Arlington ISD is one of the most well-rounded school districts in the nation. With a focus on helping to develop the entire student into strong and holistically educated individuals, AISD is a staple in our community. For the past 13 years, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce has hosted the “Annual State of the District Address” where superintendents have given an overview of the previous year, and the direction in which the district is headed. This year on August 4th in the Mac Bernd Professional Development Center, interim Superintendent Dr. Steven Wurtz gave the address to over 300 attendees.
Surrounded by some of the brightest students in the district, several elected officials, and many chamber members, Dr. Wurtz started his address by emphasizing the importance of connection in our local schools. In order to create the ideal learning experience for students, it’s vital that we connect them with partners in our community, outstanding teachers and administrators, and experiences that are memorable.
By setting the tone with this emphasis on connection, Dr. Wurtz framed his address around the singular goal of Arlington ISD; that 100% of students graduate exceptionally prepared. AISD students are prepared for anything that comes their way, from higher education to entering the military, students are ready because of the soft skills they have developed at AISD.
In accordance with this preparedness, Dr. Wurtz was excited to share more about their new free Pre-K program for all 4-year-olds in the district, “Full STEM Ahead”. Pre-schoolers were able to engage in meaningful experiments at home and in the classroom that led to an increase of 800 students enrolled in the preschool program. Preschool students met the district’s kindergarten readiness standards, and instilled lifelong passions for learning and furthering their education.
In addition to the exciting developments inside the classroom, the Texas Rangers Foundation donated $100,000 to help build an outdoor play program, allowing AISD’s littlest learners the opportunity to spend some time outdoors and get a much deserved break.
Exciting developments are not just happening for AISD’s little students, but for older students as well. The Dan Dipert Career Technical Center was opened in 2017 following the 2014 bond, and has been a massive success. In its inaugural year, the center had 26 certification programs, and 260 certifications earned. This year, 2023, the center had a whopping 36 programs, and 960 certifications earned. This huge increase has led to student success, and harkens back to the district’s goal; that 100% of students graduate exceptionally prepared.
The Arlington College and Career High School had its first graduating class. Those who graduate with these dual degrees leave AISD with an associates degree, a high school diploma, and a certification in a program of their choice. More than 90% of students enrolled in these programs at Arlington ISD graduate with their associates degree, an astounding achievement considering the statewide average is only 40%. AISD is constantly working on new ways to improve the learning experience for all students, and allow them to explore a variety of career opportunities.
Arlington students have a wide variety of passions, including fine arts. In 2023, Arlington ISD was nationally recognized as “The Best Community for Music Education”. Furthermore, students have had unique opportunities to contribute to the AT&T Stadium Art Collection, resulting in some students even earning college scholarships. Arlington ISD Athletics are also having success. This year a Martin High School Football game was televised on ESPNU, two AISD alumni faced off in Super Bowl LVII, and an AISD alumni played in the world cup on the Mexico National Soccer Team. Not only that, but AISD athletes were awarded a total of $6.5 million in athletic scholarships setting a district record.
In a comedic aside, Dr. Wurtz also mentioned he has to talk about the “not so fun stuff”, like accountability ratings. He was sure to note that parents and community members should not be discouraged by a drop in ratings this year. The Texas Education Agency has changed their rating system, and this will lead to a drop in ratings even for districts where they are steadily improving. On the old rating system, Arlington would have seen an improvement in their ratings. Dr. Wurtz is looking forward to continuing improvement tangibly through a variety of ways, even if the ratings may not show it right now.
He also noted a recent legislative change that will impact students and community partners in AISD. The Texas State House of Representatives voted to require an armed Peace Officer at every school in the state. In partnership with the Arlington Police Department, AISD is working to make sure this happens despite budgetary constraints Furthermore, Dr. Wurtz was sure to note that student safety is of the utmost importance, and in conjunction with ARlington PD, they will ensure the student experience is not hindered by safety concerns
Along that same line of thinking, Dr, Wurtz awarded Arlington Police Department with AISD’s community partner of the year award. In an emotional statement, Dr. Wurtz recalled a recent horrific event that ended in the passing of a student. His earnest gratitude toward Arlington PD for their rapid response, intense dedication, and detail-oriented solutions did not leave a dry-eye in the house. Arlington PD got a standing ovation for their commitment to ensuring student safety.
The final aspect of Dr. Wurtz’s address regarded new projects coming in the future. In July, all employees saw a 4% increase in their salaries for the fourth year in a row, making the starting salary of a teacher in AISD $62,500 a year. This places Arlington in the top 5 districts in the metroplex for teacher pay. On August 16th, the first day of school in AISD, three new schools will welcome students. Berry Elementary and Thornton Elementary have been newly rebuilt, and Webb Elementary left the crowd in awe at its new and state-of-the-art technology. With the 2019 bond, AISD is hoping to rebuild Carter Junior High School.
AISD added 2 more Pathways in Technology Programs which will continue to help develop student skills and career-readiness. Furthermore, the district with the future Medal of Honor Museum to give students new educational opportunities. The district is also working with the Mayor’s Education Coalition to help with the new “See Something Say Something” campaign that will work to keep students safe.
Overall, Arlington ISD has made tremendous strides this past school year, and is set to continue improving this coming school year. We are so lucky and honored to work closely with the school district, and it is so exciting to see the prosperous futures these students will have following their education at Arlington ISD.
The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping engage in bridging the gap between Arlington ISD and local businesses. Through our Partners in Education program, or PIE, businesses can get involved in a myriad of ways. If you are interested in learning more about the PIE program click here, or email our Senior Director of Education, Workforce & Community Development, Alicia Collins-Butler.