August 17, 2026 Newsletter
August 17, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 33
Highlights:
* City council approves the no-new-revenue tax rate for the public hearing.
* P&Z meets Wednesday.
Teachers' Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_14.html
Arlington is a city where citizens are relegated to being spectators, rather than players on the field. The SPECTATOR helps citizens know what is happening on the field. Only a few of the in-house team members are allowed to play ball in Arlington. The SPECTATOR helps citizens understand the game.
GAME SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, August 18: Comprehensive Plan District 4 Town Hall, ACTIV, 2061 W. Green Oaks Boulevard, 6:00-7:00pm.
Wednesday, August 19: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 4:00pm)
Thursday, August 20: Economic Development Corporation Board Meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 4:00pm.
Monday, August 24: Comprehensive Plan District 5 Town Hall, Wellspring on Main, 2201 W. Main Street, 6:00-7:00pm.
Tuesday, August 25: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, August 26: Budget Town Hall, City Council Chambers.
Thursday, August 27: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 6:30pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Monday, August 31: Comprehensive Plan District 3 Town Hall, Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, 6:00-7:00pm.
Wednesday, September 2: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm)
Monday, September 7: Labor Day
Tuesday, September 8: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.) Public hearing on the budget and tax rate.
Thursday, September 10: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 6:30pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Tuesday, September 15: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.) Second reading of the budget and tax rate.
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council met this past Tuesday, August 11. They established the maximum tax rate of $0.6363 (the no-new-revenue rate) for the public hearing on September 8. The budget is actually set based on a lower rate, but this gives some room IF the council wished to add something to the budget (up to $2.2 million) or they can set the tax rate at that lower rate on September 8.
Meeting – Last Week
The agenda for last week's meeting included a work session item, two resolutions, and citizen participation. The meeting may be viewed at: arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/5519?view_id=9&redirect=true . Council member Galante did not seem to be present at the start. He did show up after several minutes.
(23:42) The work session item was the FY27 budget. About 1:19:00 it was opened for general discussion and what should be used as the maximum tax rate for the public hearing.
(2:10:17) The two resolutions were for establishing the public hearings on the tax rate and the budget. They and the associated ordinances will be held on Tuesday, September 8. September 15 is then projected to be the second readings on those ordinances. The budget needs to be approved by September 30, as the new fiscal year begins October 1. They voted to hold the public hearing with a rate of $0.6363. It was approved, 6-3, with Gonzalez, Pham, and Hogg in opposition. The budget resolution passed, 9-0.
[Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article on the tax rate ceiling at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/13/arlington-council-sets-ceiling-for-upcoming-tax-rate-members-split-on-project-funding/ .]
The resolution on the tax rate needs to be the maximum tax rate that the council will consider approving. The tax rate approved must be at or below the tax rate of the announced public hearing. Should the council wish for a higher tax rate later, a new public hearing will need to be noticed with a higher tax rate. (staff report – tax rate , staff report – budget).
(2:14:11) Citizen participation. There were no speakers.
Council Leftovers
The City of Arlington proposes a total project investment of an estimated $24,000,000, combining federal, state, local, and private resources for the acquisition and demolition of an existing two-story, 81,205-square-foot dilapidated motel structure at 1220 W. Division Street built in 1965 and comprised of 72 rooms. So far, they have determined they will use approximately $3,850,000 in federal HOME-ARP funds. Part of the city/local funds included is $2.85 million of Arlington Housing Finance Corporation funds. Anyone's guess on the specifics of the rest of the funding?
Following demolition, the city intends to construct a new permanent supportive housing community consisting of a minimum of 70 units. The new development will provide safe, service-enriched housing for chronically homeless individuals, veterans and their families, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. The primary objective is to expand the supply of affordable, supportive housing and promote long-term housing stability for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
So, has anyone divided that out? $24,000,000 / 70 units = $342,857/unit [cost of a house???].
Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article on the Arlington homelessness issue and the mention of this project by the mayor. That article can be found at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/21/arlington-to-boost-permanent-housing-for-homeless-as-feds-slash-funding/ .
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The next EDC Board meeting will be at the council chambers this Thursday at 4:00pm. That agenda can be found at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/august-20,-2026.pdf .
The agenda includes:
approving the minutes (August 6),
standing reports
financial (report)
eligible industries snapshot (report)
real estate market – office space (report),
updates on outstanding projects,
Impact Ventures Partnership discussion (presentation),
one action item
approve the FY2027 budget (staff report),
executive director's report (presentation),
and an executive session.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Wednesday, August 19, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD91-09R1, at 300 & 330 Loch N Green Trail. They wish to reduce the setbacks on the north side of the property by five feet to a 15-feet minimum. If approved by P&Z this would go to the city council on September 8.
On Wednesday, August 19, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP25-13, at 500 E. Abram Street. They wish for a specific use permit for a banquet hall. If approved by P&Z this would go to the city council on September 8.
On Tuesday, September 8, the city council will hold a public hearing on the budget and tax rate.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z will meet this Wednesday, August 19. The agenda can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/7b4b2e2620689c787fcee1b65410234c0.html . There are two zoning case public hearings to be heard.
The first public hearing is PD91-09R1 (300-330 Loch N Green) where they wish to reduce the side yard setbacks from 20 feet to 15 feet and 9 inches (staff report).
The second public hearing is SUP25-13 (500 E. Abram Street) for a specific use permit for a banquet hall (staff report).
AISD School Board
The school board met this past Thursday, August 13. The agenda can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=754471 . The meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl3AAzkaETQ . All board members were present.
They went into executive session to discuss personnel, pending and potential litigation, and board member duties and responsibilities.
(0:02) They reconvened for the pledge and recognitions.
(14:27) Appointments. Approved, 7-0.
Juan Negrete – Assistant Principal Sam Houston High
Sarah Henley – Assistant Principal Arlington High [gay]
Gregory Payne – Assistant Principal Workman Junior High
Melvin Vera Nieves – Assistant Principal Ellis Elementary
(23:06) Open forum on agenda items. There were no speakers.
Four Committee and Staff Reports.
(23:42) Governance Committee.
(24:35) Finance and Academics Committee.
(25:32) First day of school report.
(31:24) Key Progress and Measures Report (presentation). About 38:21 it was opened up to the board. About 1:14:30 is the second half of the presentation (starting at page 11). About 1:15:52 it was again opened to the board.
Three Action Items.
(1:39:15) Potential endorsement of TASB candidates. They endorsed Mr. Chapa, 6-0-1, with Mr. Chapa abstaining.
(1:41:04) Approval of the designation of official delegates to the TASB delegate assembly. They approved Ms. Haynes as the delegate and Ms. Richardson as the alternate, 7-0.
(1:43:57) Approval of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan (presentation). It was approved, 7-0.
(1:52:09) Consent agenda. Nothing was pulled or discussed. It was approved, 7-0.
(1:52:56) Open forum for non-agenda items. There was one speaker.
(1:57:32) End of meeting reports.
The Board Brief by Ms. McMurrough can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhPjW4TeSuE .
AISD Budget approved
Following consideration of the adoption of the 2026-27 Budget (presentation , very high level overview), the budget was approved, 7-0. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/06/17/arlington-isd-trustees-adopt-nearly-60m-budget-shortfall-amid-declining-enrollment/ .
Sixth Grade to Move to Junior Highs in 2027
Moving sixth grade to the junior highs was approved, 5-2, with Wilbanks and Fowler opposed (presentation). Bianca Rodriguez-Mora of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/06/18/arlington-isd-moves-6th-grade-to-junior-high-level-despite-parent-concerns/ .
AISD Employees will NOT get raises
Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article from this meeting stating how employees will NOT be getting raises [but will be getting gains in health insurance benefits] at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/06/05/arlington-isd-employees-will-not-see-a-raise-as-district-fights-budget-shortfall/ .
Demographer's Findings
The school board had a workshop on Thursday, May 21 regarding the demographer's findings for the district. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/24/as-enrollment-declines-arlington-isd-leaders-signal-potential-school-closures/ .
Article on the STEM issue/cuts
It has been reported that the AISD leadership administration has met with staff telling them there will be cuts in positions because of the budget shortfall. That budget went into effect July 1. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/08/positions-eliminated-as-arlington-isd-reorganizes-to-address-9m-shortfall/ .
A Chris Moss article in the Arlington Report explores the possibility of the AISD joining the pay-for-performance teacher program offered by the state. That article can be found at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/01/07/arlington-isd-considers-texas-pay-for-performance-teacher-program/ .
AISD saw a jump in their accountability scores because of their challenge of some of the STAAR testing results. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/09/arlington-isd-sees-2025-academic-accountability-bump-after-staar-appeal/ . Also an AISD article may be found at: https://www.aisd.net/district-news/updated-district-and-campus-accountability-ratings/ .
The AISD enrollment is expected to fall below 50,000 students at some point, maybe as early as the 2026-2027 school year. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has a story at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/03/arlington-isds-enrollment-projected-to-drop-below-50000-next-year/ .
The AISD Board and Superintendent have established written goals, including student improvement on the STAAR testing. The Chris Moss article in the Arlington Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/10/01/arlington-isd-school-board-sets-goals-and-expectations-for-new-school-year/ .
TEA Accountability Data:
In 2020, the AISD was tied for the highest M&O rate of all the school districts in Tarrant County. Since then, there has been NO tie. The AISD HAS the highest M&O rate in Tarrant County. [school district tax rates]
Top 5 of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs M&O Rates
1. Arlington ISD $0.802200
2. Birdville ISD $0.786900
2. Fort Worth ISD $0.786900
2. Lewisville ISD $0.786900
2. Mansfield ISD $0.786900
Teacher Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html [Arlington ISD easily pays the highest salaries, thus creating ISD inflation.] An article by Jacob Sanchez in the Fort Worth Report confirms that the Arlington ISD pays the highest salaries in Tarrant County [ https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/17/teachers-in-this-tarrant-county-school-district-earn-the-highest-salaries/ ].
OTHER NEWS
Stadium Extension
[Commentary: Just because they believe it is legal to approve the stadium extension without the public voting, it is neither the correct nor transparent thing to do. If you talked about the finances with officials back in 2016, they would point to the ability to pay off the Cowboy bonds early, giving them the ability to build the second stadium. They would also suggest that there would be a good chance bonds would be paid off before 2048.]
HELPFUL CONTACTS
The Spectator: www.ArlSpectator.mysite.com
to be added/deleted to/from the mailing list e-mail: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com
We can be found on Facebook at ArlSpectator.
Teachers' Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
City of Arlington website: www.arlingtontx.gov
e-mails of mayor and council:
.................... first.last@arlingtontx.gov
mayor = jim.ross
district 1 (north) = mauricio.galante
district 2 (sw) = raul.gonzalez
district 3 (se) = nikkie.hunter
district 4 (west) = tom.ware
district 5 (central/east) = brittney.garcia-dumas
district 6 (all) = long.pham
district 7 (all) = bowie.hogg
district 8 (all) = jason.shelton
AISD website ....................... www.aisd.net
McMurrough............ - sarahforaisd@gmail.com
Fowler ................... - fowler.aisd@gmail.com
Mike .................. - larrymike.aisd@gmail.com
Wilbanks .......... - dwilban.aisd@gmail.com
Chapa ...................... - chapa.aisd@gmail.com
Richardson ... - brooklyn.richardson.aisd@gmail.com
Haynes ................... - haynes.aisd@gmail.com
TEA Accountability Data:
ARC Political Watch Committee Reports
includes coverage of Mansfield ISD and national, state, county, & city
Texas Legislative Online:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx
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