in the meeting the board also voted to keep the current slate of board officers for 2026–27 (Lance Stacy, Ginger Collier, Mark Tucker).

Budget preview: Anne Han provided the board an initial look at the 2026–27 budget timeline and priorities. Key points included a fund balance of about $13.66 million for 2024–25, a district enrollment increase (snapshot May 5) from 3,717 to 3,926 students, and legislative funding changes affecting the upcoming cycle (teacher retention allotments of $4,000 and $8,000 by years of experience, a slight increase in the basic allotment, higher school safety and campus allotments, and expanded early‑education funding). Han said updated revenue and compensation proposals will be presented at a June 1 workshop and additional updates in June and July leading to an August 31 public hearing on the budget and tax rate.

Votes at a glance: - Authorization to pursue unlimited tax refunding bonds — mover: Mr. Applebee; outcome: approved unanimously (SEG 1240–1274). - Approve five‑year unified communications (phone) service agreement (Delkcom Group recommended) — mover: Mr. Bear; second: Mr. Bartley; outcome: approved unanimously (SEG 1276–1355). - Option and ground lease with Diamond Communications for a proposed cell tower (50x50 parcel behind middle school) — mover: Mr. Applebee; second: Mr. Smith; outcome: approved unanimously (SEG 1814–1902). - Approve 2026–27 administrator contracts (assistant principals) — mover: Miss Collier; second: Mr. Bay; outcome: approved unanimously (SEG 1904–1921).

Board members asked procedural and implementation questions but did not oppose the items. The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.