Key signals from this week’s featured district report.
Arlington ISD is focused on improving student academic outcomes, fostering a positive and inclusive culture, and ensuring safe learning environments, all while addressing a budget deficit and advocating for public school funding. A key strategy involves developing comprehensive plans and allocating resources effectively, with a focus on leveraging bond funds and external partnerships to achieve strategic goals. The district is also focused on maximizing talent and resources to create a thriving district while maintaining sound fiscal management.
Arlington ISD is allocating significant funding towards school safety and security programs through various funding sources, including bond programs, local funds, and grants. A November 2019 bond proposition authorized $966 million for capital improvements, including safety and security enhancements. In February 2025, a bond sale of $163,538,700 was approved, earmarking funds for construction, safety, security, and technology upgrades, along with refunding existing debt and further, an intermediate bond to address critical facility needs. The district's approved budget also reflects ongoing investments in security personnel, technology, and facility improvements to ensure a safe learning environment.
Arlington ISD partners with a diverse range of vendors to support its school security efforts. Key partners include Raptor Technologies for software licensing, City of Arlington Police Department for SROs, Texas Fire and Sound Inc for fire and safety equipment, and CDWG for technology infrastructure. The district engages with several vendors to address different aspects of the K-12 Safety Guide.
Arlington ISD is actively pursuing new programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing school safety and security. These efforts span across behavior task forces for improving safety, discipline, and comprehensive safety plans which are focused on continuous improvement and student outcomes. The district is also collaborating with external partners, reviewing internal processes, and leveraging bond funding to address security needs and update its SRO program.
Full exported report generated from the District Research Agent.
1. The district is addressing student achievement gaps by aiming to increase third-grade reading and mathematics scores to at least 73-74% at the Approaches level by August 2026, as well as improving CCMR to 56% by the same date. This goal is explicitly tied to the District Improvement Plan and requirements of House Bill 3.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_01-16-25_chunk1.pdf
2. The district is facing a substantial $384,225,436 deficit in governmental fund types, which emphasizes the need for careful financial planning and resource allocation. This is likely a major focus for the district's financial team and requires immediate intervention.
Spending Document Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_FY26_F-Numeric.pdf
3. To improve academic outcomes, Arlington ISD is implementing Structured Literacy research-based practices in all K-3 literacy classrooms, with administrator classroom visits to monitor implementation by April 30, 2026.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_10-02-25_chunk11.pdf
4. The district is implementing a comprehensive plan to address the budget deficit while still maintaining a 25% general fund operating fund balance and committing 60% of total funds to instruction and instruction-related services.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_10-02-25_chunk11.pdf
5. Arlington ISD is addressing the $25.4 million (estimate) budget deficit by making budget adjustments that include overseeing payroll savings and adjusting student attendance funding, and is monitoring a potential reduction in the basic allotment from the state legislature.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_01-16-25_chunk3.pdf
6. The Board approved increasing the property tax rate by the adoption of a tax rate of $1.0929, which is effectively a 5.57% increase, suggesting a need for additional revenue to support district operations.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_09-04-25.pdf
7. To address potential funding shortages from the state, Arlington ISD is formally opposing House Bill 3 and its Education Savings Account (ESA) system, reflecting a commitment to advocating for public school funding. This indicates a concern about the potential diversion of public funds to private schools.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_03-13-25.pdf
8. Trustee Fowler requested an update on teacher vacancies, particularly the 428 vacancies for physical education positions, highlighting potential staffing challenges. This could affect program quality and student well-being.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_01-16-25_chunk4.pdf
9. The district successfully completed a bond sale, securing $49.2 million in savings for taxpayers, demonstrating a commitment to responsible fiscal management.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_03-13-25.pdf
10. The district aims to reduce total open staff positions from 270 in December 2024 to 133 by December 2025 (a 51% reduction), indicating an effort to improve staffing levels and address vacancies.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_09-04-25.pdf
11. Arlington ISD will refund approximately $217 million of principal from Series 2015, Series 2016A, and Series 2016B bonds, potentially resulting in excess of $3 million per year reduction in annual debt service, reflecting an effort to restructure debt and generate savings.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_02-06-25_chunk2.pdf
12. The district is implementing Structured Literacy research-based practices in all K-3 literacy classrooms by April 30, 2026, indicating a focus on improving early literacy skills.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_10-02-25_chunk11.pdf
13. Arlington ISD's 2019 Bond program includes a capital improvements program with a budget of $966 million that encompasses capital purchases, new construction and facilities improvements.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_04-03-25.pdf
14. Arlington ISD is considering additional capital needs to enhance safety, security, and technology systems, strengthen transportation services, and provide fine arts equipment within the $966 million five-year 2019 Bond Program.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_04-03-25.pdf
15. The district plans to issue Unlimited Tax School Building and Refunding Bonds, Series 2025, with proceeds used for construction, safety, security, and technology improvements, suggesting an ongoing commitment to infrastructure and facility upgrades; this bond includes refunding approximately $217 million of principal from prior series.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_02-06-25_chunk2.pdf
1. The district approved purchases greater than $50,000 for exterior door position switches, funded by a Safety & Security Grant, indicating an investment in access control measures. The specific funding source implies external support for enhancing security infrastructure.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_01-16-25_chunk1.pdf
2. The district allocated a large portion of the $966 million 2019 bond to facilities, technology, fine arts, and transportation. Phase V for $163,538,700 will occur in February 2025.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_01-16-25_chunk1.pdf
3. Purchases exceeding $50,000 include video surveillance and IP cameras for the Professional Development Center and Miller ES, signaling an investment in enhanced surveillance capabilities in these locations.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_01-16-25_chunk1.pdf
4. The district is investing in exterior door position switches with a budget of $2,300,000, funded by a Safety & Security Grant, showing a focus on securing building access points.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_01-16-25_chunk2.pdf
5. Video surveillance and IP camera upgrades are being implemented at the Professional Development Center and Miller ES, with project budgets of $54,000 and $92,000 respectively, funded by bond funds. This indicates a targeted effort to enhance security at these specific facilities.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_01-16-25_chunk2.pdf
6. Security and Monitoring Services expenditures totaled $5,229,529 in the Current Year Amended Budget, demonstrating a significant financial commitment to security operations.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_01-16-25_chunk4.pdf
7. A bond sale will generate $163,538,700 for safety, security, construction and technology improvements. This will also refund around $217 million from past bonds.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_02-06-25_chunk2.pdf
1. The district approved a School Resource Officer (SRO) Contract with the City of Arlington for providing SROs in secondary schools, confirming a continued investment in law enforcement partnerships.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_08-21-25.pdf
2. The district approved an Interlocal Agreement between Arlington ISD, the City of Arlington and the Arlington Police Department for Services provided to the Arlington ISD for the Police Academy at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_08-21-25.pdf
3. The district partners with the APD School Violence Prevention Program Coordinator, School Resource Officers, the APD Behavior Law Enforcement Unit (BLEU), APD Youth and Family Services, My Health My Resources (MHMR), and utilizes Multisystemic Therapy (MST) for comprehensive student support.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_10-02-25_chunk6.pdf
4. The district has a contract with CableLink Solutions for miscellaneous purchases and contracted services, which could include security-related installations or maintenance.
Spending Document Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_01-31-25_CHECK REGISTER YTD_chunk52.pdf
5. The district has a contract with Raptor Technologies for software licensing, indicating investment in safety and security software.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_02-06-25_chunk6.pdf
6. The district contracts with PowerSchool for student information management, student safety, student access, and student reporting technology.
Spending Document Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_02-28-25_YTD CHECK REGISTER_chunk156.pdf
7. The district is considering additional capital needs to enhance safety, security, and technology systems; strengthen transportation services; and provide fine arts equipment.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_10-02-25_chunk11.pdf
1. The district is developing a standardized campus needs index using key metrics for strategic staffing and resource allocation, indicating a data-driven approach to improving school safety.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-PACK_02-06-25_chunk6.pdf
2. The district is working to improve safety and discipline through a behavior task force and reorganization of PBIS/ Restorative Practice Specialists for the 2024-25 school year, highlighting a shift towards preventative measures.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_04-03-25.pdf
3. The Board reviewed intruder detection audit findings, signaling a commitment to assessing and improving existing security measures.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_11-06-25_chunk1.pdf
4. The Board reviewed the 2025-2026 Internal Audit Plan which provides risk-based and objective assurance and insight that support all district priorities, including Safety & Discipline.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_11-06-25_chunk8.pdf
5. The board is establishing the Capital Needs Steering Committee (CNSC) to guide future capital needs and potential bond referendums, including safety and security enhancements.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_10-02-25_chunk10.pdf
6. The district will develop behavior support action plans aligned to individual campus needs by January 1, 2025, demonstrating a targeted approach to addressing safety and discipline at the campus level.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_10-02-25_chunk10.pdf
7. There is consideration of an intermediate "maintenance" bond to address special program needs and replace critical facility infrastructure.
Board Packet Library_4808700_ARLINGTON ISD_BOE-REG_10-02-25_chunk11.pdf