Check out some of the latest education news from Denton.
Denton ISD officials' bond refinancing saves $6.6M for taxpayers
Over the past two decades, district officials have been able to save taxpayers about $332 million through debt management practices. Officials were able to lower interest costs without extending the terms of its debt due to favorable market conditions. The savings ultimately help DISD maintain lower tax rates while supporting projects that boost students' learning environments and safety.
UNT partners with North Texas colleges to launch new workforce development plan
University of North Texas President Harrison Keller announced the Texas Talent Accelerator, a program designed to better develop and match workforce talent with employers, in September. The accelerator aims to optimize education and job training to meet labor demands in the growing North Texas economy. The initiative partnered with several North Texas education providers, including Collin College, Dallas College, North Central Texas College, Texas State Technical College, Texas Woman’s University and the UNT system.
Denton ISD makes progress on High School No. 5, Borman Elementary, other projects
Work is underway on several Denton ISD projects, including the district’s fifth high school, replacing Borman Elementary School and additional upgrades to several elementary and middle school campuses. Details on current DISD projects, including completed and upcoming construction tasks, can be found on the district’s website.
Denton ISD officials preview 2026-27 school calendar
Denton ISD students could start next school year on Thursday and end the year May 27, 2027. Goals when creating the calendar included embedding staff professional development days throughout the year and ending the school year before Memorial Day. Another goal was to minimize the number of half days during the school year and provide adequate planning time for teachers.
University of North Texas president reveals five-year plan for university initiatives, opportunities
Over the next five years, University of North Texas leaders will be focused on developing human potential, discovering new insights and driving new opportunities for students. The strategic plan, called Look North: UNT 2030, will be completed in three phases over the next five years as UNT leadership will guide university strategy and policy, coordinate strategic investments and monitor institutional progress. The Better Look North initiative, a $100 million campaign, will allow the university to remove financial barriers to students' success with scholarships and targeted efforts to ensure students stay on track to graduation.
Denton ISD utility costs increase 14%, officials report
Despite usage staying steady year over year, DISD's utility costs have increased due to rising usage rates. A majority of the increase in utility costs comes from electricity. The cost of electricity per kilowatt-hours, a common billing unit for electrical energy, has increased by 28% since last year.
Denton ISD receives its 23rd 'A' rating for financial integrity from state
The Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas, also called FIRST, is issued by the Texas Education Agency, and provides financial accountability for Texas public schools. A high FIRST rating is important as it creates confidence in the district’s stakeholders. FIRST scores are considered when determining the accreditation status of a school district, and positive scores impact a district’s bond rating.
