Service

Sarah's first term on the Arlington ISD school board was impactful, and she holds the strong desire to continue her all-in service and positive contributions to the students and staff of Arlington ISD and the Arlington community.

Key accomplishments under Sarah's tenure as trustee include:

• Launch of the universal STEM-based pre-k program at all traditional feeder elementary schools
• 4% salary raises for all Arlington ISD employees in 2021, 2022, and 2023
• Increased stipends for dozens of specialized positions & qualifications
• Lowered tax rate, including historic reduction in M&O in 2023
• Developed and launched new strategic plan with significant input from AISD employees and community
• Establishment of Trustee Talks, inviting anyone and everyone from the community into AISD facilities to participate in two-way conversations with school board members and the superintendent.
• Establishment of Board Briefs, a video summary of each school board meeting to further promote transparency, convenience, and awareness of the great things happening in AISD to our community at large
• Increased staff appreciation initiatives, including ongoing campus visits, public shout-outs, breakfast service to bus drivers, and AISD's first-ever holiday bonus to all employees during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Advocation at the state level for increased school safety and funding
• Improved pre-existing and implemented new local policies, such as enhancing the sick leave bank options for AISD employees
• Increased campus security with an armed guard at every Arlington ISD campus
• Positive collaboration and networking with hundreds of school boards through multiple state and national conventions
• 2019 Bond project implementation with citizens' oversight, including the successful transitions and grand openings of Webb, Thornton, and Berry Elementary
• Searching, selecting, and naming superintendent lone finalist, Dr. Matt Smith