Arlington ISD Board Race: Budget, Enrollment Top Concerns

0:00Four candidates are running for two at-large seats on the Arlington Independent School District Board in the May 2nd election. Play six pits in Cumban, Brooklyn, Richardson against former District teacher, Jan Tyler. Over in play seven, incumbent Leanne Haines takes on Linton Davis, vice president of the Arlington Republican Club. Early voting runs from April 20th through 28th. The district is dealing with a $13 million budget shortfall and enrollment that's been dropping since 2013. The election show it could dip below 50,000 students next year. Candidates blame low-state funding, which gives just $6,215 per student starting next year, plus things like declining birth rates and competition from charters. In Cumbans, Richardson and Haines, both elected in 2023, say they've built momentum over three years and don't want to lose it. Now, Richardson works in youth ministry with two kids in the district, while Haines has a decade in PTAs. Challenger Tyler taught elementary for 33 years in Arlington before moving to a Dallas

1:04Prep Academy. Davis, a former Lockheed auditor, pushes his budget skills despite no direct education background. All four stress fixing the budget through cuts to waste, unfilled spots, and unused programs while protecting student needs. They want better academics, less absenteeism, stronger discipline, and marketing to boost enrollment. Doctors call for staffing overhauls and phonics focus. While incumbents push state advocacy and zero-base budgeting. With public education at a crossroads in Texas, these races could shape how Arlington ISD tackles its toughest challenges ahead. Dallas News today, powered by AI bringing you what matters.