The discussion about Dallas City Hall’s future is reminiscent of the Dallas ISD board’s debate 10 years ago regarding the district’s headquarters at 3700 Ross Ave. The dialogue then marked a milestone in the history of the Dallas Independent School District — our transition from Dallas ISD’s outdated, inefficient center of operations to a new administrative home at 9400 N. Central Expressway. It seems to me the city is undertaking a logical and necessary facilities review to ensure the city is prepared to serve residents in a modern, technology-driven, smart headquarters that serves residents and creates efficiencies for workers.
For more than half a century, the Ross Avenue complex served as the operational center of DISD. From those halls, generations of educators, administrators and trustees worked tirelessly to support students. It was a place steeped in history and tradition.
Over time, however, the district grew and its needs evolved. Due to its limited footprint, many departments had scattered across multiple locations far from Ross Avenue, mostly owned but some leased. Dispersed operations created inefficiencies, communication delays and rising costs. We knew that if we wanted to continue delivering high quality education in a fiscally conservative matter, we needed to think strategically about how our operations could better support students.
In April 2016, after careful consideration, the board of trustees approved the purchase of a modest, pre-existing office building on Central Expressway. This decision represented a bold step toward staff consolidation and operational modernization. By locating the vast majority of district departments under one roof, we aimed to improve coordination among our teams, reduce expenses tied to maintaining and leasing numerous older facilities and properties, and create a modern environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. The new headquarters has more than exceeded that expectation.
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The decision was also a commitment to our students, families and employees. The board wanted to offer a centralized location to provide improved customer service and a workplace that improved fiscal and educational efficiency, inspired pride and enhanced morale. The Central Expressway headquarters provides space for future growth, modern amenities for staff and a more accessible location for parents and community members.
As a result of the consolidation, the Board sold several surplus district properties, including the Ross Avenue complex. This decision was approached with great respect for the building’s history. When permits were later filed to demolish it, many expressed understandable concern. We shared their appreciation for the site’s legacy.
Fortunately, the new owners, Leon Capital Group, recognized the significance of the property and announced that they would preserve a portion of the structure while transforming much of the four-acre site into a modern residential development.
What remains at Ross Avenue establishes a bridge between the district’s storied past and the future of the surrounding community. Meanwhile, our presence at 9400 N. Central Expressway reflects the next chapter of innovation and progress for Dallas ISD students, families and employees.
The Dallas City Council and city manager’s office are leading the right way by doing a rigorous situation analysis and examination of alternatives that could create an accessible and efficient working environment that is better for residents and city staff to get Dallas to thrive. The answer may be remaining at City Hall, but leaders have to ask the question, “What if?” That’s what we expect from elected officials.
Edwin S. Flores, Ph.D., is a biotechnology patent attorney in private practice. He served as a Dallas ISD trustee for 16 years, including one year as board president.