May 21, 2004

Dallas County voters overwhelming approved a multi-million-dollar bond package for the Dallas County Community College District on May 15, and two new trustees were elected. "The DCCCD family now can celebrate!" said Dr. Jesus "Jess" Carreon, DCCCD's chancellor.

He added, "On behalf of the Dallas County Community College District's board of trustees, administrators, faculty, staff and students, I would like to thank the voters of Dallas County - and the citizens who advocated for the passage of our bond election - for their support on May 15. Because of their forward thinking and their belief in the need for an effective, educated workforce, the voters of this county gave us their strong endorsement to move forward with our $450 million bond projects list...a program that will enable us to expand capacity and update classrooms and laboratories to meet students' needs; address safety issues at older facilities; and ensure that the district can meet the educational development and training needs of this rapidly growing and diverse county. We're excited to take the first steps on this journey and to involve area businesses in our efforts to deliver excellent programs and facilities for current and future generations of students."

Dr. Carreon said, "Congratulations and a warm welcome are in order, too, for new trustees John R. 'Bob' Ferguson III, District 2, and Martha Sanchez Metzger, District 4, as well as returning trustee and board chair Jerry Prater, District 3. We welcome Trustees Ferguson and Metzger to our DCCCD family."

Approximately 70 percent of the persons who voted on May 15 cast their ballot in favor of DCCCD's bond program. "That's more than 2 to 1 in favor of a better future in Dallas County for higher education and workforce development," said Carreon.

The chancellor also sent a special "thank you" to members of the citizens advocacy committee - "Vote yes! Education = Jobs" - who raised funds, awareness and votes for the bond package. The group was led by Phil Ritter of Texas Instruments, campaign chair, plus Emilita de la Rosa, Hector Escamilla and Sheron Patterson, who served as co-chairs. Robert L. Thornton III served as honorary chairman.

"This is a historic and fabulous point in time for DCCCD. The future is ours; we will make a significant impact on people's lives and - most definitely - it all begins here," said Carreon.