Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition | September 2023

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Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 6 SEPT. 26OCT. 27, 2023

2023 Voter Guide

Austin’s Reclaimed Water Tower located on East 51st Street treats sewage water for irrigation and other uses that don’t require drinkable water.

Historic heat highlights need for water solutions COURTESY AUSTIN WATER

water for irrigation. “It takes all of us together exhibiting good, respon- sible water use behavior to really make this work,” Austin Water Assistant Director Kevin Critendon said.

Dripping Springs experienced the city’s strictest level of water restrictions. Though Austin residents are facing less severe restrictions, ocials have been ramping up long- term conservation eorts, such as using reclaimed

BY ELLE BENT & KATY MCAFEE

As Central Texans look forward to cooler weather this autumn, residents are still being asked to conserve water as Austin reached its most intense form of restrictions in over a decade and, residents in

CONTINUED ON 28

Also in this issue

Impacts: Valor Education to move its South Austin location (Page 6)

Government: Dripping Springs prepares for solar eclipses (Page 11)

Elections: Get ready for the November election (Page 15)

Education: SW Austin, Dripping Springs private schools (Page 22)

From mammography to urogynecology, our women’s care team puts you first. After all, you know what you need better than anyone else. And we’re right here in Oak Hill to support you every step of the way. Care that’s on your side and around the corner

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Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2023 Baylor Scott & White Health. 18-AU-586763-RHAustinWomen

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

AUSTIN IS IN STAGE 2

WATER RESTRICTIONS

WATERING ONE DAY PER WEEK

6 Automatic irrigation and hose-end sprinkler watering is restricted to one day per week. 6 Automatic irrigation watering times are before 5 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

6 Water waste is prohibited. 6 Restaurants may serve water only upon request. 6 Charity car washes are prohibited, and home car washing is only allowed while using a bucket. 6 Patio misters at commercial properties, including restaurants and bars, may operate only between 4 p.m. and midnight. 6 Large ornamental fountains can no longer be operated. 6 1HZODQGVFDSHHVWDEOLVKPHQWLUULJDWLRQ is no longer exempt from the watering schedule.

The runtime is reduced by 3 hours ZLWKFXWRႇDWDPLQVWHDGRIDP 6 Hose-end sprinkler

watering times are before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. 6 Hand watering or watering with a UHÀOODEOH receptacle such as a bucket is allowed on any day or time.

austinwater.org

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

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Impacts

Now open

BARTON CREEK BLVD.

MOPAC

290

2 Archery Training Center Inc. The center opened in an indoor range at East Oak Hill in Austin. The training center is locally owned by Racae Meyer, who has been training archers for 28 years. It offers training in Olympic Target Archery for adults and juniors at both recreational and competitive levels. The center already offers an outdoor advanced training range at 2324 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca. • Opened Sept. 2 • 5446 W. Hwy. 290, Unit 102, Austin • www.archerytrainingcenter.com 3 CityVet A Dallas-based network of veterinary practices opened its first Austin location in South Austin. The practice, led by Dr. Shannon VanDyke, provides grooming services, preventive care, diagnostics, surgery and dental care. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can be made by calling the location. • Opened Aug. 21 • 8534 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 120, Austin • www.cityvet.com 4 Tropical Smoothie Cafe The cafe offers a variety of fruit and vegetable smoothies. The cafe also serves flatbreads, wraps, salads, sandwiches and breakfast. • Opened Sept. 19 183

1826

MOPAC

4 3

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Menchaca Road. JuiceLand offers smoothies, wellness shots, lattes, raw cold-pressed juice and plant-based meals. • Opened Sept. 18 • 1807 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 225, Austin • www.juiceland.com

Now open

1 JuiceLand The locally owned smoothie business recently opened at the Southeast corner of Slaughter Lane and

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ELLE BENT, DARCY SPRAGUE & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Relocations

In the news

5 Evangeline Cafe The Cajun-Creole restaurant celebrated its 20th anniversary in Southwest Austin on Sept. 8. Owner Curtis Clarke, who is originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, decided to open a restaurant to bring his Louisianan culture to the Southwest Austin area. Evangeline Cafe sells gumbo, frog legs, boudin, oysters, po’boys, sandwiches and more. • Opened Sept. 2003

7 Valor Education The charter school will relocate its South Austin campus from 220 Foremost Drive, Austin, to near the Circle C neighborhood. The property is 25 acres and will hold about 1,500 students from kindergarten to 12th grade, opening up spots for hundreds of new 8 Dutch Bros Coffee The drive-thru coffee shop’s menu consists of cold brews, Americanos and other specialty espressos. It also offers options, such as pastries, teas, smoothies and energy drinks. • Opening early 2024 • 1910 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin • www.dutchbros.com 9 JuiceLand JuiceLand will open another location in South Austin mid-October. JuiceLand offers a variety of smoothies, smoothie bowls, juices and plant-based meals. • Mid-October • 8601 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 205, Austin • www.juiceland.com

students. Applications are open for the 2024-25 school year until Jan. 29. Valor is free to attend, but families must secure a space by entering a lottery. • Opening in 2024 • 11720 S. MoPac, Austin • www.valoreducation.org/southaustin

• 8106 Brodie Lane, Austin • www.evangelinecafe.com

• 8534 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 100, Austin • www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com

Relocations

10 PostalAnnex+ Oak Hill The store, owned by Jose Ancer, relocated to a new space within Oak Hill Central. The shipping company specializes in packaging as well as national and international shipping with DHL, USPS, UPS and Fedex. The PostalAnnex+ Oak Hill location, which has been open since 1998, also offers notary services, passport photos, wine shipping and private mailbox rental. • Relocated Aug. 1 • Relocated from 6705 W. Hwy. 290, Ste., 502, Austin, to 6705 Hwy. 290, Ste. 607, Austin • www.postalannex.com

Coming soon

6 El Alma The Mexican restaurant is opening a second restaurant. It will take over the former Hyde Park Bar & Grill south location. El Alma executive chef and co-founder Alma Alcocer-Thomas will spearhead the project. Hyde Park Bar & Grill closed its West Gate location on Sept. 3, though its north location remains open. El Alma’s menu includes margaritas, enchiladas and other staples. • Opening fall 2023 • 4521 West Gate Blvd., Ste. B, Austin • www.elalmacafe.com

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Texas Book Festival 2023 NOVEMBER 11–12 IN DOWNTOWN AUSTIN Free and Open to the Public!

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Impacts

BY ELLE BENT & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Coming soon

FITZHUGH RD.

2 AT&T A new AT&T retail store will open in Ledgestone. The store will oer wireless plans, phones, and other devices and accessories. • Opening TBD • 12400 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 210, Dripping Springs • www.att.com 3 Sarah Saxon MD Facial Plastic Surgery The practice has two other oces in Austin and Dallas. It oers facelifts, rhinoplasty, lip lifts, blepharoplasty, Botox, llers, laser skin treatments and more. • Opening in 2024 • 13341 W. Hwy. 290, Bldg. 8, Dripping Springs • www.saxonmd.com Hill Country Field Station The University of Texas will open a Dripping Springs site for research and conservation at Mirasol Springs—a development on the Pedernales River from Steve Winn, founder of RealPage and CEO of Mirasol Capital. • Opening in irst half of 2026 • An exact address has not yet been announced • www.ieldstations.utexas.edu

185

BELL SPRINGS RD.

290

HARGRAVES DR.

164

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Allie Woodward said. The center is locally owned by Gregory Pratt and had a soft opening in September and will celebrate a grand opening in October. • Opened Sept. 18 • 165 Hargraves Drive, Ste. P400, Austin • www.mathnasium.com/belterra

Now open

1 Mathnasium The math learning center will serve Dripping Springs ISD students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Mathnasium offers individualized learning plans, center Director

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Already have solar? HESOLAR is now installing batteries for all solar owners.

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Use more of your solar energy.

Without batteries, a lot of the energy produced by solar panels on a home will flow back into the grid. With batteries, excess solar energy can be stored in the batteries instead of exporting to the grid. The solar energy that is stored in the batteries can be used to feed the home loads later on in the day or later at night. Best of all, more savings! – Many Texans have experi- enced an increase in their electricity rates. At the same time, some electric providers are starting to provide less credit for exported solar energy (what gives?) Batteries help homeowners use more of their solar energy resulting in even lower electric bills. Transportation Independence. Electric vehicles can charge directly from solar panels and home batteries allowing you to stay on the move during an extended grid outage. The Hoffman Brothers are helping current customers prepare for future Vehicle to Home applications where you can use an electric vehicle to assist a home energy system during a power outage.

HOME MONITORING SYSTEM DURING AN OUTAGE

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY ELLE BENT

As Dripping Springs prepares for a total solar eclipse this upcoming spring, the chance to see an annular partial eclipse this fall will arrive in less than a month. Dripping Springs in path of eclipses

Annular eclipse Oct. 14, 2023

The gist

An annular eclipse occurs when the moon covers the center of the sun, leaving a ring of fire of what remains visible of the sun. On Oct. 14, Dripping Springs will experience 89% coverage of the sun, meaning spectators in the city will not see a complete ring of fire, city officials said. This is because the moon is farthest from the earth during this type of eclipse. Spectators can see it with glasses designed to look at the sun for about two to four minutes.

Partial eclipse will begin

Peak coverage

Partial eclipse ends 1:32 p.m.

10:23 a.m.

11:53 a.m.

Annular solar eclipse Oct. 14, 2023

April 8, 2024 Total eclipse

Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024

Total eclipse

Total eclipse ends

Partial eclipse will begin

Partial eclipse ends

12:16 p.m.

1:34 p.m.

1:37 p.m.

2:57 p.m.

SOURCE: CITY OF DRIPPING SPRINGS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What's next

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

In preparation for both eclipses, the city launched the website

www.drippingeclipse.com with information for community members, businesses and potential visitors. Glasses and other mer- chandise are available to purchase online. For the full eclipse, a display will be installed at Veterans Memorial Park, which will serve as an educational component as well as a photo opportunity for visitors.

290

Mercer Street will be closed for a free celebration of the event from April 7-8 featuring vendors and entertainment.

COURTESY AUBREY GEMIGNANI/NASA

HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA

SATURDAY

SEPT. 9 - OCT. 21, 2023 | 7PM TILL 9PM | CENTRAL PLAZA LAWN

Bring your family, friends, and a blanket to lounge on the Central Plaza Lawn during the show! Arrive early to shop and dine at Hill Country Galleria. Admission is free and dogs are welcome. Visit hillcountrygalleria.com

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Government

Homeless oversight resets, funding in focus Austin’s homeless strategy division will be under new leadership following Homeless Strategy Officer Dianna Grey’s resignation effective Sept. 29. What happened Grey shared her departure plans in late August. David Gray, a former economic development official who’d been overseeing homelessness since June, will take over on an interim basis. The big picture City Council on Aug. 31 also voted to create a new revenue stream for Austin’s homeless strategy work and account for how those city dollars are spent. The House Our People Endowment, or HOPE, fund proposed by Council Member Ryan Alter will act like an endowment, with a portion of resources dedicated to regular spending on

Austin officials push for A/C requirement A new rule to ensure all housing across the city is equipped to keep residents cool could be in place as soon as next summer. What happened? While Austin requires residential appli- ances to be in working order, there’s no city mandate for air conditioning in housing in the first place. As Austinites endured more than 45 triple-degree days this summer, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes proposed a new requirement to keep all rooms in a residence at a “comfortable” level well below outside temperatures. Following council’s Aug. 31 approval of that measure, a city code amendment process will get underway before a final ordinance solidifies any new rules.

“[Grey’s] impressive portfolio of work includes formally establishing the City’s Homeless Strategy Division, building a team of dedicated staff, and positioning Austin to accomplish our goal of making homelessness brief, rare

and nonrecurring.” JESÚS GARZA, INTERIM CITY MANAGER

COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN

homelessness alongside a portion accumulating long-term equity. The fund will require new money to be officially set up. The changes come amid calls for more scrutiny of Austin’s homeless funding. In August, the resi- dent-led Human Rights Commission unanimously asked city leaders for a comprehensive report on Austin’s past decade of spending. Council Member Mackenzie Kelly also requested an audit.

November voting locations include more college sites

“Ensuring equal access for communities of color, youth voters, people with disabilities, and working-class

• Huston-Tillotson University will offer an early voting and Election Day polling location. • The University of Texas will have one early voting and two Election Day polling places. • St. Edward’s University will have an Election Day voting location. The Southpark Meadows center, 9600 I-35 front- age road, Ste. 200, Austin, will be a mega center.

Travis County will have nearly 150 voting locations for the Nov. 7 election, which features several state propositions and a county bond. Zooming in Following concern over limited polling locations for university students in last year’s election, Aus- tin’s three main college campuses are all included for 2023.

families, in compliance with federal and state law, is a critical part of ensuring equal access to democracy for all” DYANA LIMON- MERCADO, TRAVIS COUNTY CLERK

COURTESY DYANA LIMON-MERCADO

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DARCY SPRAGUE & BEN THOMPSON

City, chipmaker weigh economic deal Austin and NXP USA are considering a multimillion-dollar economic incentive agreement as the semiconductor company moves to grow its local presence. The details NXP is seeking to modernize its Oak Hill and East Austin facilities, around $290.8 million in upgrades bringing 53 new jobs. The investment would build on Central Texas’ growing footprint in the chipmaking industry and could tie into further federal investment in the sector. Officials were set to vote on the five-year deal, projected at a $1.53 million fiscal benefit to the city, on Sept. 21, after press time. They asked NXP to commit to child- care support alongside other workforce and community benefits in the plan.

Site plan woes Applicants to Austin’s development services are broadly dissatised with the system, according to a survey by McKinsey & Co., as reviews are taking longer to move through the city.

Average city review days per application

200 150 100 50

171 183

152

134 127

100 98 105 111 113

2020 Q4

2021 Q1

2021 Q2

2021 Q3

2021 Q4

2022 Q1

2022 Q2

2022 Q3

2022 Q4

2023 Q1

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Consultants to oversee $2.5M permitting fixes McKinsey & Co. consultants will oversee initial updates to Austin’s development reviews, after the firm reported on broad dissatisfaction with the city’s processes this summer. What happened In August, McKinsey released an extensive

report on findings and proposed improvements after taking a deep dive into Austin’s site plan review process. Some changes are already in effect and others are underway, according to the city. While that work came at no cost to Austin, City Council approved a $2.5 million contract to keep McKinsey around for six months as the recom- mended fixes are rolled out. “‘You have brought to us a really robust analysis of what our problems are in the site planning process. Now, we’re hiring you to implement what we need to do to fix all those things,’” Mayor Kirk Watson said Aug. 29 about the contract.

Henderson confirmed as Austin interim police chief Robin Henderson took the reigns at the Austin Police Department on Sept. 3 following City Coun- cil’s unanimous confirmation of her appointment as interim police chief Aug. 31. The details of staff overseeing department operations. “I value the trust [Chacon] has put in me to move the organization forward in a positive direction,” Henderson said in a statement. “I am truly honored and humbled and I appreciate the

opportunity to serve as your Interim Chief.” Henderson will remain in the role until a permanent chief is chosen by the city manager and confirmed by council following a search process.

Henderson took over after former Police Chief Joseph Chacon’s retirement Sept. 2. She’s been with the APD for 26 years and was Chacon’s chief

Austin officials unanimously confirmed Robin Henderson’s appointment in late August.

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Election

BY DARCY SPRAGUE

Voter Guide

2023

Dates to know

Sample ballot Travis County, Proposition A

Polling locations

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Polling locations vary between early voting and Election Day. Early voting times vary, but Election Day voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. statewide. A full list of locations is available on each county’s website.

The issuance of $233,060,000 of road bonds for the purpose of the construction, maintenance, and operation of macadamized, graveled, or paved roads and turnpikes, or in aid thereof, including acquiring land and rights-of-way therefor, road drainage, bike lanes, sidewalks, and shared use paths, and replacement and improvement of road bridges and culverts, and the levying of the tax in payment thereof. Travis County, Proposition B The issuance of $276,440,000 of bonds for the purposes of constructing and improving county parks and the acquisition of land and interests in land in connection therewith, including the acquisition of open space park land, and the acquisition of conservation easements for authorized purposes in connection with or for the benefit of county parks, and the levying of the tax in payment thereof. There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more at www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

Early voting Southpark Meadows 9600 S. I-35, Ste. 200, Austin Westoak Woods Baptist 2900 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin Election Day Bailey Middle School 4020 Lost Oasis Hollow, Austin

Where to vote

Residents in Hays and Travis counties can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.votetravis.com and www.hayscountytx.com for polling locations.

SOURCES: HAYS & TRAVIS COUNTIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas lawmakers passed multiple bills aimed at removing barriers for voters during the 88th regular legislative session, which ended in May. Ahead of the November election, several changes will go into eect that govern how mail-in voting works and provide more accessibility for people with disabilities. “In 2022, tens of thousands of mail-in ballots [were] rejected for no fault of the voter,” said Katya Ehresman, the voting rights program manager for Common Cause Texas, a nonpartisan government watchdog organization. Ehresman said many Texans were unaware of new information they needed to provide following the 2021 special session. Also in 2021, the secretary of state created an online tracking portal for voters’ ballots and applications to vote by mail. New laws ahead of next election The following laws went into eect Sept. 1: • House Bill 357 changed online ballot trackers so voters no longer have to provide a registration address. • Senate Bill 1599 requires election workers to notify voters within two days of inding an issue on their mail-in ballot to give them more time to address it. • SB 1599 also allows counties to begin checking mailed ballots as soon as they receive them, no later than nine days before election day.

The context

voter registration address. Mistyping or entering an old address, or other common mistakes could prevent voters from accessing the portal. Under the new law, a voter registration address is no longer required.

Statewide, roughly 12.4% of all mail-in ballots submitted for the March 2022 primary election were rejected, according to state data. Texas rejected roughly 8,300, or about 0.8%, of the nearly 1 million mail-in ballots cast in the 2020 presidential election, according to a 2021 U.S. Election Assistance Commission report. SB 1599 gives election workers more time to review mail-in ballots and ensure voters can cor- rect mistakes on their applications or ballots. This will help guarantee “the voters that are eligible, are registered and already made the good faith attempt to cast their ballot can ensure [their] vote is counted,” Ehresman said. HB 357 will make it easier for voters to follow the process, as well. During past elections, voters logging into the portal had to provide their name, date of birth, the last four digits of their Social Security number, a state ID number and their exact

Statewide percent of mail-in ballots rejected

12% 15%

0 3% 6% 9%

May 7, 2022 May 25, 2022 March 1, 2022

THE STATE BEGAN TRACKING MAILIN BALLOT DATA IN 2022, FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF SENATE BILL 1 WHICH INCREASED THE INFORMATION REQUIRED TO VOTE BY MAIL.

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Voters who are eligible to vote by mail include those who are:

What’s next

At least 65 years old

The deadline to register to vote in the November election is Oct. 10. For more information on key voting dates, where to vote and what’s on your ballot, see Page 15. Mail-in ballots must be requested at least 11 days before the election, must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day and must be received by the county election clerk by 5 p.m. the next mail delivery day.

Sick or disabled Expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after election day Planning to be out of the country during in-person early voting and election day In jail but otherwise eligible to vote A civilly committed sexually violent predator, as dened by the state

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

BY KATY MCAFEE & DARCY SPRAGUE

Travis County voters to decide on $509.5M bond

A closer look

Travis County Commissioners approved a list of projects for the bond after over 6 months of community input. The most expensive item is $200 million set aside for land acquisition in an eort to preserve land before it's used for development or prices inate. See a list of bond projects below:

130 TOLL

Rowe Lane

Roads

45 TOLL

Pyramid Drive and O’Reilly Drive

Travis County voters will weigh in on a half billion dollar bond aimed at improving roads and parks this November.

Prop A includes improvements to a slew of roads, many of which are in eastern Travis County. Every project includes adding or improving sidewalks, bike lanes or shared-use paths. The county will implement a "Safe2" Roadway Design to Bee Creek Road and Rowe Lane. Safe2 Design adds shoulders, sidewalks and center turn lanes to two-lane roads that don't have them. The county may also add water quality protections, ood mitigation, and shade options.

183

Arterial A

Cameron Road

620

290

$509.5M

MOPAC

Bee Creek Road

360

183 TOLL

973

for road and safety projects Prop A: $233.06M for parks and green- space projects Prop B: $276.44M

Blake Manor Road

290

South Pleasant Valley Road

130 TOLL

Austin

45 TOLL

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

130 TOLL

Parks

Arkansas Bend Park

45 TOLL

Gilleland Creek Greenway

Prop B includes funding for new trails, parks improvements, a new building at Arkansas Bend Park and sports elds at Bee Creek Sports Complex and Southeast Metro Park. It would also fund land acquisition near the following areas: • Cow Creek • Gilleland Creek • Lake Travis • Onion Creek • Pedernales River • Post Oak Savannah and Springs • Wilbarger Creek

183

What's next

620

290 TOLL

MOPAC

Bee Creek Sports Complex

If both propositions were approved by voters, it would cost the average Travis County homeowner an additional $4.78 in taxes per month. Residents can learn more about each project at www.traviscountytx.gov.

360

183 TOLL

Southeast Metropolitan Park

Onion Creek Greenway

290

130 TOLL

Austin

45 TOLL

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Education

BY ELLE BENT & DARCY SPRAGUE

BY HANNAH NORTON

AISD lags in test score growth, DSISD outperforms state

State STAAR scores for grades 3-8 show gradual improvement Commissioner Mike Morath said. “This year’s results show the efforts of our educators continue to deliver improved results for students.” State STAAR passage rates Below are the 2022-23 state STAAR passage rates compared to the prepandemic baseline.

Austin ISD STAAR results

Dripping Springs ISD STAAR results

Spring 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness results, released by the Texas Education Agency on Aug. 16, show Dripping Springs ISD students continue to perform better than the state and Austin ISD. AISD scores showed students made progress on some tests but fell behind in subjects such as fourth grade math. Zooming in In AISD, students performed better than the state average on about half of the tests, including third through fifth grade reading. AISD received lower scores in sixth through eighth grade reading and all math levels except fourth grade. AISD saw a noticeable decline in passing scores in subjects such as fifth and third grade Spanish reading. Average passage rates in DSISD were higher than in 2022 in all subjects except third and seventh grade reading, and fourth and seventh grade math. Parents can access their student’s scores at www.texasassessment.gov.

The 2022-23 statewide standardized test scores for third to eighth grade show students across the state have recovered from pandemic lows in reading and language arts but are still struggling in math, the Texas Education Agency reported. The TEA released results from the spring State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness on Aug. 16. The tests were redesigned in 2023 “to better align with classroom instruction” following the passage of House Bill 3906 in 2019. The details Students in all grades performed better in read- ing and language arts than before the pandemic. According to the TEA, 51% of third to eighth grade students met their grade level in 2023, compared to 52% the year prior. In 2019, 45% of students met expectations in reading and language arts. “Teachers across Texas continue to work with passion and skill to help students learn,” TEA

2022

2023

2022

2023

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

“Significant effects of the pandemic still linger” in math, the TEA said in a news release. Students in five of the six grade levels tested improved year over year, while sixth graders performed about the same as 2022. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, 48% of students met expectations in math. This year, 42% of students met expectations, a 3 percentage point improvement from 2022. Learn more Families can visit www.texasassessment.gov to access their children’s individual STAAR results. The TEA will issue accountability ratings for all Texas public schools and districts in mid-October following months of revisions to the accountabil- ity system.

Reading 3rd grade

Reading 3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade

Spring 2019 Spring 2023

-1.25 -2.40 -2.35 +9.09 -5.26 -1.28 0 +1.42 0 +6.34 +9.09 +1.47

-1.08 +3.30 +2.17 +6.90 -1.06 +3.19 +1.14 -2.22 +4.49 +1.15 -2.22 +2.15

100% 20% 40% 60% 80%

4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade

Reading 3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade Math 3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade

+4 +3 +4

+15

+5 +3

Math

3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade

-4

-6 -8 -6

-10

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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