Neighbors Say Leaky Roof Shows Need for New Dallas High School

There were buckets in the hall to catch rain water from the leaky roof at South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas Friday.

"We're doing all we can to get the water mopped up and make sure we have signage out to make sure students aren't compromised," said Dallas Independent School District spokesman Andre Riley.

Critics of a pending Dallas ISD bond referendum that would replace the roof at the 63-year-old school say constant South Oak Cliff problems show why there should be an entirely new school instead.

Dominique Alexander with the Next Generation Action Network is a former SOC student.

"The building needs to be replaced," he said. "There's no more patch work on South Oak Cliff High School."

Early voting began Monday for the $1.6 billion Nov. 3 bond referendum that includes $10.7 million in renovations for South Oak Cliff High School.

Riley said the renovations include a new roof along with plumbing, technology, career education, auditorium and gym improvements.

"The building was built in 1952 and it shows its age," Riley said.

Dallas ISD has $4 billion in needs, so the current referendum would leave many things undone.

Riley said Dallas ISD staff members are not campaigning for the referendum but do want to see school improvements.

"I believe South Oak Cliff is the oldest high school in the Southern Sector. There needs to be a new South Oak Cliff," said the Rev. Anthony Nolan, pastor at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church. "I believe it's time for the Southern Sector to be considered in a more equitable way in this bond election."

Nolan said voters should reject the November referendum and push for another one in May that includes more new schools in the Dallas Southern Sector.

Supporters of the referendum argue defeat would jeopardize many crucial Dallas school improvements.

"We still have much work that needs to be done not only at that school but across the district. Our students deserve the best and we're going to keep working to try to provide that for them," Riley said.