Current and Upcoming Initiatives
Below is a list of current and upcoming initiatives for the 2024-25 school year. Check back often as additional information and new initiatives are added. The community is encouraged to contact Engage with APS! specifically about APS initiatives. For other concerns or feedback, please visit the Contact APS webpage for information on who to contact within APS to provide you with a prompt response.
AI in APS - Virtual Community Town Hall
- As part of our Year of Empowered AI Learning in APS, we are excited to invite you to a virtual Community Town Hall on Artificial Intelligence on Wed, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. At this session, you can learn more about our adopted instructional platform, SchoolAI, and have an opportunity to ask questions.
- Interpretation will be available.
- If you have questions that you would like to have addressed during the live event, please add them here: Community Pre-event Questions for APS AI Town Hall
- More Information
Arlington Career Center Project
- The project will allow more students to benefit from the offerings at the Career Center and allow APS to further expand Arlington Tech and other high-demand programs.
- The School Board approved the Construction Contract Award to begin construction of the facility, which is scheduled to open in Fall 2026 for the 2026-27 School Year.
- More Information
APS Device Work Group
APS is forming a Device Work Group to evaluate how digital devices are used in classrooms and to make strategic recommendations about future device models. Staff will present their findings to the APS School Board in March 2026.
FY2026 Budget
- Development of the FY 2026 Proposed Budget is underway
- The FY 2026 forecast shows we will start the budget process with a $38 million gap
- The Proposed Budget will be presented on March 13, 2025
Upcoming Dates:
- March 25, 2025: Budget Work Sessions #1 – 2 (1 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.) – Presentation
- April 3: Budget Work Session #3 (3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.)
- April 3: Public Hearing on the FY 2026 Joint Proposed Budget
- April 8: Budget Work Session with BAC, 6:30 p.m.
- May 1: Action Item – School Board’s Adopted FY 2026 Budget
Ways to Engage:
- Email [email protected]
- Sign up to speak at the April 3 Public Hearing – link coming soon.
- Tune in for Work Sessions
- Attend Open Office Hours
See Budget & Finance for additional information
Cell Phone Pouches for 2025-2026 School Year
- Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, APS will implement the use of secure pouches to store student cell phones during the school day — at high schools only. This will be fully implemented at Wakefield, Washington-Liberty, Yorktown, Arlington Career Center, and H-B Woodlawn.
- APS Middle school will maintain a limited supply of pouches to be used on a case-by-case basis, as needed.
- More information
Healthcare Benefits Contract Renewal Process
- The current APS healthcare benefits contract will expire in December 2026.
- Leading up to that date, APS is committed to a transparent contract renewal and Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
- View Employee Healthcare Survey Data Summary
- More information
Information on Expiring Procurement Contracts
- APS will share information on the contracts expiring soon on a quarterly basis.
- The goal of sharing this information is to establish an open and accessible channel of communication that allows the community to better understand the contracts and agreements that drive the operations of APS.
- APS advertises all contract solicitations on eVA and on the APS Procurement Office website.
- More Information
Pre-Capital Improvement Plan (Pre-CIP)
The Pre-CIP compiles staff analysis and recommendations of future student accommodation needs based on the most recent projections of future student enrollment, student capacity of existing facilities, student capacity of Capital Improvement Projects under construction and/or approved in previous CIP, and other relevant information.
School Board Advisory Committee Working Group
- The School Board Advisory Committee Working Group will work with the school board and staff to evaluate the current School Board advisory committee structure, effectiveness, and alignment with strategic priorities and make recommendations for revision in accordance with the School Board’s charge.
- More Information
School Board Policies for Revision/Amendment
- The School Board is considering the following policies for revision/amendment
Your Voice Matters Survey
- The Your Voice Matters Survey, which is now conducted annually and in conjunction with APS and the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families (APCYF), provides insights on topics that include safety (school and community climate), health and well-being, voice and engagement.
- The survey window February 12, 2025 – March 21, 2025.
- More information and link to opt-out form
- View Your Voice Matters Survey Insights & Results
Contact the Engage Team
If you have a concern, inquiry, or suggestion, we want to help!
Many questions or issues involving a specific student can be resolved at the school level. Start by contacting your child’s teacher, school support staff, or the front office.
For more ways to contact APS schools and offices, visit Contact APS.
For questions about APS Initiatives or ways to get involved, you may fill out the form below: