Arlington ISD employees will not see a pay raise in the upcoming year as the district contends with a significant budget shortfall. The Arlington ISD school board voted unanimously to enhance certain employee benefits but refrained from approving salary increases during their recent meeting.

Budget Challenges and Decisions

Trustee David Wilbanks expressed concern over the district’s financial position, emphasizing the importance of job security over salary hikes. “It would be viewed much more negatively if we gave a raise, and then had to turn around and lay off more people,” Wilbanks stated. He highlighted the district’s need to maintain its competitive edge without risking further layoffs.

Chief Talent Officer Scott Kahl noted that local and statewide data suggest Arlington ISD can remain competitive in the market despite lower pay increases. The district’s starting teacher salaries led North Texas school districts during the 2025-26 school year, even with a reduced salary increase from 4% to 3%.

Financial Strategies and Reorganization

The district faces a $9 million general fund budget shortfall, which has already led to a reorganization of some positions. Superintendent Matt Smith announced staffing cuts resulting in a 6% reduction in the central office budget and a 3% reduction in campus budgets. This reorganization saved the district approximately $20 million.

Despite these savings, Wilbanks remains concerned about the district’s overall funds, noting that other districts have resorted to loans against future tax revenue. The board plans to vote on the 2026-27 budget by the end of June, with the compensation plan accounting for roughly 90% of the budget.

Focus on Benefits and Healthcare

The district will invest around $2 million in on-site healthcare clinics, offering “effectively no cost” services to Arlington ISD employees. These clinics aim to provide preventative wellness treatment, reducing long-term reactive costs. Additionally, a $170,000 increase in stipends for special education teachers has been approved.

Board member Justin Chapa acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating that the board must address the issue this year or face potentially more severe restructuring or layoffs next year.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.