Twenty Dallas Independent School District campuses will reopen for the 2026-27 academic year on Tuesday, bringing back school zone traffic controls and crossing guards to local streets. The return of students affects morning and afternoon commutes as drivers adjust to the new schedule.
School zones generally operate from 45 minutes before the first bell until 30 minutes after the final class ends, including during lunch periods. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, speed limits in these areas typically drop to 20 mph, though drivers must follow posted signage which may vary by campus.
The boundaries of these zones usually extend 600 to 1,200 feet from the school, depending on site conditions.
Violations within these zones carry an additional $25 fine on top of the base penalty for offenses such as speeding or using a mobile device. Officials emphasize that drivers must obey posted limits regardless of whether children are visible on the sidewalks.
The following elementary schools begin classes on Tuesday: John Q. Adams, Lee McShan Jr., Lida Hooe, John Neely Bryan, J.N. Ervin, José "Joe" May, Julian T. Saldivar, Harrell Budd, Birdie Alexander, Frank Guzick, Ronald E. McNair, H.S. Thompson STEAM Academy, and Marcus Leadership Academy.
