September 28, 2026 Newsletter
September 28, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 39
Highlights:
* The council meets Tuesday to give $1 million to SiNaCa to move to Arlington.
Teachers' Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_14.html
Arlington is a city where citizens are relegated to being spectators, rather than players on the field. The SPECTATOR helps citizens know what is happening on the field. Only a few of the in-house team members are allowed to play ball in Arlington. The SPECTATOR helps citizens understand the game.
GAME SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, September 29: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Wednesday, September 30: AISD Executive Session meeting, Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 6:30pm.
Thursday, October 1: Mayor Town Hall on ordinances, Bob Duncan Center, 2800 S. Center Street, 6:00pm.
Tuesday, October 6: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 6:30pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Wednesday, October 7: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm)
Tuesday, October 13: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Tuesday, October 20: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 6:30pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Wednesday, October 21: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm)
Thursday, October 22: Mayor Town Hall on environmental issues, Texas Rangers Golf Club, 701 Brown Boulevard, 6:00pm.
Tuesday, October 27: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council will meet this Tuesday, September 29, for a full slate of meetings.
The first committee meeting is at 11:15am. The afternoon session begins at 12:45pm and goes into executive session. The open portion of the meeting will begin no sooner than 2:00pm. The evening meeting is at 6:30pm.
Committee Meetings
The Economic Development Committee will meet at 11:15am. They are scheduled to discuss C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) then go into executive session for offers of incentives to business prospects [hold onto your wallets].
The quasi-committee, Arlington Housing Finance Corporation, will meet at noon to consider an amendment to the Center Place agreement (no information given) and possibly changing the management at that location.
Afternoon Meeting
The council will begin the afternoon meeting about 12:45pm, by going into executive session to discuss possible sale/lease/etc of real property at 1707 and 1708 New York Avenue and offers of incentives to business prospects.
The open portion of the afternoon meeting will begin no sooner than 2:00pm with that portion of the agenda having four work session items, four informal staff reports, and discussions of committee meetings, appointments (list), evening agenda items, external committee report, and future agenda items.
The four work session items:
1. FIFA World Cup final review (presentation),
2. Erosion Policy review (presentation),
3. Opportunity Zones update (presentation), and
4. Strengthening Our Communities (presentation).
The four informal staff reports:
1. Call for 2027 Matching Neighborhood Grant (staff report),
2. combating human trafficking efforts (staff report , flyer),
3. Data Center Background Information (staff report), and
4. Arlington Film Incentive Program (staff report , EDC resolution).
Evening Meeting
The agenda for the 6:30pm evening meeting includes appointments (list), 34 consent agenda items, two zoning case public hearings, and a $1,000,000 corporate welfare deal resolution.
The consent agenda has several items of interest. Expect item 7.19 (staff report , resolution) to be pulled for separate consideration. This is the resolution to the county regarding the number of polling locations. [Chris Moss of the Arlington Report had an article a few weeks back that this vote was coming: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/10/arlington-resolution-on-reduced-polling-sites-in-tarrant-will-go-to-vote-in-late-september/ .]
Item 7.18 (staff report , resolution) is the public comment rules [I did not see any differences].
Item 7.21 (staff report) is the intent to issue 30 million in bonds in December.
The first public hearing is for zoning case SUP26-02 (2401 Havenwood Drive) for a secondary living unit (staff report).
The second public hearing is for zoning case PD26-08 (7204 Mitchell Parkway). They wish to change RE (residential estate) to a PD (RE) plus an electric utility substation (staff report).
The $1,000,000 corporate welfare deal resolution is with SiNaCa Studios (staff report , resolution/agreement). The Arlington Report has an article by David Moreno at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/24/fort-worth-glass-art-studio-sinaca-nears-agreement-to-relocate-to-arlington/ .
Council Leftovers
The City of Arlington proposes a total project investment of an estimated $24,000,000, combining federal, state, local, and private resources for the acquisition and demolition of an existing two-story, 81,205-square-foot dilapidated motel structure at 1220 W. Division Street built in 1965 and comprised of 72 rooms. So far, they have determined they will federal HOME-ARP funds. Part of the city/local funds use approximately $3,850,000 in included is $2.85 million of Arlington Housing Finance Corporation funds. Anyone's guess on the specifics of the rest of the funding?
Following demolition, the city intends to construct a new permanent supportive housing community consisting of a minimum of 70 units. The new development will provide safe, service-enriched housing for chronically homeless individuals, veterans and their families, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. The primary objective is to expand the supply of affordable, supportive housing and promote long-term housing stability for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
So, has anyone divided that out? $24,000,000 / 70 units = $342,857/unit [cost of a house???].
Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article on the Arlington homelessness issue and the mention of this project by the mayor. That article can be found at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/21/arlington-to-boost-permanent-housing-for-homeless-as-feds-slash-funding/ .
The latest we have found out is the ten residents are receiving [federal HUD dollars] assistance with their relocation, with the last one to be relocated in the near future. At that point the plans are for having the building demolished.
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
We do not know the next EDC Board meeting.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Tuesday, September 29, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP26-02, at 2401 Havenwood Drive. They wish for a secondary living unit on 0.215 acres.
On Tuesday, September 29, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD26-08, 7204 Mitchell Parkway, to change from residential estate (RE) to RE with an electricity utility substation on 10.560 acres.
On Wednesday, October 7, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD26-07, 1630 S. Pecan Street, to change from MF-22 (apartments) to a planned development (PD) for multi-family (RMF-22) on 2.575 acres. If approved by P&Z it will go to council on October 27.
On Wednesday, October 7, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD26-09, 2245 Carter Drive, to change to a planned development (PD) for multi-family (RMF-22) on 5.899 acres.
On Wednesday, October 7, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD26-19, 1801 E. Arkansas Lane, to change from MF-22 (apartments) to a planned development (PD) for multi-family (RMF-22) on 13.150 acres. If approved by P&Z it will go to council on October 27.
On Tuesday, October 13, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD26-10, 7201/7205 U.S. Business Highway 287, to change to a planned development (PD) for industrial including auto repair garage (major) on 2.195 acres.
On Tuesday, October 13, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD26-15, at 6203 Tempest Drive. They wish to allow for a garage conversion on an RS-5 property.
On Wednesday, October 21, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD26-16, at 511 N. Davis Drive. They wish to change from RM-12 to a planned development (RM-12).
On Tuesday, October 27, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP25-13, at 500 E. Abram Street. They wish for a specific use permit for a banquet hall.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z will meet on Wednesday, October 7.
AISD School Board
The board met this past Thursday, September 24. The agenda can be viewed at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=761594 . There was also a special grievance meeting (agenda , video).
The meeting started with a priority workshop – talent and resources. That workshop may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFpYfGOnuog .
After an executive session that included discussions about personnel and potential and pending litigation they started the regular meeting. The regular meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt1LXrN1bw4 . All council members were present.
(6:24) Appointments (none).
(6:28) Open forum on agenda items (none).
Three Committee and staff reports.
(6:33) Finance and Academics committee. They had a discussion [and plan on having future discussions] on the possibility of getting additional revenue from some of the district’s property holdings.
(7:34) Priority Update – Academic Growth (presentation). About 17:35 the question of whether students are within the AP courses was addressed. About 28:26 it was opened to the board.
(36:46) College, Career, and Military Readiness Report (presentation). About 50:15 it was opened to the board.
(1:02:17) Public Hearing – FIRST rating (presentation). There was one virtual speaker.
(1:13:29) Action item - Policy update 127 (presentation). Approved, 7-0.
(1:18:51) Consent Agenda. No items pulled or discussed. Approved, 7-0.
(1:19:31) Open forum for non-agenda items. There were two speakers who had registered, but only one spoke.
(1:22:44) End-of-meeting reports.
The Board Brief by Ms. Fowler can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsuVekWydC8&pp=ugUEEgJlbg%3D%3D .
The board will meet in executive session only this Wednesday (agenda) to discuss the superintendent's evaluation.
South Davis $65 Million School
Voters approved $65 million for the rebuilding of South Davis Elementary. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article about what that will look like at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/03/inside-arlington-isds-65m-south-davis-elementary-rebuild-plans/ .
AISD Looking to Fill Citizen Boards
The AISD is looking to fill citizen board positions. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/20/new-resident-committees-will-look-to-arlington-isds-future/ .
Sixth Grade to Move to Junior Highs in 2027
Moving sixth grade to the junior highs was approved, 5-2, with Wilbanks and Fowler opposed (presentation). Bianca Rodriguez-Mora of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/06/18/arlington-isd-moves-6th-grade-to-junior-high-level-despite-parent-concerns/ .
Demographer's Findings
The school board had a workshop on Thursday, May 21 regarding the demographer's findings for the district. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/24/as-enrollment-declines-arlington-isd-leaders-signal-potential-school-closures/ .
Article on the STEM issue/cuts
It has been reported that the AISD leadership administration has met with staff telling them there will be cuts in positions because of the budget shortfall. That budget went into effect July 1. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/08/positions-eliminated-as-arlington-isd-reorganizes-to-address-9m-shortfall/ .
Student Enrollment Dropping
The AISD enrollment is expected to fall below 50,000 students at some point, maybe as early as the 2026-2027 school year. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has a story at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/03/arlington-isds-enrollment-projected-to-drop-below-50000-next-year/ .
TEA Accountability Data:
In 2020, the AISD was tied for the highest M&O rate of all the school districts in Tarrant County. Since then, there has been NO tie. The AISD HAS the highest M&O rate in Tarrant County. [school district tax rates]
Top 5 of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs M&O Rates
1. Arlington ISD $0.802200
2. Birdville ISD $0.786900
2. Fort Worth ISD $0.786900
2. Lewisville ISD $0.786900
2. Mansfield ISD $0.786900
Teacher Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html [Arlington ISD easily pays the highest salaries, thus creating ISD inflation.] An article by Jacob Sanchez in the Fort Worth Report confirms that the Arlington ISD pays the highest salaries in Tarrant County [ https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/17/teachers-in-this-tarrant-county-school-district-earn-the-highest-salaries/ ].
OTHER NEWS
Town Halls by Mayor
The mayor will be hosting many town hall meetings sparsely spread out over several months. There is an article by Chris Moss of the Arlington Report at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/09/23/arlington-to-host-town-halls-on-pressing-city-issues/ .
HELPFUL CONTACTS
The Spectator: www.ArlSpectator.mysite.com
to be added/deleted to/from the mailing list e-mail: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com
We can be found on Facebook at ArlSpectator.
Teachers' Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
City of Arlington website: www.arlingtontx.gov
e-mails of mayor and council:
.................... first.last@arlingtontx.gov
mayor = jim.ross
district 1 (north) = mauricio.galante
district 2 (sw) = raul.gonzalez
district 3 (se) = nikkie.hunter
district 4 (west) = tom.ware
district 5 (central/east) = brittney.garcia-dumas
district 6 (all) = long.pham
district 7 (all) = bowie.hogg
district 8 (all) = jason.shelton
AISD website ....................... www.aisd.net
McMurrough............ - sarahforaisd@gmail.com
Fowler ................... - fowler.aisd@gmail.com
Mike .................. - larrymike.aisd@gmail.com
Wilbanks .......... - dwilban.aisd@gmail.com
Chapa ...................... - chapa.aisd@gmail.com
Richardson ... - brooklyn.richardson.aisd@gmail.com
Haynes ................... - haynes.aisd@gmail.com
TEA Accountability Data:
ARC Political Watch Committee Reports
includes coverage of Mansfield ISD and national, state, county, & city
Texas Legislative Online:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx
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