ARLINGTON, Texas — The future of Arlington’s classrooms and stadiums rests in the hands of voters this spring. On February 5, the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees officially called for a $501.2 million bond election to be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
This isn’t just a maintenance plan; it is a visionary overhaul. From building entirely new schools to fortifying the district against modern cyber threats, the proposal addresses three distinct pillars of student life.
Proposition A: The Blueprint for Modern Learning ($438.7M)
The crown jewel of the bond is the reconstruction of aging facilities.
- A Fresh Start for South Davis: The bond would fund the complete replacement of South Davis Elementary, moving students from an outdated structure into a 21st-century learning environment.
- The “Unnamed” Elementary: A second replacement elementary school is also planned to address shifting enrollment trends in high-growth areas.
- 18 PLUSS Program: A dedicated new facility will be built for the district’s special education program, providing young adults with the specialized space they need for life-skills training.
- On the Move: The district plans to purchase 55 new school buses to replace aging high-mileage vehicles, ensuring safer and more reliable commutes for thousands of students.
Proposition B: Defending the Digital Classroom ($30.9M)
In an era of increasing digital risks, Proposition B is focused on “invisible” infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity Modernization: Significant funds are earmarked to harden the district’s servers against data breaches and ransomware.
- The 1:1 Initiative: Funding will provide updated personal devices for every student and staff member, ensuring no child is left behind in the digital divide.
Proposition C: The Home Field Advantage ($31.5M)
For Maverick athletes, Proposition C promises a major competitive edge.
- Turf War: The bond will install high-grade synthetic turf at all six traditional high school baseball and softball fields. This eliminates “rain-outs” and provides a professional-grade surface for our student-athletes.
- Storage & Upgrades: New athletic storage buildings will be constructed at each high school to house expensive equipment safely.
The Tax Reality: What Residents Need to Know
While the ballot must include the state-mandated warning, “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE,” AISD financial experts report that the project can be funded with an estimated one-cent increase to the current tax rate.
Furthermore, residents who have a 65+ Homestead Exemption will see no increase at all—their school taxes are legally frozen and cannot be raised by a bond approval.
Important Note for Seniors: Arlington ISD property taxes are frozen for homeowners aged 65 and older who have filed for their homestead exemption. This bond approval will not increase the tax bill above that frozen amount.
