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Arlington ISD Bond 2026

Arlington ISD Bond 2026

Arlington Independent School District BOARD OF TRUSTEES CALLS MAY 2, 2026, BOND ELECTION

The Arlington Independent School District Board of Trustees has unanimously called for a bond election to be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, for voter consideration. The proposal is based on recommendations from the community-led Capital Needs Steering Committee (CNSC) following several months of review of district facilities, programs, and enrollment trends. The Board approved the election order during its February 5 meeting.

The bond proposal includes three propositions addressing districtwide facilities and programs: 

Proposition A:
$438,755,000

  • ADA compliance and life safety improvements
  • Modernization of existing school facilities
  • Additions and renovations to schools
  • Replacement of South Davis Elementary School plus another new replacement elementary school
  • Capital improvements
  • Academic equipment and program improvements, including fine arts and special education
  • Safety and security upgrades
  • Transportation improvements

Proposition B:
$30,955,000

  • Technology improvements 
  • Student and staff devices
  • Cybersecurity modernization 
  • Telecommunications and infrastructure improvements 

Proposition C:
$31,565,000

  • Athletic improvements for secondary schools 
  • Synthetic turf and athletic equipment installation, replacement, and upgrades 

Bond Election Background

Arlington ISD conducted a comprehensive, independent third-party review of its facilities and infrastructure to identify projects for consideration in the bond proposal. This process included evaluating the Facility Condition Index and capacity of all existing schools, as well as identifying potential improvements across district departments. 

The CNSC – made up of parents and non-parents, educators, business owners, civic leaders, and community members – reviewed information related to enrollment trends, facility conditions, projected costs, and potential tax implications for Arlington ISD residents. Ultimately, the CNSC provided recommendations to the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees for facilities and identified capital improvements through 2029 to support the district’s strategic plan. 

Based on current financial projections and existing debt obligations, the proposed bond projects can be funded with an estimated one-cent increase to Arlington ISD’s current tax rate. The district has continued to lower its tax rate while paying off voter-approved debt early, resulting in more than $40 million in principal and interest savings through bond refinancing. 

Voting Information

To participate in the May 2, 2026, bond election, individuals must reside within Arlington ISD boundaries and be registered to vote in Tarrant County by April 2, 2026. Voter registration status may be confirmed at www.votetexas.gov.

Registered voters may cast ballots at any polling location in Tarrant County. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Early voting by personal appearance will take place from Monday, April 20, 2026, through Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Bond Information and Presentations

Arlington ISD will provide factual, up-to-date information about Bond 2026 on this webpage. The webpage will include project descriptions, cost information, a schedule of informational meetings, historical and current tax data, and a method for submitting questions.

Informational meetings will be held in March and April to share details about the bond propositions and respond to community questions.

Arlington ISD remains committed to providing clear, accurate, and transparent information about the May 2026 bond election so that all community members can make informed decisions at the polls.

Ask a Question

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bond package?

A bond is similar to a home mortgage. It is a contract to repay borrowed money with interest over time. Bonds are sold by a school district to competing lenders to raise funds to pay for the costs of construction, renovations, and equipment. Most school districts in Texas utilize bonds to finance renovations and new facilities.

Why did Arlington ISD call for a bond?

School districts are required by state law to ask voters for permission to sell bonds to investors in order to raise the capital dollars required for projects. Essentially, the voters are giving permission for the district to take out a loan and pay that loan back over an extended period of time, much like a family takes out a mortgage or home improvement loan for their home. A school board calls a bond election so voters can decide whether they agree to pay for proposed projects. The last bond referendum in Arlington ISD successfully passed in 2019.

How was the bond package constructed?

The Arlington Independent School District Board of Trustees has unanimously called for a bond election to be held on May 2, 2026, for voter consideration. The proposal is based on recommendations from the community-led Steering Committee, following several months of study and review of district facilities and programs. The board approved the election order during its February 5th meeting.

What is included in the May 2026 Arlington ISD Bond?

The bond proposal consists of three propositions aimed at improving districtwide facilities, programs, and infrastructure. Proposition A, totaling $438,755,000, focuses on major facility upgrades, including ADA and life-safety improvements, modernization and renovations of existing schools, construction of two replacement elementary schools, classroom and capital improvements, academic equipment enhancements for fine arts and special education, safety and security upgrades, and transportation improvements. Proposition B, at $30,955,000, provides for district technology advancements such as updated student and staff devices, lifecycle equipment replacements, cybersecurity modernization, and telecommunications and infrastructure upgrades. Proposition C, totaling $31,565,000, funds athletic improvements for secondary schools, including the installation, replacement, and upgrading of synthetic turf and other athletic equipment.

How can bond funds be used?

Bond funds can be used to pay for new buildings, additions and renovations to existing facilities, land acquisition, technology infrastructure, transportation costs and vehicles, and equipment for new or existing buildings. Bonds cannot be used for salaries or operating costs such as utility bills, supplies, building maintenance, fuel and insurance.

What is a bond election and how does Arlington ISD repay its debt?

A bond election in Texas allows voters to decide whether a local government may borrow money for a specific purpose. Cities, counties, and school districts use bond debt to finance new schools, highways, bridges, bikeways, fire stations, parks, and other infrastructure. A bond is a debt security issued by a local government and bought by investors in exchange for a promise of future repayment and interest. Local governments in Texas typically repay bond debt through an ad valorem tax. That tax is pledged against the debt. Arlington ISD has the third lowest dept-per capita of all district in Region 11.

How are school districts funded?

Public schools in Texas are generally funded from two separate (independently managed) funding mechanisms: Maintenance & Operations/M&O (for electric bills, teacher salaries, general maintenance, etc.) and Interest & Sinking/I&S (for new construction, larger building renovations, technology assets, buses, land, etc.). For a detailed explanation of public school funding in Texas please visit, the Texas Education Agency website

Why are there multiple propositions in this bond election?

New legislation instituted in 2019 requires public school districts to separate specific scopes of work in a proposed Bond Referendum. Read a detailed explanation of these requirements

What happens if the bond does not pass?

The district would be subjected to upward inflationary pressure and costs, as well as potentially higher interest rates; and the need does not go away.

Is there a tax rate increase with the bond proposal? How does this impact 65 and older?

Based on current financial projections and existing debt obligations, the proposed bond projects can be funded with an estimated one-cent increase to Arlington ISD’s current tax rate. The district has continued to lower its tax rate while paying off voter-approved debt early, resulting in more than $40 million in principal and interest savings through bond refinancing.

When will the election be held?

To participate in the May 2, 2026, bond election, individuals must reside within Arlington ISD boundaries and be registered to vote in Tarrant County by April 2, 2026. Voter registration status may be confirmed at VoteTexas.gov.

Registered voters may cast ballots at any polling location in Tarrant County. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Saturday, May 2, 2026. Early voting by personal appearance will take place from Monday, April 20, 2026, through Tuesday, April 28, 2026.