Arlington voters are being asked to sign off on a $501.3 million school bond on May 2, a districtwide wish list that would rebuild two elementary schools, buy dozens of buses and upgrade security, technology and athletics across Arlington ISD. The package is split into three propositions that separately cover facility projects, classroom and staff technology, and secondary-school athletic improvements. Early voting runs April 20 to 28 ahead of Election Day.
What’s in the bond
According to Arlington ISD, Proposition A, totaling $438,755,000, would replace South Davis Elementary and a second elementary campus, modernize and renovate schools across the district, build a dedicated facility for the districtwide 18 PLUSS special education program, install safety and security upgrades and purchase 45 new buses.
Proposition B, at $30,955,000, would refresh instructional and infrastructure technology devices for students and staff. Proposition C, at $31,565,000, focuses on secondary athletics, funding synthetic turf at six high school baseball and softball fields along with added athletic storage and equipment.
The district notes that the list of projects came from a community-led Capital Needs Steering Committee following a comprehensive third-party review of district facilities.
How much will it cost homeowners?
As reported by The Dallas Morning News, Arlington ISD projects that paying for the bond would require about a one-cent increase to the district’s tax rate. Homeowners 65 and older who have filed the required Tarrant County exemption would not see their school district tax bill rise above the frozen amount, the paper notes.
Across all three propositions, the bond totals roughly $501.3 million, according to the reporting.
Why the district says it’s necessary
Trustee Larry Mike told The Dallas Morning News, “Inflation is the beast,” explaining that pandemic delays and rising construction costs forced the district to rebid and rework some projects.
District leaders point out that many Arlington ISD campuses were built in the 1950s and 1960s and say aging HVAC systems, accessibility issues and life safety needs are driving much of the proposed work. Officials have also cited declining enrollment and broader budget pressures as reasons they view the capital plan as urgent rather than optional.
Local endorsements and reaction
The Arlington ISD Education Foundation has endorsed Propositions A, B and C, calling the bond package “a comprehensive investment in the future of Arlington students” in a news post.
The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce has also urged voters to back the measure. The group estimated that the average homeowner would see roughly a $1.50 monthly increase, or about $18 a year. It emphasized that seniors with a qualifying homestead exemption would not see a higher Arlington ISD tax bill.
How and when to vote
Tarrant County’s official election notice lists early voting by personal appearance from April 20 through April 28. On May 2, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The county calendar also shows April 2 as the last day to register to vote for the May 2 joint general and special election.
Voters who need details on ID requirements, curbside voting or mail ballot options can find them on county election websites and in statewide voting guides.
What happens if voters say no
As outlined by Arlington ISD, district officials say the capital needs would not disappear if the bond fails. Instead, they warn that the same issues would remain, with inflation potentially driving up costs and forcing the district to consider consolidations or other difficult choices.
District materials caution that delaying projects can increase expenses and restrict options for keeping facilities safe and accessible. Board members have encouraged residents to tour campuses and review bond documents before casting a ballot.
Where to learn more
Arlington ISD has posted bond presentations and a schedule of community meetings on its website, while county officials maintain lists of polling locations and sample ballots for the May 2 election.
The Texas Tribune and Tarrant County election pages offer voting guides, ID rules and key deadlines for voters planning to participate.
