Q&A with trustee Justin Chapa
January is School Board Recognition Month, and our trustees are more than worthy of the honor. Our board members volunteer their time and expertise to guide the direction of Arlington ISD, investing in our entire community’s future.
Today, we’re catching up with board president Justin Chapa. Chapa has served on the board since 2017. He’s a graduate of Sam Houston High School and an Arlington ISD parent.
What are you most excited about for the district as we enter 2026?
I’m looking forward to building on the District’s strong progress in just about every area. Academic scores are up. Discipline incidents are down (sharply, and continuing a years-long decline). Student, staff, and parent surveys show improvement across the board, from satisfaction to safety. Teacher pay remains at market-leading levels. We’ve earned a perfect score on the State’s Financial Integrity ratings for two years in a row. There have been (and will be) tough decisions, but AISD definitely is heading in the right direction.
Reflect on a moment from this past year that reminded you why you serve on the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees.
We attend 11 graduations a year, and every one of them reminds me of the critical role school boards play in ensuring that students have access to strong educational opportunities that allow them to achieve their dreams and strengthen their communities.
Look ahead to 2026 and highlight one hope or priority you are excited to support as a trustee.
All of the Board’s five adopted priorities are important, but if I had to pick one, the most imperative is academic growth. I believe that “education is the great equalizer.” Almost 80% of our students come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. We have the awesome responsibility, as a community and District, to provide an education that makes that promise real.
What is your favorite City of Arlington annual festival/parade/tradition?
The Fourth of July Parade
Tell us about a campus tradition, event, or student activity you secretly look forward to every year.
I’m always excited to see the student artwork presented to the Board every January as part of National School Board Appreciation Month. Our students are very talented, and I’m proud to display the art at my “day job” office.
Reveal one thing you learned from students this year? (Maybe what 6-7 means?)
From second graders at Crow Leadership Academy: Anyone born before 1990 is “really old.”