Arlington ISD proposes changes to junior high and special education staffing ratios

The Arlington Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees convened on February 20, 2025, to discuss critical staffing ratios and budgetary implications for the upcoming school year. A significant focus of the meeting was the proposed adjustments to student-to-teacher ratios across various grade levels, particularly in junior high and special education.

During the meeting, district officials presented data indicating a decline in student enrollment by approximately 20% over the past eleven years, while the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers has only decreased by about 6%. This discrepancy has resulted in a current student-to-teacher ratio of 13.8, which is lower than the state average of 14.8. The board noted that this lower ratio allows for smaller class sizes, which can enhance student learning experiences.

The administration proposed increasing the junior high student-to-teacher ratio from 24 to 26 students per teacher. This change is expected to yield a reduction of approximately 27 teaching positions, resulting in an estimated savings of $1.9 million. The rationale behind this adjustment is to align more closely with neighboring districts, which have higher ratios at the junior high level.

In addition to the junior high ratio proposal, the board discussed modifications to special education staffing ratios. The recommendations included adjusting the ratio for certain special education classes to allow for more teaching assistants, thereby improving support for students with special needs. Specifically, the proposal suggests changing the ratio for certain classrooms from 8 students per teacher to 6, which would necessitate hiring additional teachers and support staff.

The board emphasized the importance of these staffing ratios in ensuring equitable resource allocation across campuses and programs. The administration recommended that the board approve the proposed staffing ratios for the 2025-2026 budget cycle, highlighting the need to adapt to changing enrollment patterns while maintaining quality education for all students.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the ongoing demographic shifts and the need for strategic adjustments to meet the evolving needs of the student population. The proposed changes will be further evaluated as the district prepares for the upcoming school year.