May 25, 2026 Newsletter
May 25, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 21
Highlights:
* AISD Board Elects New Officers; President McMurrough, Vice President Haynes, and Secretary Richardson.
* Council transportation committee gave the go ahead for Handi-tran price increase when one point is NOT in 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
Open Letter to AISD Taxpayers
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_11.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:
Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Holiday.
Tuesday, May 26: Primaries Runoff Election Day, 7:00am – 7:00pm.
Thursday, May 28: Economic Development Corporation Meeting, 3rd Floor City Hall, 101 W. Abram Street, 4:00pm.
Monday, June 1: Early voting begins for city council runoff election, 8:00am-5:00pm.
Wednesday, June 3: P&Z meeting, Council Chambers, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm)
Thursday, June 4: 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.)
Tuesday, June 9: Early voting ends for city council runoff election, 7:00am-7:00pm.
Tuesday, June 9: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Saturday, June 13: City Council Runoff Election, 7:00am – 7:00pm.
Tuesday, June 16: 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.)
Sunday, June 21: Fathers' Day.
Tuesday, June 23: 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 met for a full slate of meetings this past Tuesday, May 19. Handi-tran prices may be raising for trips where one point is NOT Arlington.
Committee Meetings
The Municipal Policy Committee met to discuss Honorary Naming (presentation)/President's Corner Facility naming opportunities (presentation) and a construction chapter update (TX2835), single-stair residential buildings (presentation) and the 2023 National Electrical Code (presentation), and the legislative agenda process (presentation).
The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee met to discuss the Alisa Lane perimeter fence (no presentation available). Alisa Lane is a small residential street in zip code 76014, near the Arlington Tech Centre area.
The Transportation and Municipal Infrastructure Committee met and receive a Handitran update (presentation). They decided to increase the price on rides to/from outside Arlington addresses.
Afternoon Meeting
The agenda for the afternoon meeting may be found at: https://granicus_production_attachments.s3.amazonaws.com/arlingtontx/d32dadf815f27cc03d914541be27b3df0.html . The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5456 .
(17:44) Start of meeting. Council woman Odom-Wesley did not seem to be present. They went into executive session for:
- four Division Street Sidewalk Projects along Division Street.
- offers of incentives to business prospects.
They reconvened for the open portion of the afternoon meeting. The agenda included five work session items, committee reports, evening agenda items, external committee reports, and future agenda items. Council Woman Odom-Wesley was now present.
Five Work Session items:
(1:25:29) 1. World Cup update (presentation). About 1:55:20 it was opened to the council members.
(1:56:45) 2. 2025 Fire Department Annual Report (presentation , report). About 2:10:35 it was opened to the council members.
(2:18:59) 3. Texas Commission on the Arts application (presentation). About 2:29:34 it was opened to the council members.
(2:34:40) 4. Workers' Compensation Program and Administration (presentation). About 2:56:36 it was opened to the council members.
(3:12:59) 5. Council Priority – Preserve Financial Stability (presentation). About 3:18:20 it was opened to the council members.
(3:19:03) Committee meetings.
(3:29:46) Evening agenda items.
(3:37:25) Council member external committees.
(3:46:13) Future agenda items. It was suggested the council look into increasing the amount of dollars and/or signatures required to run for city council. [Commentary: ??? In this month's election there were two candidates for District 3 and District 5. There were three candidates for District 4 and District 8. The mayor's race had four names on the ballot and a write-in candidate. And they want to raise the price [more “skin” in the game]??? In many communities the price is $0. I for one welcome having a choice and hope this suggestion does NOT come about.]
Evening Meeting
The evening meeting included 20 consent agenda items. The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5455 . All council members were present.
(16:14) Start of meeting. Appointments, executive session items, and minutes were all approved with 9-0 votes.
(36:41) Consent agenda. Council Woman Hunter pulled item 8.7, the townhomes at 800 E. Debbie Lane. There was a speaker on item 8.10, a HUD policy grant. The consent agenda, minus 8.7 was approved, 9-0. Item 8.7 was approved, 8-1, with Hunter in opposition.
Consent agenda items 8.17 and 8.18 were for $350,000 for funding/expanding Arlington on Demand during the World Cup (staff report17 , staff report18).
(43:53) Citizen participation. The first speaker spoke on homelessness. The second speaker spoke on injustices. The next two speakers spoke on an ICE detainee. The last spoke on a victim of police abuse.
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 use approximately $3,850,000 in federal HOME-ARP funds. Part of the city/local funds 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 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/ .
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The next EDC meeting will be this Thursday, May 28. The agenda can be found at: https://arlingtontxedc.com/assets/main/may-28,-2026.pdf . That agenda includes:
approving minutes (April 22)
standing reports (financials , real estate - office market, eligible industries – snapshot)
updates on the existing projects
seven action items
executive director's report (presentation)
executive session to discuss offers of incentives for business prospects and deals for real property.
The seven action items:
1. Pre-development and maintenance and use agreement for 1400 N. Collins Street with LS TDMK, LLC (staff report).
2. Amendment to the Anthem deal (the redevelopment This allows them to sign leases with other Arlington businesses (previously prevented).
3. Public hearing and contract approval for cash purchase of 1215 Altman Drive (staff report).
4. Interlocal agreement with TIPS (The Interlocal Purchasing System) (staff report).
5. Contract to demolish buildings along Center Street and Altman Drive (staff report).
6. Increasing the amount that can be spent on non-project contracts before requiring board approval (staff report). This increases the amount from the current $50,000 to $100,000.
7. E-space property use and early access agreement (staff report).
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Thursday, May 28, the Economic Development Corporation will hold a public hearing on using sales tax funds to purchase properties.
On Wednesday, June 3, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-17, at 2002 Wynn Terrace. They wish for a planned development for RM-12 zoning for a cottage community on 2.035 acres.
On Wednesday, June 3, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-21, at 1013 N. Mesquite Street. They wish to change from RS-7.2 to a planned development for RM-12 (usually townhomes) on 0.924 acres.
On Wednesday, June 3, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-18, at 1605 Wilma Lane. They wish to change zoning from RS-7.2 to a planned development for RS-5 (small lots) on 2.919 acres.
On Wednesday, June 3, P&Z will hold a public hearing on ZA26-03, at 911 S. Davis Drive. They wish to change the zoning from RS-7.2 to NC (neighborhood commercial) on 2.454 acres.
On Tuesday, June 9, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP08-15R1, at 4151 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive. They wish to modify the SUP by establishing a gas drilling zone on 2.955 acres.
On Tuesday, June 9, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP07-17R1, at 4801 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive. They wish to modify the SUP by establishing a gas drilling zone on 4.622 acres.
On Tuesday, June 9, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD26-03, at 6700 (+others) U.S. 287 Highway. They wish to change zoning from RS-7.2 to a planned development for RMF-22 (apartments) on 7.908 acres.
On Tuesday, June 9, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD23-6R1, at 1915&1921 W. Arkansas Lane. They wish for a revised development plan on 2.57 acres.
On Wednesday, June 17, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-8, at 2100 S.E. Green Oaks Boulevard. They wish to change the CC (community commercial) to a planned development plus a car wash.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z will meet Wednesday, June 3.
AISD School Board
There were TWO meetings scheduled this past week, one on Wednesday and one on Thursday. The Thursday meeting was labeled as a special meeting, for the demographer report [, meaning the Wednesday meeting was the normal meeting].
The agenda for the Wednesday meeting can be found at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=742920 . The meeting (including the swearing ins) may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGKMhoxWqsk . Mr. Mike appeared to not be present.
That agenda had the administrating of the oaths for Place 6 and Place 7 at 5:00pm, and an executive session, including:
Personnel.
Potential and pending litigation.
A discussion of board members' duties and responsibilities.
(12:11) The regular portion of the meeting began. Mr. Mike was now present. The agenda included open forum for agenda items, administrative appointments, election of board officers, recognitions, five committee and staff reports, one action item, consent agenda, and end-of-meeting reports. The administrative appointments were approved, 7-0. They selected, 7-0, [all women] Sara McMurrough as president, Leanne Haynes as vice president, and Brooklyn Richardson as secretary.
(50:43) Open forum for agenda items. There were no speakers.
The committee and staff reports:
(51:29) 1. Finance and Academics Committee report. Nothing to report.
(51:43) 2. Governance Committee report.
(52:34) 3. Student Code of Conduct report (presentation). It was opened to the board about 56:30.
(58:20) 4. Key Program Measure: Program Evaluation report (presentation).
(1:07:51) 5. Technology Innovation report (presentation). About 1:18:48 it was opened to the board.
(1:24:40) The one action item was to consider approving the Additional Days School Year calendar (presentation). About 1:27:00 it was opened to the board. It was approved, 7-0.
(1:37:34) Consent agenda. One of the consent agenda items was the authorizing of individuals to calculate the No-new-revenue and Voter-approved tax rates. Nothing was pulled or discussed. The consent agenda was approved, 7-0.
(1:38:11) Open forum for non-agenda items. There were 17 total speakers. The first speaker, a third grader spoke in opposition of the decision regarding elementary STEM teachers. The next four speakers were opposed to moving sixth graders to junior high, and the way it is happening. The sixth and seventh spoke against the decision regarding elementary STEM teachers. The eighth spoke on bullying incidents. The ninth speaker also spoke on the sixth-grade issue. The tenth speaker spoke on surplussing. Speaker 11 spoke on the sixth-grade issue. The twelfth speaker was speaking on the STEM issue. Speakers 13 and 14 spoke on inappropriate books in the library. Speaker 15 spoke on the STEM issue. Speaker 16 spoke on the sixth-grade issue. The 17th speaker spoke on the STEM issue.
(2:30:45) End-of-meeting reports.
The Board Brief by the new VP Haynes can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKJNQePgvlQ&pp=0gcJCQYLAYcqIYzv .
The agenda for the Thursday meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7uAx9O3kts . This was a workshop with the demographer. Unfortunately, the presentations have NOT been made available to the public. Board members McMurrough and Chapa were not present at the start. Mr. Chapa appeared at about 1:24:00.
(7:22) Six-year trend. Arlington down 8393 students (14.1%). Down by 12,071 since 2015.
(18:15) Students per housing unit. Part of the problem is that the new housing is too expensive for households with students.
(27:35) Housing and economics. About 32:58, it was reported that multi-family will be about 75% of Arlington’s new housing.
(38:12) Student projections. About 41:40 it was reported that they are projecting a high/low for school year 2035/36 of 47,701/36,602.
(52:40) Board discussion starts.
(1:31:42) They moved to Room 401 to conduct the second half of the workshop on the Compensation Plan. 52% of current teachers have five years’ experience or less. About 1:36:18 a graph shows AISD teacher pay far greater than area market median. AISD is also above market in stipends. Just about every grade of employee shown in graphs is above the market. About 1:42:03 it shows considerations screen with either 2%, 3%, or 4% increase. Model 1 (the 2% increase) is a $10.9 million increase; 3%=$15.7 million; 4%=$20.9 million. About 1:58:12 it was opened for questions. At some point President McMurrough joined the meeting.
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 starts July 1. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: Positions eliminated as Arlington ISD reorganizes to address $9M shortfall | Fort Worth Report .
A Chris Moss article in the Arlington Report explores the possibility of the AISD joining the pay-for-performance teacher program offered by the state. That article can be found at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/01/07/arlington-isd-considers-texas-pay-for-performance-teacher-program/ .
AISD saw a jump in their accountability scores because of their challenge of some of the STAAR testing results. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/09/arlington-isd-sees-2025-academic-accountability-bump-after-staar-appeal/ . Also an AISD article may be found at: https://www.aisd.net/district-news/updated-district-and-campus-accountability-ratings/ .
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/ .
The AISD Board and Superintendent have established written goals, including student improvement on the STAAR testing. The Chris Moss article in the Arlington Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/10/01/arlington-isd-school-board-sets-goals-and-expectations-for-new-school-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
Stadium Extension
[Commentary: Just because they believe it is legal to approve the stadium extension without the public voting, it is neither the correct nor transparent thing to do. If you talked about the finances with officials back in 2016, they would point to the ability to pay off the Cowboy bonds early, giving them the ability to build the second stadium. They would also suggest that there would be a good chance bonds would be paid off before 2048.]
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) = barbara.odom-wesley
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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