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Arlington ISD Bond 2026

Arlington ISD Bond 2026

Arlington ISD Voters Approve Props A & B

Arlington ISD voters passed Propositions A and B for the 2026 Bond election on Saturday as Election Day came to an end. 

Preliminary results, which will become official on May 12 when the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees canvases the votes, show voters approved Prop A by 59%, and Prop B by 59%. Prop C failed by 52%. 

With two propositions passing, the results indicate the community’s commitment to supporting Arlington ISD’s students and schools.

“This is a great day for Arlington ISD,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith said. "We are extremely grateful to the families and residents of Arlington ISD who came out to vote. The approval of Propositions A &B in Bond 2026 means we can improve aging facilities and equipment and ensure our students have the exceptional learning environments they deserve for years to come.”

Thank You Voters!

Prop A provides nearly $439 million for a new South Davis Elementary, an additional elementary school, a new dedicated building for the 18 PLUSS program, renovations to facilities that are 50-70 years old, new Career & Technical Education equipment, new buses, and upgraded safety and security measures.

Prop B provides more than $30 million for the replacement of instructional technology for students, infrastructure technology devices, and staff technology devices.

The State of Texas provides limited funding opportunities for new facilities. By law, bond funds may not be used to fund daily operating expenses or salaries. Bond funds may be used only for projects approved by district voters.

Prop C would have given the district more than $31 million to replace grass with artificial turf at all six comprehensive high school baseball and softball fields, and the Multipurpose Activity Centers, as well as new equipment and athletic storage facilities.

With Prop A & B approved, Arlington ISD will immediately begin coordinating with architects to conduct a competitive bidding process and finalize a construction timeline. The district will also collaborate with financial advisors to establish a bond program schedule. 

The first step in the process will be establishing a Bond Oversight Committee, made up of community members to provide transparency and accountability throughout the bond program. 

"We value the trust our community has placed in us and we will work hard to be good stewards of every dollar,” Smith said. “We will keep you informed every step of the way as we move forward with Bond 2026. We will continue to engage with our community to listen, learn, and determine the best path forward. Our commitment to our students remains unchanged."

Proposition A:
$438,755,000

  • 2 New Elementary School Replacements
  • Dedicated facility for Special Education - 18 PLUSS
  • Career and Technical Education Equipment Upgrades
  • Infrastructure Improvements
  • Safety and Security Upgrades
  • New Buses
Learn More

Proposition B:
$30,955,000

  • Replacement of instructional student technology devices
  • Replacement of infrastructure technology devices
  • Replacement of staff technology devices
Learn More

Proposition C:
$31,565,000

  • Install synthetic turf at 6 high school baseball and softball fields
  • Replace and upgrade athletic equipment
  • Add athletic storage facilities
Learn More

Financial Impact

Tax Rate Impact for Proposed Projects

One Cent Tax Increase

The proposed bond projects can be funded with an estimated one-cent increase to Arlington ISD’s current tax rate.

That means the estimated impact for an average home valued at approximately $300,000 in Arlington ISD would be $1.50 per month, or $18 per year. 

No Increase for Seniors

Ages 65 plus have a zero Tax Impact over frozen dollar amount

Arlington ISD taxes are frozen for homeowners 65+ with a residence homestead exemption on file with Tarrant County. Approval of this bond will not increase taxes above the frozen amount unless substantial home improvements are made.

Arlington ISD Tax Rate History

A graph of tax rate history. $1.7445 in 2005, $1.4130 in 2015 and $1.0929 in 2025.

Over the past two decades, the district’s tax rate has decreased from $1.74 in 2005-2006 to $1.09 in 2025-2026.

The district has continued to lower its tax rate while paying off voter-approved debt early, resulting in more than $119 million in interest savings through bond refinancing.

Bond Information and Presentations

Ballot Language

Arlington Independent School District Proposition A
THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $438,755,000 for school facilities and buses and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.

Arlington Independent School District Proposition B
THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $30,955,000 for school technology improvements and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.

Arlington Independent School District Proposition C
THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE; the issuance of bonds in the amount of $31,565,000 for school athletic facilities and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds.

Required Postings

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

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. 

Capital Needs Steering Committee

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.

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 is the second elementary school that would be replaced by the 2026 Bond proposal?

Arlington ISD’s proposed 2026 Bond includes funding to build two replacement elementary schools, including one to replace South Davis Elementary. The second campus has not yet been identified to allow for more in-depth analysis of enrollment trends. Initial demographic and facility studies support the second replacement elementary, and now a second independent demographer is reviewing the data to ensure the district makes the most informed choice for students and the community. Based on current enrollment trends, it is likely the second replacement school would consolidate two existing campuses into one modern facility – just like what voters approved in the 2019 Bond. That bond funded the consolidation of Thornton and Knox into a new Thornton Elementary, as well as Berry and Roark into a new Berry Elementary.

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

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.

State law mandates all bond materials must state, "THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE." However, eligible senior homeowners will not pay more than their frozen tax amount.

Arlington ISD taxes are frozen for homeowners 65+ who have properly filed for the homestead exemption with Tarrant County. Approval of this bond would not result in an increase above the frozen amount.

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.