In March 2024, the TVRI, through the Brewer Storefront, issued warning letters to 11 Texas school districts, including Arlington Independent School District (AHISD), alleging violations of the Voting Rights Act. 

​​

Key Facts About AISD:

2021-23 Annual Revenue: $843,671,288

2022-23 Enrollment: 56,101

Voting Scheme: At Large

Students of Color: 83%

White Trustees: 6 of 7

 

The Warning Letter:

Four opportunity districts for voters of color, including one Black opportunity district and one Hispanic opportunity district, can be drawn. There are no Black trustees on the board and one Hispanic trustee, but one would expect a majority minority board based on district demographics. About 48% of students are Hispanic and 27% are African American. On the 2023 STAAR exams, about 61% of white students met grade level compared to about 34% of Hispanic students and 31% of African American students. Read the letter.

 

District Response:

States that with single member districts, board members answer to only a portion of the community. Initially appeared willing to consider a change, but later stated that if a lawsuit is filed, the district will move to stay the case given the circuit court split on private right of action. Read the letter.