June 15, 2026 Newsletter
June 15, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 24
Highlights:
* City Council District 8 runoff winner appears to be Jason Shelton.
* AISD set to approve their 2026-27 Budget on Tuesday.
* City council denies low-income apartments on US287.
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
Open Letter to AISD Taxpayers
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_11.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, June 16: 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.)
Wednesday, June 17: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at 4:00pm)
Wednesday, June 17: AISD Board Special meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 5:00pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.) I expect this meeting to be canceled.
Thursday, June 18: Economic Development Corporation Meeting, Council Cambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 4:00pm.
Sunday, June 21: Fathers' Day.
Tuesday, June 23: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Saturday, July 4: 250 Years. Happy Birthday America.
Wednesday, July 15: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm)
Wednesday, July 29: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm)
Tuesday, August 4: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Thursday, August 13: Budget Town Hall, South Police Center.
Wednesday, August 26: Budget Town Hall, City Council Chambers.
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council met for a full slate of meetings this past Tuesday, June 9.
Committee Meetings
The Municipal Policy Committee met and discussed SB2835 (single-stair residential buildings) (presentation, proposed ordinance) and the federal and state legislative agendas (presentation, federal agenda, state agenda).
The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee met and discussed multi-family inspections (presentation).
The Transportation and Municipal Infrastructure Committee met and discussed a Handi-tran update (presentation). It appears they might start charging riders of other cities and other cities more to use the service.
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting may be viewed at: arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5470 . Council Member Hunter did not appear present for the meeting.
(14:43) Start of meeting. It began and went into executive session to discuss the Douglas Rhoades lawsuit, the Linda Ward lawsuit, the potential sale of 2903 Zinfandel Lane, potential purchase of property for affordable housing, and offers of incentives to business prospects.
(1:47:24) Reconvene. This portion of the agenda included three work session items, two informal staff reports, committee meetings, appointments (list), evening agenda items, external committees, and future agenda items.
The three work session items were:
(1:47:45) 1. UTA update (presentation). About 2:03:52 it was opened to the council.
(2:11:44) 2. Budget update (FY26 and proposed FY27) (presentation, BAR report). About 2:59:45 they spoke about employee benefits and health insurance. About 3:06:42 it was opened to the council.
(3:15:07) 3. 5-year Street Maintenance Plan (presentation, attachment). About 3:46:36 it was opened to the council.
(4:14:02) The two informal staff reports:
1. Opportunity (aka low-income) Zone application to the Governor's Office. The program is to promote areas to encourage development. Somehow the first two (Collins and I-30) qualify as low-income? The city is submitting eight areas along Collins and East Pioneer Parkway. The city has one area already that has NOT been successful (staff report and parcels map).
2. External Board appointments (staff report). There was a large amount of “goverance philosophy” discussion on this item.
(4:48:58) Committee meetings.
(5:14:41) Evening agenda items. Item 7.16, the second reading of PD25-22, East Debbie Lane and Glenn Day Drive generated discussion.
(5:22:18) External committees.
(5:34:41) Future agenda items. The mayor wants to increase the cost of running for mayor and the salaries of the mayor and council members.
Evening Meeting
The evening meeting can be viewed at: arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5469 . The agenda included appointments (list), minutes, 39 consent agenda items, five public hearings, and an amendment to the transportation code (staff report).
(21:18) Start of meeting. About 36:07 the mayor started his Pride Month presentation [note: pre-start of the meeting Council Member Hunter had a photo session with the majority of the group]. Appointments and minutes were approved with separate 9-0 votes.
(43:10) 39 consent agenda items. Item 7.16, PD25-22 for the townhomes at East Debbie Lane and Glenn Day Drive, was pulled for separate consideration. There was a speaker in opposition item 7.29. The consent agenda, minus item 7.16 was approved, 9-0. The modifications to the 7.16 item were explained by staff. There were five speakers in opposition. Item 7.16 was approved, 6-3, with Galante, Hunter, and Garcia-Dumas in opposition. Nicole Lopez of the Fort Worth Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/06/11/townhomes-okd-for-construction-near-gas-wells-in-southeast-arlington/ .
The five public hearings:
(1:04:17) 1. A public hearing to extend the term of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #1 (staff report). This extends the TIRZ from December 31, 2038 until December 31, 2058. [Commentary: What a TIRZ does is basically freeze the prices paid to the general fund for an area. So, in this case the downtown area's contribution to the general fund is frozen at 1998 prices, meaning (who?), the rest of us, make up that difference. This ordinance will extend that freeze from 40 years to 60 years. The funds go to the control of a TIRZ board that now can prioritize its projects over, instead of competing against other general fund projects.] It was approved, 9-0.
(1:05:17) 2. A public hearing on PD23-6R1 at 1915&1921 W. Arkansas Lane (staff report). They wish for a revised development plan on 2.57 acres. Lance Murray of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/06/01/drainage-channel-issues-force-development-plan-revision-for-arlington-apartments/ . It was approved, 9-0.
(1:11:42) 3. A public hearing on PD26-03 at 6700 (+others) U.S. 287 Highway (staff report). They wish to change zoning from RS-7.2 to a planned development for RMF-22 (apartments) on 7.908 acres. Lance Murray of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/22/affordable-housing-pre-k-development-clears-arlington-zoning-hurdle/ . [Best use of this land – low-income apartments???] It is not compliant with the Comprehensive Plan or the US 287 Corridor Plan. The motion to approve FAILED, 4-5, with Ross, Hunter, Garcia-Dumas, and Odom-Wesley in support.
(1:33:41) 4. A public hearing on SUP08-15R1 at 4151 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive (staff report). They wish to modify the SUP by establishing a gas drilling zone on 2.955 acres. There were six speakers in opposition. They approved the restricted option of approval, 7-2, with Hunter and Garcia-Dumas in opposition.
(1:54:54) 5. A public hearing on SUP07-17R1 at 4801 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive (staff report). They wish to modify the SUP by establishing a gas drilling zone on 4.622 acres. There were four speakers in opposition. They approved the reduced drill zone, 7-2, with Hunter and Garcia-Dumas in opposition.
(2:11:19) An amendment to the transportation code (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.
(2:14:49) Citizen participation. There were four speakers actually present who spoke.
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 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 meeting will be this Thursday, June 18, at 4:00pm in the council chambers. The agenda can be found at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/agendas/june-18,-2026.pdf .
The agenda includes:
minutes (May 28);
standing reports
A. financial (report)
B. real estate (retail market);
open session
A. project updates
B. opportunity zone update (presentation);
one action item
A. collateral assignment of Anthem (old Lincoln Square) development (staff report)
executive director's report (presentation);
executive session
A. offers of incentives to business prospects
B. deliberations regarding real property.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Tuesday, June 16, the AISD will have a public hearing on their budget. [ https://classifieds.mcclatchy.com/marketplace/fortworth/advert/-Notices_230490 ]
On Wednesday, June 17, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-21, at 1013 N. Mesquite Street. They wish to change from RS-7.2 to a planned development for RM-12 (usually townhomes) on 0.924 acres.
On Tuesday, June 23, the city council will hold a public hearing on an access easement at the Arlington Golf Club (required by Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code).
On Tuesday, June 23, the city council will hold a public hearing on the boundaries of the Tourism Public Improvement District (PID). They are adding the Caravan Court Hotel.
On Tuesday, June 23, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP26-01, at 911 S. Davis Drive. (They wish for a daycare center.) on 2.454 acres.
On Tuesday, August 4, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD25-18, at 1605 Wilma Lane. They wish to change zoning from RS-7.2 to a planned development for RS-5 (small lots) on 2.919 acres.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z will meet Wednesday, June 17. The agenda can be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/e0fc015ac9a51593fa4e23bc2f1788660.html .
The only zoning case scheduled to be heard is PD25-21 at 1013 N. Mesquite Street (staff report). They wish to build ten attached townhomes on 0.924 acres.
AISD School Board
The AISD School Board met Thursday, June 4. That agenda can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=746703 . The meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c38kt-Pqj-U . The Board Brief by Ms. Fowler can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRfAOQ5NB6M&pp=ugUEEgJlbtIHCQkoCwGHKiGM7w%3D%3D .
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/ .
The agenda included:
Executive session to discuss personnel, pending and potential lawsuits, and roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements of trustees.
(3:28) Recognitions. About 22:04 was the principals of the year.
(48:14) Four appointments approved, 7-0.
Jannie Nelson – Principal Hill Elementary
Kadoria Burgess – Principal Little Elementary
Ricki Andrews – Principal Miller Elementary
Matt Varnell – Executive Director Innovative Programs
(59:41) Open forum for agenda items saw no speakers.
Committee and Staff Reports.
(1:00:10) 1. Governance Committee Report.
(1:01:03) 2. Citizens Bond Oversight Commitee Report (presentation). They even planned how to spend the millions of leftover funds (interest and savings). About 1:25:05 it was opened to the board.
(1:38:03) 3. District Improvement Plan Performance Objectives Report (presentation, report). About 1:46:52 it was opened to the board.
(1:54:35) 4. Academic Screener Report (presentation). About 2:00:58 it was opened to the board.
(2:18:28) 5. Sixth grade what's next steps committee report (presentation). The committee recommended, “Concerning the student experience, the committee recommends transitioning sixth-grade students to junior high through a systemwide, executable plan that is graceful, purposeful, and collaborative, while considering facilities readiness, successful student transitions, and stakeholder voice.
We evaluate the importance of readiness and communication prior to determining an implementation timeline.” About 3:00:57 it was opened to the board.
Public hearings.
(3:58:34) 1. Optional Flexible School Day Program 2025-26 (presentation).
(4:03:08) 2. Optional Flexible School Day Program 2026-27 (presentation).
(4:05:46) Open forum for non-agenda items. There were seven speakers registered. Six spoke mostly on keeping professionals whose positions have been eliminated.
Action items.
(4:25:52) Compensation plan (presentation). About 4:29:45 is the Option 1, which was eventually chosen. The majority of the cost is a $2 million healthcare clinic network. About 4:37:03 it was opened to the board. The motion for Option 1 was approved, 7-0, including a very reluctant Mr. Chapa.
[Commentary: After five straight years of 4% raises and being generally considered the highest paying ISD in the area, I was a bit surprised, but very grateful, they actually voted this way. They have been causing ISD inflation.]
(5:10:02) Student code of conduct (presentation, code). It was approved, 7-0.
(5:11:44) Consent agenda. Nothing was pulled or discussed. It was approved, 7-0.
(5:12:29) End-of-meeting reports.
The board will meet again this Tuesday, June 16. That meeting will include a public hearing [ https://classifieds.mcclatchy.com/marketplace/fortworth/advert/-Notices_230490 ] on the budget, which should be approved by June 30.
The agenda for Tuesday's meeting can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=746717 .
They will open the meeting and go into executive session to discuss personnel, potential and pending litigation, roles, responsibilities and legal duties for trustees, and discussion of the potential trustee vacancy (after the results of Saturday's municipal runoff election). They hope to reconvene in open session at 6:30pm.
The open portion of the agenda has a recognition, open forum for agenda items, appointments, six committee and staff reports, public hearing, three action items, consent agenda, open forum for non-agenda items, and end-of-meeting reports.
The six committee and staff reports:
1. Finance and Academics committee report.
2. Results Driven Accountability (RDA) report.
3. Proposition C report.
4. First reading of AE(local) policy educational philosophy.
5. First reading of EH(local) policy curriculum design.
6. Key Progress Measure – Culture.
The public hearing is on the 2026-27 Proposed Budget and Tax Rate (taxpayer impact statement).
Action items.
1. Consider the adoption of the 2026-27 Budget (very high level overview).
2. Consider approval of the grade level configuration of Elementary and Junior High schools.
3. Consider the selection of a Trustee. No action to take as Jason Shelton won the municipal runoff.
The school board also has a special meeting called for Wednesday, June 17. The major subject is the appointing of a trustee. I am guessing this meeting will be canceled.
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 starts July 1. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: Positions eliminated as Arlington ISD reorganizes to address $9M shortfall | Fort Worth Report .
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
Arlington Pride 2026 Canceled
Taylor Sansom of the UTA Shorthorn has an article at: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/after-4-years-of-celebration-arlington-pride-2026-is-cancelled/article_233676f4-0a56-4d7d-84ac-fa57aa0f2fb1.html .
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) = barbara.odom-wesley
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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