State
Representative Diane Patrick
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Both Arlington ISD bond and School Board elections will be held Saturday May 10 with early voting from Monday April 28-Tuesday May 6. Candidates Kecia Mays and Bridgett Davis are seeking the open seat for Place 6 and Bowie Hogg is running unopposed for re-election for Place 7.
Election Day for the Primary run-off is Tuesday May 27 with early voting for various state races running only one week Monday May 19 -Friday May 23.
HIGHLIGHT: EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Our community is uniquely positioned to establish partnerships that create innovative and robust programs of study for our students. Through a new program backed by the Arlington Police Department the Arlington School District and UT-Arlington high school students considering a law enforcement career can earn credit toward a criminal justice degree and participate in early police training. Leaders of these institutions should be applauded for their teamwork on behalf of our community!
ARLINGTONS FINAL FOUR SUCCESS
Arlington was host to the 2014 NCAA Mens Final Four Championship. This event brought in record-breaking crowds: best-attended Final Four (158682 for two sessions) largest crowd for an NCAA championship game (79238 on Monday) and largest single-day crowd for a college basketball game (79444 for Saturdays semifinal doubleheader). Economic benefits and synergy were infused into our community through these events!
TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT CLIMBS
Enrollment in Texas public schools continues to increase growing by 820019 students or more than 19 over the past decade. The 2012-13 school year was the first time statewide enrollment topped 5 million. In the past 25 years enrollment has grown 57.4. Texas public schools enroll approximately 80000 new students per year. At current funding levels approximately $2.2 billion is needed just to cover biennial enrollment growth.
TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE LITIGATION
The school finance case wrapped up in state district court in March and Judge Dietz is expected to issue a ruling in May. Following a 2013 ruling that found the current system unconstitutional the case was reopened due to changes made by the 83rd Texas Legislature. Specifically the Legislature restored a portion of funding to public schools reduced the number of end of course exams and changed graduation requirements.
CHARTER SCHOOL APPRECIATION
Thanks to the Texas Charter School Association for presenting their Charter Appreciation Award to me at the International Leadership Charter in Arlington
