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Arlington School Board approves 2026 legislative priorities and several policy updates
Summary
At its Oct. 13 meeting the Arlington School District Board approved its 2026 legislative priorities and adopted multiple board policies in a series of votes; the motions passed with recorded roll‑call results.
The Arlington School District Board of Directors voted to approve its 2026 legislative priorities and adopted several board policies during its Oct. 13 meeting. Board members also approved routine agenda items and the consent agenda.
The board approved the district’s 2026 legislative priorities — a package that the administration described as urging lawmakers to address school funding structure, material/supplies and operating costs (MSOC), capital funding, special education funding and student mental‑health supports — in a roll call vote that produced four yes votes and one no vote. The motion to approve the 2026 legislative priorities was moved by Director Dimon and seconded by Director Watts; Director Kelly voted no, and Directors Dimon, Watts, President LaVette and Director Knapp voted yes.
The board adopted these policies and motions (summary and vote tallies):
- Policy 3206, Pregnant and Parenting Students — First reading and approval. Moved by Director Kelly; seconded by Director Diamond. Vote: unanimous yes (Directors Diamond, Kelly, Watts, President LaVette, Knapp). The policy clarifies nondiscrimination and investigation language and makes minor editorial changes.
- Policy 1733, Board Member Compensation — Second reading and approval. Moved by Director Diamond; seconded by Director Kelly. Vote: unanimous yes. The updated text clarifies that compensation references apply to the district’s fiscal‑year calculation.
- Policy 1810 (referred to in meeting as 18 10) — Approved with minor wording to align with WASA/WASBO standards. Moved by Director Diamond; seconded by Director Watts. Vote: unanimous yes.
- Policy 1850 (referred to in meeting as 18 50, Ethical Conduct for School Directors) — Clarifying language adopted; moved by Director Watts and seconded; vote: unanimous yes.
- Policy 1815 (referred to in meeting as 18 15, Oath and Conduct language) — Approved; moved and seconded with unanimous yes votes.
- Policy 1820 (Board Self‑Assessment) — Approved; moved by Director Diamond and seconded by Director Watts; vote: unanimous yes.
Earlier routine business votes included approval of the meeting agenda, approval of minutes from Sept. 22 study session and regular meeting, and approval of the consent agenda (personnel report, warrants, grants overview, out‑of‑state travel, instructional materials committee membership, mental‑health counselor cooperative agreement and other administrative items). Those motions carried with recorded aye votes from the board members present.
The superintendent also reported a $4,500 donation from the Arlington High School booster club to support a 2025 trip to California; that donation was accepted and reported to the board as approved by the superintendent for September.
Ending
Board members said they will use the approved legislative priorities in upcoming meetings with legislators and encouraged staff to circulate the final materials. Several members requested ongoing updates as policy changes are implemented.
