DX Brief:
Dallas Independent School District students returned to classrooms Tuesday for the first day of the 2026-27 school year, with nearly 130,000 enrolled across the district.
Dozens of other North Texas districts, including Plano ISD, Irving ISD, and Mesquite ISD, also began classes the same day.
Police departments across the region reminded drivers that school zone speed limits are back in effect, with enhanced enforcement around campuses.
Free Pre-K Expansion and New Student Badges
Dallas ISD implemented two key changes for the new year. Pre-K services for three- and four-year-old students are now free regardless of family income. Previously, eligibility was limited to families below a set income threshold. District leaders said the expansion aims to increase enrollment after a decline the prior year that followed an earlier rise.
The district also rolled out a new student ID badge system. Each badge now covers transportation, meal services, library checkouts, and athletic events.
Welcome at Hexter Elementary
At Hexter Elementary School on Waterview Road, students were greeted by a mariachi band. Elizalde welcomed arrivals at the campus, which opened a new building in January that is nearly 40 percent larger than the previous structure. The school is offering the new tuition-free Pre-K program.
Heat and Fire Concerns
The National Weather Service extended a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Tuesday for much of North Texas, including the metroplex. Tuesday’s high was forecast at 100 degrees, with triple-digit temperatures expected between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and a heat index near 107. Overnight lows remained in the upper 70s to lower 80s.
Dry conditions have persisted, with DFW recording no measurable rain for more than three weeks. The weather service noted an increasing fire weather threat across North and Central Texas by mid- to late week as winds strengthen, with gusts potentially reaching 25 mph or higher Thursday and Friday.
