Kyle Berger

This Family Engagement Plan for Arlington Independent School District outlines a collaborative framework for schools, families, and the community to support student success. It emphasizes creating welcoming environments, fostering effective two-way communication, providing school-to-home learning support, and ensuring active family participation. The plan is guided by five strategic priorities: Academic Growth, Culture, Safety and Discipline, Marketing and Engagement, and Talent and Resources, aiming to prepare students for college, careers, and military service, and build a connected community. It also fulfills federal program requirements for Title I, Title III, Preschool, and Special Education.

This document outlines the district's priorities for the 2025-2026 school year, focusing on five key areas: Academic Growth, Culture, Safety & Discipline, Marketing & Engagement, and Talent & Resources. The plan aims to ensure positive student experiences, promote academic achievement, establish an inclusive culture, create safe learning environments, involve families and community stakeholders, and maximize resources through sound fiscal management.

The Arlington Independent School District's Family Engagement Plan outlines a collaborative framework to support student success through inclusive partnerships between schools, families, and the community. The plan prioritizes creating welcoming environments, fostering effective two-way communication, providing robust support for home learning, and ensuring active engagement from every family. It also addresses specific federal requirements for Title I, Title III, Pre-Kindergarten, and Special Education programs, aiming to prepare all students for college, careers, and military service.

The first board meeting of 2026 included honoring Bibbenzy Elementary fifth grader Marcelo Ramirez for leading the pledges of allegiance and recognizing Chosen Green, a Lamar High School senior, as the Student of the Month for January due to his leadership and academic achievements, including earning an associate's degree and cybersecurity certifications. Awards were also given to Lamar freshman Romero Ramirez for winning the MLK art contest and Arlington High Senior Annayia Butler for winning the essay contest. The most significant discussion centered on a proposed plan to close Blandon Elementary at the end of the school year and repurpose part of the building for another Arlington ISD use; no final decision was made. Furthermore, the board received updates on the development of a new strategic plan for the district, including proposed metrics for tracking progress across five priorities. An update on safety and discipline also highlighted data showing a decrease in discipline numbers compared to the previous school year.

The meeting commenced with a workshop focusing on student enrollment trends and a review of the Facility Conditions Assessment and Education Adequacy findings. Following a closed session to discuss administrative appointments, the Board reconvened. Recognitions included performances by a junior high band, the naming of the Student of the Month, and several team and partner awards, such as the TASBO Pathfinder Award for the Transportation Team, and Business Education Partner and CTE Champion awards for external entities. The Board approved the appointments of Alexis Palacios as the new Chief Internal Auditor and Kyle Berger as the new Chief Technology Officer. Reports were presented on the Capital Needs Steering Committee progress, the draft 2026-2027 Academic Calendar, and key findings from the 2024-2025 Student Survey. The consent agenda covering purchases, bids, financial reports, donations, personnel recommendations, and contracts was also approved. The Superintendent's report highlighted the successful appeal of accountability scores granted by TEA and recognized various student and staff achievements.