Board Brief from July 30, 2026
Arlington ISD’s Board of Trustees held its only July meeting last night, and the agenda was long. You can watch the entire meeting below and access the full agenda here. Here are a few of the highlights:
› New principal and assistant principal appointments
The school board approved four new principals and 10 new assistant principals at schools throughout the district. The new principals include:
- Bowie High School – Justin Edwards
- Martin High School – Victoria Youngblood-Baldwin
- Burgin Elementary – Latoya Turner
- Hale Elementary – Amy Carlisle
› New chief academic officer appointed
Dr. Priscila Dilley was appointed Arlington ISD’s new chief academic officer. Learn more about Dr. Dilley.
› Key progress measures report
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Collins gave a comprehensive end-of-year report on key progress measures related to district priorities. (See the priorities.) The report showed the goals that have been met along with some that still require work. One of the highlights was the “transformational” progress made at the district’s 23 highest needs schools.
Collins emphasized that the district is focused on growth at every campus for every student, and Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith said that it is important to “keep the press on” as the district continues to pursue growth and improvement.
› Strategic Plan 2026-2030
Collins also presented the district’s new five-year strategic plan for 2026-2030. The plan starts with the district’s vision statement and will be available online soon. The vision statement is: “Arlington ISD creates exceptional learning experiences that inspire all students, empower their dreams, and prepare them for the future.”
› Relocation of South Davis Elementary
The new 2026 Bond program will fund a new campus for South Davis Elementary. At the board meeting, trustees approved a new location for the new building. The school will move just down the street to the site of the Arlington ISD’s former J.W. Counts administration building at the corner of South Davis Dr. and Pioneer Parkway.
› New 18 PLUSS Center Schematic Design
Trustees approved the schematic design for the construction of a new 18 PLUSS center, to be funded by the 2026 Bond program. VLK Architects designed the center at the site of the former Blanton Elementary. The facility will incorporate educational spaces designed to meet the specific needs of the 18 PLUSS student population with opportunities for experiential life skills study and training to help further prepare them for life beyond the classroom. Look for more details next week.
› Charges for community-based committees
The board approved the charges for three of the district’s community-based communities:
- Arlington ISD Ambassadors
- Citizens Bond Oversight Committee
- Long-Range Facility Planning
These advisory groups provide guidance, feedback, and support to district administrators to help advance the district’s goals while ensuring decisions reflect the community’s perspectives.
› VIA transportation for students
An interlocal agreement with the City of Arlington was re-approved for another year to provide VIA transportation to and from school and extra-curriculars at no cost for Arlington ISD students who are in the Student Outreach Services program. Many of these students are experiencing homelessness and other challenges.
› Football at UTA’s Maverick Stadium
The board approved an agreement to play Arlington ISD football games this season at UT Arlington’s Maverick Stadium. Two of the district’s stadiums – Cravens and Wilemon fields – are currently under construction, so Maverick Stadium and Choctaw Stadium will host games in their place this season.
Those are just a few of the highlights from the meeting on July 30. Watch the full meeting on YouTube to get more information.