In this week’s Board Brief, Arlington ISD Board of Trustees Sarah McMurrough and Justin Chapa share important news about state funding, leadership appointments and employee compensation—highlighting the Board’s ongoing commitment to supporting students, staff and the broader Arlington community.
A Step Forward in State Funding | Sarah McMurrough
Over the past 18 months, the Board consistently advocated for increased state funding. From testifying before the Texas House to hosting community Trustee Talks, trustees made the case for meaningful investment in public schools.
While the recently passed House Bill 2 (HB2) brings some funding relief, it comes with limitations. The bill outlines a very specific structure for how funds must be used, offering little flexibility to address the full range of needs in our schools.
One of the key components of HB2 is the Teacher Retention Allotment, which provides:
- A $2,500 permanent base salary increase for teachers with 3–4 years of TRS service
- A $5,000 permanent base salary increase for teachers with 5 or more years
While this is a positive step, it leaves out many critical support staff who are essential to student success. This gap is a serious concern and the district is committed to addressing it through our own budget planning.
To everyone who emailed, called or spoke up—thank you. Your advocacy made a difference.
Board Meeting Highlights | Justin Chapa
The June 26 meeting marked the midpoint of summer and included several key decisions to prepare for the upcoming school year.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Katherine and Luke Crossnoe—rising 4th and 1st graders at Duff Elementary.
Leadership Appointments
Two new leadership roles were approved:
- Kiesha Edwards as Principal of Ellis Elementary
- Delisse Hardy as Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Both bring strong instructional leadership and a deep commitment to serving students and staff.
2025–26 Compensation Plan
One of the most impactful decisions of the evening was the approval of the new compensation plan, which ensures that every Arlington ISD employee will receive a pay increase. This reinforces the district’s position as a leader in competitive compensation across North Texas.
Key highlights include:
- $2,500 raise for teachers with 3–4 years of experience
- $5,000 raise for teachers with 5+ years of experience
- 3% raise for all current employees
- New starting teacher salary: $66,100 ($67,600 with a master’s degree)
- Increased annual healthcare contribution by $396 (now over $4,200 per year)
In total, this year’s compensation plan represents a $24 million investment in our district’s most valuable resource—its people.
The Board also approved new appointments to the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee and the Financial Futures Committee, ensuring trusted community voices continue to guide fiscal and facility planning.
If you would like more details on any of these, or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, head to YouTube to watch the entire meeting.