The Arlington Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees meeting on April 3, 2025, focused heavily on updates regarding student safety and behavior management initiatives. The meeting highlighted the district's commitment to creating safe learning environments, which is a top priority for the board.

During the meeting, Dr. Jarko and other district leaders provided an overview of the AISD Behavior Task Force's progress over the past year. They emphasized the importance of a supportive school culture, noting that positive environments enhance both student learning and teacher effectiveness. The district has implemented various strategies across its 76 campuses, with specific success stories shared from Goodman Elementary, Workman Junior High, and Bowie High School.

At Goodman Elementary, Principal Marissa Guzman and PBIS specialist Julia Tinoco discussed the implementation of morning check-ins for students with emotional challenges. This initiative has reportedly helped students articulate their feelings and seek support, fostering a more conducive classroom atmosphere.

Workman Junior High showcased its efforts to improve student behavior through restorative practices and social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons. Principal Erin Fogelman highlighted the importance of teaching self-regulation and conflict resolution skills, which have contributed to a decrease in aggressive incidents on campus.

Bowie High School's Principal Lee Jones and restorative practice specialist Josh Church presented the Strather Peace Project, a student-led initiative aimed at reducing violence and promoting nonviolence among peers. The project has seen a 48% reduction in violent offenses, demonstrating the effectiveness of student engagement in behavioral initiatives.

The board members expressed their support for these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of teaching life skills that extend beyond the classroom. They acknowledged the positive trends in behavior management and the reduction in disciplinary incidents, attributing these improvements to the proactive measures taken by the district.

As the meeting concluded, Dr. Jarko reiterated the district's goal to enhance campus safety ratings and improve overall staff satisfaction. The board plans to continue monitoring progress and refining strategies to ensure that all students feel safe and supported in their educational environments.