Joey Rodriguez Junior High School
Arlington ISD’s Board of Trustees meeting on April 18, 2024, is in the books, and here are a few of the highlights.
“El Mariachi Tejano,” Sam Houston High School’s mariachi band, kicked off the meeting by performing “No Volvere,” by Jose Alfredo Jimenez, in honor of the school’s much-loved soccer coach, Joey Rodriguez, who died in 2021.
It was a fitting tribute because of what came next. After the performance, the board approved the name of the new school that will replace Carter Junior High. It will be named after the former coach and be called Joey Rodriguez Junior High School. Rodriguez Junior High is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025.
The trustees are already looking ahead to the next Texas Legislative session, and, as you may recall, discussed the draft of a legislative agenda at their last meeting. At this meeting, they approved a final draft of interim legislative priorities focusing on school safety, student academic achievement and adequate school finance.
On the topic of school finance, Arlington ISD’s chief financial officer, Darla Moss, gave the board a finance update, which she does periodically to help trustees make informed decisions about goals, assist with planning and to promote transparency. Arlington ISD is currently developing the budget for the new fiscal year, which begins July 1.
The board also approved the monthly financial report on operations and the district’s investment activity report through February.
Finally, the board approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Arlington 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, so this will be very helpful.
Those are just a few of the highlights from tonight. If you would like more details on any of these, or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, please click here watch the entire meeting.