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SPRING KLEIN EDITION
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1 APRIL 15 MAY 13, 2022
ONLINE AT
2022 L O C A L V O T E R G U I D E
ON THE BALLOT Due to changes made to the Texas Education Code in 2019, school districts are required to divide bond elections into separate ballot propositions based on what is being nanced. On May 7, Klein ISD voters will have four propositions on the ballot. SOURCE: KLEIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Proposition A: 76.58% Proposition B: 4.67% Proposition C: 11.92% Proposition D: 6.82%
Total: $1.1 billion
IMPACTS
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TxDOT begins replacement of I45 bridge
$843.8million • Intermediate School No. 11 • Classroom additions at Klein Cain and Klein Oak high schools • Safety and security improvements • Comprehensive modernization of eight campuses age 50 or older • Upgraded academic, ne arts and athletic spaces • New school buses $51.5million • Classroom technology for students and sta $131.3million • New district event center with seating for 8,000 $75.2million • New districtwide stadium • Klein Memorial Stadium Complex renovations
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2 ood-control projects break ground LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2022 ENVIRONMENT
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If passed, Propositions C and D would result in the construction of a new district event center and stadium, respectively, both of which would be located on land owned by Klein ISD adjacent to the Klein Multipurpose Center. (Rendering courtesy Klein ISD)
Klein ISDvoters to decide $1.1Bbond New intermediate school, stadium, events center among projects on the ballot
CANDIDATE Q&A SAMPLE BALLOT
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BY HANNAH ZEDAKER
of roughly 100 community members. Julie Stevens, a KISD parent who served on the bond steering commit- tee, is now spearheading a political action committee in support of the bond—dubbed Vote Yes Klein. “I have a senior; he will never ben- et from this bond. But other people in years past have said ‘yes’ to bonds, and that is why he has a [career and
technical education] facility … to do robotics at,” Stevens said. “We show up for all the students at Klein ISD because it’s important for their educa- tion, and education is important to our society and our future.” While voters have historically sup- ported the last 10 bond referendums KISD has placed on the ballot, ocials
Voters living in Klein ISD’s boundar- ies will decide on a bond referendum May 7 comprising four propositions totaling $1.1 billion—the district’s larg- est bond package to date. At a Feb. 15 meeting, the KISD board of trustees unanimously approved a recommended proposal for the bond developed in late 2021 by a committee
CONTINUED ON 12
SWEET INSPIRATIONS
15
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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • APRIL 2022
As a mom-to-be, you have a lot of decisions to make-from choosing the right foods, to preparing for your baby’s arrival. Fortunately, St. Luke’s Health Family Birthing Centers have a whole team of specialists ready to safely guide and support you throughout your journey. Learn more at StLukesHealth.org. Frombarely showingto thebigday, we’rehere.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.
HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH
FROMKIM: Our Spring-Klein community is fortunate to have its own cultural district, which is home to The Centrum, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, the Barbara Bush Branch Library and the George H. W. Bush Community Center, which is currently under construction. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit this treasured part of our community, it’s worth the trip. Kim Giannetti, GENERALMANAGER
Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
FROMHANNAH: Local elections are just around the corner, and voters in the Spring and Klein area will be able to make their voices heard at the polls May 7. On this ballot, voters can expect to see four Klein ISD bond propositions totaling $1.1 billion. For more information on each of the propositions, see our front-page story, which continues on Page 12. Additionally, ve candidates are running for two at-large positions on the Harris County Emergency Services District No. 11 board of commissioners. For more information about each of these candidates, see Page 11. Hannah Zedaker, EDITOR
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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • APRIL 2022
SPRINGWOODS VILLAGE PKWY.
IMPACTS
SPRINGWOODS VILLAGE
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
LAKE PLAZA DR.
CITY PLAZA DR.
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OLD TOWN SPRING
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HUFSMITH KUYKENDAHL RD.
Don Agave Mexican Grill
Ori-Zaba’s Scratch Mexican Grill
COURTESY DON AGAVE MEXICAN GRILL
COURTESY ORI£ZABA’S SCRATCH MEXICAN GRILL
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NOWOPEN 1 Don Agave Mexican Grill celebrated its grand opening March 20 at 6334 FM 2920, Spring. The restaurant oers Tex- Mex staples, such as fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos and tamales as well an extensive drink menu of avored mar- garitas, mojitos, martinis and daiquiris in addition to beer and wine. 832-422-3598. www.facebook.com/donagavemexican 2 Claws Boil & Bar —located at 16000 Stuebner Airline Road, Ste. M, Spring— celebrated its grand opening March 18, according to the location’s Facebook page. The eatery oers seafood, such as fresh oysters, shrimp and crawsh. www.facebook.com/clawshtx 3 Don Tomate Meat Market opened a second location at 24026 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 150, Tomball, in early April. The business sells fresh produce and cuts
of meat as well as specialty items from Mexico and Central America, such as Hispanic candy. A bakery and taqueria is also located on-site, and home goods and other groceries are available. 281-205-1304. www.facebook.com/ dontomatekuykendahl COMING SOON 4 Fuddruckers will open a new location inside Willowbrook Mall, located at 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Houston, ocials announced in a March 14 news release. The new restaurant is one of 10 nontraditional locations slated to open in malls nationwide this year with build- outs scheduled to begin in the second quarter. According to the release, Black Titan Franchise Systems LLC recently acquired Fuddruckers, including the company’s 85 existing locations nation- wide. The eatery is known for its specialty and customizable hamburgers, and also
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BAMMEL NORTH HOUSTON RD.
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MAP NOT TO SCALE N TM; © 2022 COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Champions 15882 Champions Forest Dr. Spring, TX 77379
Spring 5211 FM 2920 Rd. Spring, TX 77388
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17505 Chaseloch, Spring, TX 77379 713.966.6246
6
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY CHRISTOPHER GOODWIN, EMILY LINCKE & HANNAH ZEDAKER
has a menu of hot dogs, chicken tenders, veggie burgers, salads and milkshakes. www.fuddruckers.com 5 Ori-Zaba’s Scratch Mexican Grill will open a new restaurant this spring at 20750 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 120, Spring. The Las Vegas-based business oers build-your-own burritos, bowls, nachos, tacos, quesadillas and salads as well as beverages, such as agua fresca and horchata. www.zabas.com RELOCATIONS 6 Aerus of Houston relocated to 8220 Louetta Road, Ste. 164, Spring, on April 1. The facility, originally located at 9560 FM 1960, Houston, sells air-purication, vacuum and laundry systems. The new location will feature ways to help customers better eliminate germs and airborne particles in either large or small spaces. 832-237-9880. www.aeruso¦ouston.com EXPANSIONS 7 Northwood Church , located at 7750 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, has begun a three-phase building expansion project with hopes of completing all three phases by 2024. According to Lead Pastor Marty Burroughs, Phase 1 will include a new sanctuary and foyer area; Phase 2 will in- clude a new nursery area for children age
5 and younger; and Phase 3 will include the new Kid’s Church area for children ages 6-11. Northwood Church holds wor- ship service on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. in its recently completed community center building, dubbed “The Four One.” 281-376-8787. www.northwoodspring.com ANNIVERSARIES 8 Little Woodrow’s marked one year since opening a location at 11241 Timber Tech Ave., Tomball, on Feb. 25. The busi- ness features both indoor and outdoor seating with an expansive patio area and oers a variety of brews at its full bar as well as on-site food trucks. Little Wood- row’s also holds a variety of monthly events at the Tomball location, such as trivia nights, movie viewings and holiday 9 Aristoi Classical Academy celebrated its 25th anniversary with a celebratory dinner and fundraiser on April 8, accord- ing to a March 4 news release. The school has more than 1,200 students enrolled in grades K-12 across three locations—an elementary and upper grade school in Katy as well as a school in the Spring/ Cypress area, located at 12332 Perry Road, Houston. According to the release, Aristoi Classical Academy is a free, public charter school that oers a curriculum that focuses on classical liberal arts. 281-391-5003. www.aristoiclassical.org celebrations. 281-516-9993. www.littlewoodrows.com
Willowbrook Plaza features 384,858 square feet of retail space and is anchored bymajor tenants, including AMC Theatres and Bed Bath &Beyond.
COURTESY MGOLD PROPERTIES
FEATURED IMPACT RENOVATION The Willowbrook Plaza shopping center will soon debut a new look following $30 million in renovations, ocials with property owner MGold Properties announced in a news release April 5. Located at 17355 Hwy. 249, Houston, Willowbrook Plaza features 384,858 square feet of retail space and is anchored by major tenants, including AMC Theatres and Bed Bath & Beyond. Miami-based developer MGold Properties purchased the shopping center in December for $37.8 million. At the time of acquisition, Willowbrook Plaza had a 22% vacancy rate.
MGold Properties has since renovated the shopping center, including fresh paint, updated landscaping and a new courtyard. Work is also underway to prepare for 10 new tenants, including new concepts like Congregate Kitchen and Panoramic Pizza as well as new locations of Mahana Fresh, Casa Nostra and Bluen Sushi.
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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • APRIL 2022
TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES TxDOT: I45 southbound bridge over Cypress Creek closed indenitely
COMPILED BY HANNAH ZEDAKER
2021 marks second-deadliest year on Texas roads in more than 80 years More than 4,480 people were killed on Texas roads in 2021, making it the second-deadliest year since the Texas Department of Transportation began tracking fatalities in 1940. According to TxDOT ocials, the in- crease in fatalities is re ective of a na- tionwide trend. An estimated 20,160 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the rst half of 2021—an increase of 18.4% from 2020. In Texas, trac fatalities were up 15% from 2020-21. In hopes of curbing the trend, TxDOT will study roadway design features that are proven to save lives while us- ing crash data to pinpoint areas where drivers are more prone to crash. DEATH TOLL ON THE RISE 2021 marked the second-deadliest year on Texas roads since 1940.
Following an emergency closure March 23, the I-45 southbound exit ramp to FM 1960 and the southbound I-45 frontage road at Cypresswood Drive and Holzwarth Road will be closed indenitely, pending the total replacement of the southbound frontage road bridge over Cypress Creek, according to Texas Depart- ment of Transportation ocials. While TxDOT ocials had already planned to begin bridge reconstruc- tion in the rst quarter of 2022, TxDOT Public Information Ocer Danny Perez said the entity would typically prefer to keep the bridge open throughout construction to maintain trac capacity. In this case, however, he said that was not an option due to safety concerns. “We’ve all seen issues in other areas in other states where we have bridge collapses, and we just always want to make sure that safety is paramount,” Perez said. While an exact construction timeline has not yet been announced, Perez said the $6.7 million project
has already been contracted out to Arandas Brothers Construction Co. and may take up to two years to com- plete. However, Perez said ocials are hoping to expedite the project. “We understand the urgency to the community,” Perez said. According to TxDOT, motorists who would typically take the I-45 southbound exit ramp to FM 1960 should instead take the I-45 south- bound exit ramp to Richey Road and then U-turn to the I-45 northbound frontage road to reach FM 1960. Meanwhile, through trac is being detoured via the I-45 southbound main lanes, and local trac is being detoured via Cypress Oak Drive. “At this time, our plan is to keep the bridge closed—thus blocking I-45 southbound frontage road trac,” Perez said. In a March 25 news release, Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said motorists must follow the recommended detour routes unless they have ocial business passing the barrels.
Bridge replacement A contract was recently awarded to Arandas Brothers Construction Co. to replace the I-45 frontage road bridge over Cypress Creek. Timeline: TBD Cost: $6.7 million Funding source: TxDOT
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1,522 : Speed related 1,219: Not wearing a seatbelt 1,739: Other
4,480 Total deaths:
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
“O-duty police ocers will be at the location to verify if you must pass the barrels to arrive to work,” the release reads. “If you attempt to pass the barrels—trac-control devices— you will be cited as it is a violation of the law.”
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF APRIL 4. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SKLNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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8
SPRING KLEIN EDITION • APRIL 2022
ENVIRONMENT BRIEFS
Flood control district breaks ground on 2 Cypress Creekwatershed projects
Newly unveiled trail segment connects four Spring-area recreation parks
MAKING CONNECTIONS A recently completed trail segment will now connect four local parks as part of the Cypress Creek Hike and Bike Trail System.
BY HANNAH ZEDAKER
BY WESLEY GARDNER
County MUD 249 and Harris County WCID 110 each own adjacent basins with a shared maintenance beam. The project will remove the beam to obtain additional volume in a combined detention basin. Upon completion, the combined basin will have an additional capac- ity of 12.2-acre feet, or 3.9 million gallons, of stormwater. stored upon completion of Project 2. SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER completion of Project 1. 12.2 acre-feet , or 3.9 million gallons of additional stormwater, will be able to be CREATING CAPACITY The Harris County Flood Control District recently broke ground on two Spring-area projects. 37 acre-feet , or 12 million gallons of stormwater, will be able to be stored upon
Harris County Flood Control District ocials broke ground March 10 on two projects in the Cypress Creek watershed. The rst project will construct a stormwater detention basin on a 6.81-acre site located north of Cypresswood Drive between I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road. According to a March 7 news release, the HCFCD contributed $777,000 toward the project with Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 249 funding $775,000. Upon completion, the basin will be able to hold 37 acre-feet, or 12 million gallons, of stormwater. The second project, located a quarter of a mile north of the rst project, is a partnership among the HCFCD, Harris County MUD 249 and Harris County Water Control & Improvement District No. 110. According to the release, Harris
A dedication ceremony for the nal trail connecting Herman Little Park to three nearby parks was hosted March 25. The new trail is a part of the Timber Lane Utility District’s expansion of the Cypress Creek Hike and Bike Trail System. The TLUD—which provides water, sewer, law enforcement and park services to 10 subdivisions in north Harris County—has funded roughly $1.65 million of the $6.8 million spent on hike-and-bike trail projects since March 2017 linking Herman Little Park to Cypress Creek Park, Timber Lane Park and Mercer Botanic Gar- dens. The remainder of the project is being funded through Harris County, Texas Parks & Wildlife and federal grants. According to TLUD Board Member Bud Gessel, the nal connector will link Herman Little Park to Cypress Creek Park with a trail passing
Parks
Hike and bike trail
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SOURCE: TIMBER LANE UTILITY DISTRICT COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
beneath the Hardy Toll Road. “This is an integral part of the east section of the Cypress Creek Greenway,” Gessel said in a state- ment. “These projects have shown that park areas can increase the property values of our neighbor- hoods and improve the health of our entire community by allowing our residents to be more active.”
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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • APRIL 2022
2022
L O C A L V O T E R G U I D E GUIDE Candidates and information for local elections
COMPILED BY HANNAH ZEDAKER
D A T E S T O K N O W April 25 First day of early voting April 26 Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) May 3 Last day of early voting
For information on where to vote in the Klein ISD bond election, visit www.harrisvotes.com. For information on where to vote in the Harris County Emergency Services District No. 11 commissioner election, visit www.esd11.com. W H E R E T O V O T E
May 7 Election day May 7 Last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 9 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
S A M P L E B A L L O T
*Incumbent
renovation, and equipment of school buildings in the district; for the purchase of the necessary sites for school buildings; for the purchase of new school buses; for the retrotting of school buses with emergency, safety, or security equipment; and for the purchase or retrotting of vehicles to be used for emergency, safety, or security purposes; and the levying of a tax sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the cost of any credit agreements executed in connection with the bonds. Proposition B The issuance of $51.51 million of bonds for the acquisition or update of district
technology equipment, including the acquisition of personal computing devices for students, teachers, and sta, and the levying of a tax sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the cost of any credit agreements executed in connection with the bonds. Proposition C The issuance of $131.325 million of bonds for the construction, acquisition, and equipment of a district events center with a seating capacity in excess of 8,000 seats for use in connection with events including indoor athletic competitions, graduations, concerts, performances, convocations, science
fairs, and robotics and career and technology exhibitions; and the levying of a tax sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the cost of any credit agreements executed in connection with the bonds. Proposition D The issuance of $75.19 million of bonds for the construction, acquisition, renovation, and equipment of district stadiums, including the construction of a new district stadium and renovations to Memorial Stadium, and the levying of a tax sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the cost of any credit agreements executed in connection with the bonds.
HARRIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 11 Commissioner
Joel Ocasio Kevin Brost* Christopher David Dorothy Dalton Zach Dunlap KLEIN ISD BOND Proposition A The issuance of $843.84 million of bonds for the construction, acquisition,
NOTE: THE TWO CANDIDATES WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VOTES WILL SERVE FOUR¢YEAR TERMS AS COMMISSIONER.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CANDIDATE Q&A
Get to know the candidates running in the election
2 0 2 2 L O C A L V O T E R G U I D E
Incumbent
COMPILED BY WESLEY GARDNER
Harris County Emergency Services District No. 11, commissioner
JOEL OCASIO
Occupation: owner of Command Communications Relevant experience: KEVIN BROST
Occupation: surgical sales Relevant experience: involved in health care since 2003, lived in ESD 11’s district for 37 years 832-422-6372 www.esd11election.com, www.facebook.com/voteesd11 To help facilitate the continued growth of ESD 11 with quality ser- vice while maintaining one of the lowest ESD tax rates in the area. Continuing a forward path already in motion to increase the number of ambulances on the road, [improve] response times and high levels of prehospital care. CHRISTOPHER DAVID
DOROTHY DALTON
ZACH DUNLAP
Occupation: paramedic Relevant
Occupation: executive assistant Relevant experience: worked in health
Occupation: paramedic and CEO of Ocasio Investments Relevant experience:
experience: 10 years of experience as a paramedic and ight paramedic www.stopthespendesd11.com
care with cancer doctors—on the corporate side—for the last 13 years www.stopthespendesd11.com
emergency medical certied for 33 years, 36 years as chief o cer of a re/EMS agency, 15 years as ESD 11 commissioner www.esd11election.com, www.facebook.com/voteesd11
current health care provider for the ESD 11 community with a background in mortgage and nance https://ocasioforesd11. nationbuilder.com
What would be your top priorities if elected?
I want to help mold the future of ESD 11 and repair the current problems within ESD 11’s commu- nication and dispatch system. We currently use Sonim cellular devic- es that re departments and EMS eld sta have reported that they cannot communicate eciently.
Continue growing the amazing new ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare service that we ... put in place just over a year ago. Continue to be overly transparent with the spend- ing of taxpayer money. ... Continue to make sure ESD 11 is providing the best medics, ... equipment, etc. for [the community].
Make the public aware of how the ESD 11 board operates and make sure this board becomes ac- countable to the taxpayers. They currently give themselves an open checkbook of taxpayer dollars. Stop the spending of millions of taxpayer dollars without putting it to vote by the taxpayers.
Provide transparency regarding the millions of dollars spent irresponsibly to create a new EMS system that has not gained the community anything at all. I will ask intelligent questions of the current EMS administration regarding their daily operations and clinical care provided. ESD 11 residents have lost access to quality clinical care they previously had. They no longer will receive blood administration if they are critically injured; they do not have access to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, ... and our citizens are in millions of dollars of debt. Accountability for the public is paramount. The EMS services are now suboptimal compared to what was oered in the past. It is unacceptable that this continues to go unchecked, partly due to there being no EMS experience on this board.
What are the biggest challenges now facing ESD 11, and how do you plan to address them?
I will shed light to the residents on the current systems being utilized by the rst responders as there was no input from the communi- ty. There is a serious disconnect between the current commission- ers and the residents of the ESD 11 community. I hope to bridge this gap as an ESD 11 commissioner.
Not letting the board be taken over by ... cronies of the former, now bankrupt, CCEMS. There were many people ... receiving very questionable contracts worth millions of dollars that would like to see things go back to the way things were. I will not allow that to happen when re-elected.
Change. Many people don’t realize the change that has taken place over the last year with the local EMS provider. Misinformation, rumors and politics have been distracting fromwhat is being accomplished. I plan to listen, ed- ucate and make the best decisions for the community.
Calling 911 and ESD 11 responding is like playing Russian roulette. We don’t know if we are going to get proper emergency care.
If elected, what will you do to ensure district residents receive optimal emergency services?
I’ll halt the current $50 million development and utilize that to increase from 10 ambulances to 30 ambulances running 24 hours. We’ll partner with the re depart- ments to decrease response times, bring back blood products and partner with Life Flight [for our] paramedic training.
I will continue to require that the ESD 11 command sta provide the commissioners all relevant performance matrices for our evaluation and continue to adjust the oversight to ensure optimal performance and monetary spending in the district.
Continue moving forward. A lot has been accomplished by a very dedicated board in a short amount of time. The community has already seen improvements in the number of ambulances on the road, response times and ecient operations. Working with the current board ... is critical.
I plan to make sure their 911 operators and EMTs are properly trained and routinely evaluated. Push to use whole blood and Life Flight services.
Answers may have been edited for length, style and clarity. Read full Q&A’s at communityimpact.com .
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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • APRIL 2022
CONTINUED FROM 1
Over the past decade, Klein ISD’s tax rate has decreased, while its taxable value has increased due to rising appraisals and new property districtwide. FOLLOWING THE MONEY
growth over the last ve years of at least 10%, or a net increase of 3,400 or more students, according to the Fast Growth School Coalition. FGSC Executive Director Greg Smith said bonds are particularly important for fast-growing districts because new facilities and other capital projects can only be funded through a school district’s interest and sinking tax rate; the maintenance and operations tax rate can only be used to fund day-to- day operations, such as salaries and school supplies. “[There] are some things you can handle within your … maintenance and operations budget, but there are certain things you can’t handle [with that budget] if you’re a fast-growing school district,” Smith said. Since KISD’s last bond in 2015, the district has grown by nearly 11% to more than 54,200 students in the 2021-22 school year. KISD is the 16th-largest school district in Texas. According to Robert Robertson, KISD associate superintendent of facility and school services, through the district’s last three bond programs—which totaled $224 million in 2004, $646.9 million in 2008 and $498.1 million in 2015—KISD has built 20 new campuses, including two campus rebuilds, and four districtwide support facilities. McGown said the district’s original long-range plan when preparing the 2015 bond was to hold another bond election in 2020. “Of course, nobody could have imag- ined what the world would be like in 2020, and so, thankfully, through the collective e orts of our district and our community working in partnership, we were able to really manage the 2015 bond program so that we could extend it a bit,” McGown said. “But certainly,
taxes will increase. In compliance, KISD has four prop- ositions on the ballot—one general purpose and three special purpose. Proposition A—an $843.8 million general-purpose proposition—aims to address growth and capacity chal- lenges with the construction of Inter- mediate School No. 11 and classroom additions at Klein Cain and Klein Oak high schools. Superintendent Jenny McGown noted ocials are consid- ering two district-owned sites for the campus—either near Bernhausen or Fox elementary schools. Also included in Proposition A are safety and security improvements; the purchase of new school buses; upgraded academic, arts and athletic spaces; and the comprehensive mod- ernization of eight aging campuses. “One thing I’m very proud of is that the volunteer bond steering com- mittee that put this bond proposal together really was passionate about making sure that every student in every school in every part of our dis- trict is going to benet from all four propositions,” McGown said. Among the special-purpose propo- sitions, Proposition B would allocate $51.5 million for classroom technol- ogy, while Proposition C would allot $131.3million to build a district events center. Proposition D would allot $75.2 million to build a sec- ond stadium and renovate Klein Memorial Stadium. If approved, the new district events center and stadium would be built on district-owned land adjacent to the Klein Multipurpose Center. Fast-growth district KISD is one of nearly 70 districts statewide identied as a fast-growth district—a district with enrollment
Maintenance and operations tax rate:
Interest and sinking tax rate:
A portion of a local school district’s tax rate that raises revenue to be used to operate and maintain the district’s schools.
The part of the tax rate used by districts to pay for voter-approved bonded indebtedness, usually construction of facilities.
KLEIN ISD HISTORICAL TAX RATES PER $100 VALUATION
$0
$0.25
$0.50
$0.75
$1
$1.25
$1.50
$0.35 $0.37 $0.39 $0.39
$1.04 $1.04 $1.04 $1.04 $1.06 $0.97
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
$0.37
2018-19
2019-20
$0.39 $0.38
$0.9573 $0.9201
2020-21
$0.38
2021-22
$1.30*
2022-23* 2023-24*
$1.33*
*ESTIMATED TAX RATE IF ALL FOUR PROPOSITIONS PASS; THE M&O TAX RATE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED AS IT IS SET BY THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY AND KLEIN ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES ANNUALLY.
The passage of all four bond propositions could result in a tax rate increase of $0.03 per $100 of valuation, or about $69 more per year in property taxes for an average Klein ISD home valued at $255,000 .
Klein ISD’s taxable value— calculated by the Harris County Appraisal District—is anticipated to increase to $27.4 billion by 2024; the district’s taxable value in 2015 was $17.6 billion .
SOURCES: KLEIN ISD, HARRIS COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
said recent changes made to the bond process by the Texas Legislature may pose new challenges for the 2022 propositions. The bond may also result in a property tax rate increase. Proposition breakdown Following the conclusion of the
86th Texas Legislature in 2019, sev- eral changes were made to the Texas Education Code that a ect school district bonds. Districts are now required to separate projects into general-purpose and special-purpose propositions as well as include ballot language notifying voters if property
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2 0 2 2 L O C A L V O T E R G U I D E
Klein ISD is one of nearly 70 school districts statewide that have been identied as a fast-growth school district. KISD’s enrollment has increased by more than 5,300 students since the passage of the district’s last bond referendum in 2014-15. ENROLLMENT ON THE RISE
rate by $0.09. Spring First Church Executive Pastor David Hogan, who led the election’s opposition in 2018 through his organization It’s OK to Vote NO, Klein ISD, said he is likewise against the 2022 bond. “We’re not opposing education; we’re opposing higher property taxes,” Hogan said. “I’m not unsym- pathetic to what the district says because the way the [school funding] system works in Texas is stupid. ... But their issue needs to be taken up with the state Legislature, not just put on the backs of taxpayers.” However, ocials said the pro- jected increase would keep the KISD’s tax rate lower than it was in 2021 and $0.10 lower than in 2014. District ocials also noted KISD has historically kept the tax rate under projected increases. In 2015, KISD voters authorized a $0.099 increase, while the rate increased by $0.04. Similarly, in 2008 voters authorized a $0.26 increase, and the rate rose by $0.18. In 2004, KISD voters autho- rized a $0.07 increase, and the tax rate did not increase at all. “We have been conservative in our
projections on value growth, [so] if value growth does come in stronger, … the tax rate wouldn’t have to go up as much,” Chief Financial Ocer Dan Schaefer said. Schaefer also noted low interest rates as a factor in the timing of the 2022 bond. KISDwas able to save $70million in interest through its last ve renanc- ings, which allowed the 2015 bond to stretch beyond its original capacity. McGown said she believes investing in school districts is vital to maintain- ing neighboring property values. “I think there’s many examples of how having a quality public school system in a community helps to pro- tect property values, and for most people, that’s their most valuable asset,” she said. “We’re really proud to be able to provide all of our students in Klein ISD an excellent education and then, connected to that, help pro- tect property values in our district.” Maegan Kirby contributed to this report.
KLEIN ISD STUDENT ENROLLMENT
60,000
55,432*
55,000
48,912
50,000
45,000
Projected enrollment change from 2014-24: +13.33%
0
SOURCE: KLEIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
*PROJECTED
here we are now in 2022, and the needs that were forecasted that we would have in 2020 are here and have been here for some time.” Dollars and cents According to district ocials, the passage of all four bond propositions could result in a tax rate increase of $0.03 per $100 of valuation. In 2021, the average KISD home was valued
at $255,000, according to the Har- ris County Appraisal District. Based on this gure, the tax rate increase would equal about $69 more per year in property taxes for an average KISD homeowner, district ocials said. The last time KISD voters were pre- sented with a tax rate increase in a 2018 tax ratication election, voters rejected the proposition, which would have raised the district’s property tax
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
DINING FEATURE Sweet Inspirations Tea Room, Cafe andGifts Spring shop oers quaint space for gathering A bounty of brews are in store for customers at Sweet Inspirations Tea Room, Cafe runs in the family: Her brothers and sisters have also sold antiques, and she ran an antiques shop prior to opening Sweet Inspirations. BY EMILY LINCKE
TEA TO TRY Sweet Inspirations serves hot and iced tea from local company Tea in Texas for $4.95-$6.95 per teapot. Alamo Apricot: black tea blend with dried apricots and sun ower petals Texas Summer: green tea with dried white hibiscus, roses, peach pieces and marigold blossoms Midnight Cowgirl: caeine-free chamomile tea with rosehips and peppermint
and Gifts in Spring, which oers an array of teas poured from whimsical teapots and served in intricately decorated teacups. The cafe serves a variety of teas sourced from local company Tea in Texas as well as pastries and food items made in house. Owner Tami Zimmerman said before opening the cafe in April 2021, she had always dreamed of cultivating an environ- ment like her shop. “I wanted something quaint,” Zim- merman said. “Where people could come and bring their friends or their family and … just enjoy the time.” Zimmerman has more than 38 years of experience owning and managing businesses in the food industry, she said, which helped her prepare for this venture. It was not until a company she was working for had mass layos that she felt it was time to take the plunge. “It’s been a dream for years, but when you are gainfully employed and have a good job with good benets, you don’t just leave that,” Zimmerman said. “Once I was not working, I thought, ‘You know what, maybe this is a sign that it’s time to pursue the dream.’” The shop is also lled with antiques and home decor items, which are available for sale. Zimmer- man said her love of historical items
To pair with the teas, Sweet Inspira- tions has a full food menu of brunch and lunch items, such as soups, sandwiches, salads, quiche, “take-n- bake” casseroles and sweet treats. “I wanted the menu to be simple enough but still have enough items to cover [everybody],” Zimmerman said. Zimmerman runs the store with the help of Manager Manuel Calderon, who is involved with the day-to-day operations of the store. With the business’s rst anniver- sary approaching, Zimmerman said looking back, the biggest challenge was opening during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and tackling the delays that came with it. Despite the obstacles, however, Zimmerman has savored many sweet moments at her shop, she said, with some of her favorite being able to share in customers’ milestones. The cafe regularly hosts events such as baby showers, bridal showers and birthday parties, which customers can book in advance. “I think some of the proudest moments that I see [are when] these people come in and do their big baby showers or bridal showers, whatever they’re doing, to see how they turn out and know that people left happy with their experience here,” Zimmer- man said.
Tami Zimmerman opened Sweet Inspirations Tea Room, Cafe and Gifts in Spring in 2021.
EMILY LINCKECOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
4 DISHES TO TRY
Tea RoomSampler ($12.95): Quiche is served with soup and a choice of chicken or pasta salad.
Desserts ($4.95-$5.99): Brownies, oatmeal caramelitas, lemon bars and pecan pie bars are available.
COURTESY SWEET INSPIRATIONS
COURTESY SWEET INSPIRATIONS
Sweet Inspirations Tea Room, Cafe andGifts 6054 FM 2920, Spring 346-351-2144 www.mysweetestinspiration.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sun. Soup and Sandwich Combo ($11.95): A turkey and cheese or a ham and cheese sandwich is served with soup. COURTESY SWEET INSPIRATIONS
Patrons can pick froma variety of hot or iced teas ($4.95-$6.95perpot) to enjoywith a freshlymade scone ($2.95) . EMILY LINCKECOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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SPRING KLEIN EDITION • APRIL 2022
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