News & Events

Arlington ISD’s next school building has been intentionally designed to not look like a school.

“We want it to actually look like a corporate learning environment where they’re going to work every day,” said Arlington ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith.

That’s the vision for the district’s future 18 PLUSS center, a facility that will serve special education students who have completed their high school requirements and are now in a one-to-three-year program that teaches job skills to help them start their careers.

“The biggest thing about 18 PLUSS is working on specially-designed instruction in the area of vocation and employability,” said Brenda Cupps, the curriculum coordinator for the 18 PLUSS program. “We specialize in working on finding them a job that fits their needs.”

But it’s not all about just finding a job. It’s also about teaching independence.

“Our job is to help prepare them for life,” Smith said. “We are excited about this job.”

The district is also excited about what the new 18 PLUSS center will do for students. The schematic design – designed by VLK Architects – for the new facility was approved by the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees last week and will be funded by the 2026 Bond program.

“The schematic design for the new 18 PLUSS center will enhance the educational experience for our 18 PLUSS students,” Cupps said. “This new space has been thoughtfully designed to provide meaningful opportunities that promote independence, skill development, and community engagement.”

The new center will be built on the site of the former Blanton Elementary School. The plan involves demolishing much of Blanton but will keep and renovate the newer portions of the former school building. It will also feature a 43,500-square-foot addition that will completely reinvent the campus.

The design includes spaces for classrooms, vocational-training areas, collaboration areas, a makerspace, a gym/storm shelter, a fitness area, and a district science materials warehouse.

“The idea is that all of these spaces have multiple uses and can be used for different things at different times – trying to really activate every bit of this building to get the most use out of it as possible,” said VLK principal architect Marty Sims.

The new school will also house a café and spirit shop open to the public that will be run and staffed by the 18 PLUSS students.

“The idea is to create programming where students can learn in real life about how to function outside of a school setting,” Smith said.

He envisions the facility hosting community meetings while 18 PLUSS students operate a coffee shop for attendees.

Outside, the schematic design includes a basketball court, garden, greenhouse, and outdoor classroom.

“The addition of the garden will provide students hands-on experience planting, growing, and harvesting fresh produce,” Cupps said. “The garden will serve as an outdoor classroom, allowing students to develop vocational skills, learn about healthy nutrition, practice teamwork, and build responsibility through the care and maintenance of the garden.”

Arlington ISD voters passed Propositions A and B for the 2026 Bond election on Saturday as Election Day came to an end.

Preliminary results, which will become official on May 12 when the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees canvases the votes, show voters approved Prop A by 59%, and Prop B by 59%. Prop C failed by 52%.

With two propositions passing, the results indicate the community’s commitment to supporting Arlington ISD’s students and schools.

“This is a great day for Arlington ISD,” Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith said. “We are extremely grateful to the families and residents of Arlington ISD who came out to vote. The approval of Propositions A and B in Bond 2026 means we can improve aging facilities and equipment and ensure our students have the exceptional learning environments they deserve for years to come.”

Prop A provides nearly $439 million for a new South Davis Elementary, an additional elementary school, a new dedicated building for the 18 PLUSS program, renovations to facilities that are 50-70 years old, new Career & Technical Education equipment, new buses, and upgraded safety and security measures.

Prop B provides more than $30 million for the replacement of instructional technology for students, infrastructure technology devices, and staff technology devices.

The State of Texas provides limited funding opportunities for new facilities. By law, bond funds may not be used to fund daily operating expenses or salaries. Bond funds may be used only for projects approved by district voters.

Prop C would have given the district more than $31 million to replace grass with artificial turf at all six comprehensive high school baseball and softball fields, and the Multipurpose Activity Centers, as well as new equipment and athletic storage facilities.

With Prop A and B approved, Arlington ISD will immediately begin coordinating with architects to conduct a competitive bidding process and finalize a construction timeline. The district will also collaborate with financial advisors to establish a bond program schedule.

The first step in the process will be establishing a Bond Oversight Committee, made up of community members to provide transparency and accountability throughout the bond program.

“We value the trust our community has placed in us, and we will work hard to be good stewards of every dollar,” Smith said. “We will keep you informed every step of the way as we move forward with Bond 2026. We will continue to engage with our community to listen, learn, and determine the best path forward. Our commitment to our students remains unchanged.”

That’s how Foster Elementary principal Jacquelyn Burden described the school’s new gym built through the 2019 Bond program.

Three new gyms – all funded by the 2019 Bond – recently opened at Foster, Miller, and Johns elementary schools.

At Miller, the school celebrated last week during their Open House with a special ribbon cutting.

“The look on our students’ faces as they entered the gym for the first time was priceless,” said Miller principal Angela Robinson. “They have been so excited for this project to be completed, and they are even more excited now that our P.E. classes are taking place in their new gym.”

They are just as excited at Johns, where the principal has big plans for the new space.

“Our new gym is more than just a facility for physical activity,” said Johns principal Grecia Lopez. “It’s a space where our entire school community can come together. We’re excited to give our students a brand-new place to learn, play, and grow, while also creating opportunities to host events that bring families and the community onto our campus.”

The new gyms replaced older, much smaller facilities at each school. Each new gym is more than 5,000 square feet and includes six basketball goals with striping for basketball and volleyball, two restrooms, an office, and storage space.

“The space has been well thought out and will enable our P.E. teachers to offer more games, activities, and sports instruction to our students,” Robinson said.

The gyms were also designed to serve as storm shelters, large enough to accommodate the entire student and staff population.

“The fact that our new gym it is also a tornado shelter gives us peace of mind, knowing that our students and staff will be safe in case of a major storm,” Robinson said.

Meanwhile, the former gyms are being renovated into new classroom space. Miller already has new pre-K classrooms in what used to be their old gym, and Johns’ renovated space will be ready soon. Lopez plans to use the new rooms for pre-K 3, early childhood special education, and music next year.

The new gyms at Johns, Foster, and Miller aren’t the only new elementary gyms built by the 2019 Bond. Crow, Duff, Key, and Pope have also received new gym and storm shelters.

Arlington ISD is celebrating a major academic achievement as 11 elementary schools and four junior high schools (in addition to four Arlington ISD high schools) have been named to the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary and Middle Schools Lists, placing them among the top 40% of public schools in Texas.

The annual rankings evaluate schools based primarily on student performance on state-required assessments, proficiency in core subjects, and how effectively schools serve all students. Schools that rank in the top tier of their state earn eligibility for a U.S. News Best School designation and digital badge.

This year, the following Arlington ISD campuses earned the distinction:

Elementary Schools:

• Beckham Elementary

• Bryant Elementary

• Butler Elementary

• Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language

• Ditto Elementary

• Duff Elementary

• Little Elementary

• Pearcy STEM Academy

• Remynse Elementary

• West Elementary

• Wimbish World Language Academy

Junior High Schools

• Bailey Junior High

• Boles Junior High

• Ousley Junior High

• Young Junior High

Being ranked in the top 40% statewide signals strong academic performance and continued student growth in reading and math, while also reflecting campus-level leadership, instructional quality, and student engagement.

“This recognition truly highlights the remarkable work happening in our classrooms every single day,” said West Elementary principal Amber Cannon. “Being on this list shines a light on the dedication, growth, and success of our entire school community.”

She added that the distinction reinforces a shared mission on her campus and across Arlington ISD.

“Being named one of the best schools in the nation reinforces our mission: nurturing and supporting the growth of every learner, empowering them to thrive and positively impact our community,” Cannon said. “It truly reflects the shared commitment of our entire school family.”

Ousley Junior High School principal Amber Price feels the same way.

“This is just another example of giving students an exceptional experience in Arlington ISD,” Price said. “The staff at Ousley works hard with students. In return, the students are able to show off all of that hard work. It truly is everyone working in the same direction, at the same time, with the same intensity.”

Campuses earning the designation will receive a U.S. News Best School badge to display on their websites, along with a stand-up banner recognizing the achievement. The schools will also be formally recognized at the Arlington ISD Board of Trustees meeting on March 12.

The U.S. News Best Schools rankings include thousands of public schools nationwide, making this recognition a significant accomplishment for Arlington ISD and the students, educators and families who contribute to their success.

New school funded by the 2019 Bond

It was a night filled with pride, memories and community spirit as Arlington ISD officially dedicated Joey Rodriguez Junior High School on Wednesday evening.

Board members, superintendent Dr. Matt Smith, former superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, and members of Joey Rodriguez’s family all joined students, staff, alumni, and community members to celebrate the opening of the district’s newest campus and honor the legacy of the beloved coach and educator.

“The work we’re doing here today is so special,” Smith said. “I am excited to be a part of this amazing day.”

The dedication ceremony featured remarks from district and city leaders, along with heartfelt reflections from those who knew Rodriguez best. Each story highlighted his lasting impact – both on and off the field – and the deep sense of purpose he inspired in his students.

Rodriguez’s twin daughters shared moving tributes to their father during the ceremony.

“Our dad was passionate about everything he did,” Lola Rodriguez said. “He wanted every student to know they had a purpose and ability to make a difference. He taught us that leadership isn’t about being in charge but about lifting us up. May every student who walks through these halls feel the power to dream big, serve others and believe the way he believed in us.”

Her sister, Mila Rodriguez, emphasized how the new school reflects their father’s vision for every student.

“Our hope is that this school carries the same spirit,” she said. “That it becomes more than just a place to learn, but a place where students feel supported, inspired and follow in the same steps as our dad. A place where they discover their strengths, believe in themselves and care for each other.”

Adding to the celebration, guests were treated to performances by the Joey Rodriguez Junior High Band and Orchestra, the Sam Houston High School Mariachi (with some mariachi musicians from Rodriguez as well), and a special ballet folklórico performance by Thornton Elementary. These performances highlighted the rich arts programs and student talent that will continue to flourish on the new campus.

Located in east Arlington, the new 155,000-square-foot junior high replaces the former Carter Junior High, standing as a testament to the values Coach Rodriguez instilled in his students – hard work, perseverance, and community. From the school’s design to its mission, the campus embodies the spirit of mentorship and teamwork that defined his career.

Following the ceremony, attendees joined together for an official ribbon cutting before touring the facility. Guests had the opportunity to explore the modern classrooms, collaborative learning spaces, and vibrant halls that are filled with students continuing Coach Rodriguez’s legacy every day.

New gyms funded by the 2019 Bond

Brand new gyms at Key and Pope elementary schools aren’t just beautiful, according to Pope principal Yolanda Railey.

“Our theme this year is ‘Level Up,’ and our new gym is more than just a beautiful space – it’s a place where our students can ‘Level Up’ in fitness, teamwork, and school spirit,” Railey said. “Here, they’ll build healthy habits, challenge themselves, develop confidence, and celebrate achievements together. This space will allow us to expand our physical education program, host school events, and inspire our students to reach new heights, both on and off the court.”

The new gyms were much needed and replace old, tiny gyms at the school. Funded by the 2019 Bond – both are over 5,000-square-feet, have six basketball goals with striping for basketball and volleyball, two restrooms, an office and storage. Plus, the new gyms were built as storm shelters, sized to accommodate the entire student and staff population.

At Key, the students are loving the extra space to run and move. New gym at Duff Elementary “Our Key Colts are enjoying their new gym,” said Key principal Dr. Angela Eaton. “This learning space provides opportunities for students to engage in innovation, enhanced collaboration, and teamwork. The sounds of laughter and excitement continue to foster the culture of AISD and the Key community.”

The gyms at Key and Pope aren’t the only new gyms in the district. Duff’s new gym opened last year, and three others will open later this fall at Johns, Foster and Miller elementaries.

Foster principal Jacquelyn Burden is ready. “The new gym at Foster will be a game-changer for our students,” she said.