Arlington Independent School District Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arlington Independent School District has 4 executives leading key functions including human resources, communications, research and accountability, and board governance.

Committed to academic excellence, Arlington Independent School District fosters student success through innovative curriculum development, community engagement, and rigorous educational standards designed to prepare every learner for future challenges in a global society.

Leadership Roles at Arlington Independent School District

  • President - Justin Chapa
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Scott Kahl
  • Chief Communications Officer - Taina Northington
  • Superintendent of Research & Accountability Assistant - Kevin Barlow
  • Justin Chapa - President

    Justin Chapa, the President at Arlington Independent School District, governs the strategic vision and policy framework for the K-12 public school district. Leading the board of trustees, the President ensures that all district operations adhere to the mission of providing high-quality education to the community. This leadership role involves setting long-term goals, approving annual budgets, and overseeing the performance of the district administration. By facilitating board meetings and fostering consensus among trustees, Justin Chapa directly impacts the governance and fiscal health of the organization. The President also represents the district in regional and state-level educational forums, advocating for policies that benefit students and staff. Through effective oversight and policy development, Chapa maintains the integrity of the district's educational programs, ensuring that all resources are allocated efficiently to support student achievement and long-term institutional stability across the entire North Texas service area.
    Justin Chapa

    Scott Kahl - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Scott Kahl, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Arlington Independent School District, manages all personnel operations and talent acquisition strategies for the K-12 public school district. Overseeing recruitment, retention, and professional development programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the district maintains a high-quality workforce capable of delivering exceptional educational outcomes. This leadership role involves navigating complex labor regulations and fostering an inclusive workplace culture across all campuses. By implementing data-driven staffing models, Scott Kahl directly impacts the operational efficiency of the entire organization. The Chief Human Resources Officer also collaborates with district leadership to align human capital initiatives with long-term academic goals. Through strategic workforce planning, Kahl secures the necessary talent to support diverse student needs, ultimately strengthening the overall educational environment within the North Texas region while maintaining compliance with state and federal employment standards.

    Taina Northington - Chief Communications Officer

    Taina Northington, the Chief Communications Officer at Arlington Independent School District, directs all internal and external messaging strategies for the K-12 public school district. Managing public relations, media outreach, and community engagement initiatives, the Chief Communications Officer ensures transparent communication between the district and its diverse stakeholders. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight student achievements and district-wide academic milestones. By optimizing digital platforms and community forums, Taina Northington directly impacts the public perception and brand reputation of the organization. The Chief Communications Officer also coordinates with executive leadership to manage crisis communications and promote district initiatives across the broader Texas educational landscape. Through consistent messaging, Northington builds trust with parents, staff, and the local community, ensuring that all stakeholders remain informed about critical policy changes and educational opportunities that define the district's mission and ongoing commitment to student success.

    Kevin Barlow - Superintendent of Research & Accountability Assistant

    Kevin Barlow, the Superintendent of Research & Accountability Assistant at Arlington Independent School District, oversees data analysis and performance evaluation frameworks for the K-12 public school district. Directing the assessment of academic programs, the Superintendent of Research & Accountability Assistant ensures that instructional strategies align with state accountability standards and district goals. This leadership role involves interpreting complex educational metrics to drive continuous improvement across all campuses. By monitoring student progress and program efficacy, Kevin Barlow directly impacts the strategic direction of the district's curriculum. The Superintendent of Research & Accountability Assistant also collaborates with academic leaders to identify achievement gaps and implement targeted interventions. Through rigorous data reporting, Barlow provides the necessary insights to support evidence-based decision-making, ultimately enhancing the quality of education provided to students throughout the district while ensuring full transparency in performance outcomes and institutional growth.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Arlington Independent School District Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Arlington Independent School District?
    Arlington Independent School District is led by Justin Chapa (President), along with executives such as Scott Kahl (Chief Human Resources Officer) and Taina Northington (Chief Communications Officer).
    Who is part of Arlington Independent School District’s executive team?
    The executive team of Arlington Independent School District includes leaders such as Justin Chapa (President), Scott Kahl (Chief Human Resources Officer), Taina Northington (Chief Communications Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Arlington Independent School District have?
    Arlington Independent School District has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Arlington Independent School District’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Arlington Independent School District includes roles such as President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Communications Officer, Superintendent of Research & Accountability Assistant.