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Last Updated: January 9, 2026

At the Board meeting on Thursday, January 8, Trustees discussed a plan to potentially close Blanton Elementary as an elementary school at the end of this school year and repurpose the newest part of the building for another Arlington ISD purpose. No decision has been made.

This discussion was guided by our District Values and Beliefs, specifically our commitment to providing exceptional learning environments. The proposal is driven by three key factors:

Learning Environment and Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Blanton Elementary is now 69 years old. While the campus has had partial renovations over the years, the Facility Condition Index indicates that the building's age makes it increasingly difficult to maintain the high-quality, modern learning environment our students deserve.

Declining Enrollment

Our most recent enrollment report shows a declining trend within the Blanton attendance zone. To honor our value of Maximized Resources, we must ensure that our district talent and financial resources are positioned where they can most effectively promote student learning and fiscal stability.

Academic Growth

Our primary goal is to ensure every student has access to the most robust academic programs and resources available. By optimizing our campus facilities, we can better concentrate our staff and resources to create the exceptional experiences that ignite a passion for learning in every child.

“We believe our children deserve safe, well-designed spaces that support strong instruction. These discussions are about being thoughtful with our resources while keeping students at the center of every decision. Our goal is to ensure every child learns in a setting that supports growth, encourages engagement, and helps them succeed." - Dr. Matt Smith

Next Steps:

Timeline: The 2025-2026 school year will continue as normal. The Board may potentially call for a special meeting prior to January 31 to continue the discussion and make a decision regarding the future of Blanton Elementary. If action is taken, the transition would start for the 2026-2027 school year.
Family Meetings: In line with our belief that partnerships with families are the foundation of success, district leaders will hold an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 14, at 6:00 p.m., in the Blanton Elementary cafeteria. We will share next steps, including information about potential new school assignments, transportation, and support services.

Digging into the Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the district considering the utilization of Blanton Elementary School?

Learning Environments & Infrastructure: The infrastructure of Blanton Elementary is now 69 years old. While the campus has had partial renovations over the years, the Facility Condition Index indicates that the building's age makes it increasingly difficult to maintain the high-quality, modern learning environment our students deserve.
Declining Enrollment: Our most recent demography report indicates a trend of declining enrollment within the Blanton school zone. To honor our value of Maximized Resources, we must ensure that our district talent and financial resources are positioned where they can most effectively promote student learning and fiscal stability.
Academic Growth: Ensuring every student has access to the most robust academic programs and resources available is our primary goal. By streamlining our campus footprints, we can better concentrate our staff and resources to create the exceptional experiences that ignite a passion for learning in every child.

What does it mean that Blanton Elementary may be “repurposed” as well as closed?

Blanton Elementary School is being considered for closure based on the information provided in the overview section above. The facility may be repurposed at some point in the future although it is not being considered as an elementary campus going forward. No decision has been made.