Cy-Fair - Jersey Village Edition | August 2025

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Cy-Fair Jersey Village Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 12 AUG. 14SEPT. 11, 2025

2025 Education Edition

More Cy-Fair parents picking private, charter schools

BY SARAH BRAGER

Students are increasingly transferring out of Cy-Fair ISD to pursue other education options, such as char- ters, private schools and homeschooling, according to a report presented to the district in April. CFISD has seen a 59.1% increase in students leaving the district to enroll in charter schools since fall 2017, according to an analysis conducted this year by data consulting rm Population and Survey Analysts. More students are also leaving the district to pursue virtual learning and other districts, the report found. Many factors go into district enrollment changes, PASA President Stacey Tepera said, but one trend has been consistent at the state and national levels: parents now have more choice when it comes to their child’s education, and are taking advantage of it. “[Parents] want more opportunity than just being zoned to their local school district,” said John McLendon, chief of schools for charter district Bob Hope Schools, which is opening a Cy-Fair campus in August. “School choice is very much a topic of national conversation; it’s not just going on in this state.”

CONTINUED ON 12

Harmony Science Academy-Cypress

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Also in this issue

Impacts Page 6 See what sweet and savory recipes Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café is cooking up in Bridgeland Page 9 Read how Cy-Fair ISD is bringing back bus routes for all students after cuts in 2024 Education

Harmony Science Academy student Athena B. attends music class at the Cypress campus. Harmony’s Cy-Fair campuses have seen more applications in the last ve years, said Vivien Pham, principal at the new Bridgeland campus.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

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.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Roo Moody Tomer Ronen Nichaela Shaheen Haley Velasco Kevin Vu Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

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Impacts

oers play-based learning and development classes, including gym, art, music and dance. Activities are designed for children ages 3 months to 5 years old. • Opened June 28

P R I N G C Y

• 24310 Hwy. 290, Ste. 200, Cypress • www.rompnroll.com/cypress-tx

L O U E T T

4 SafeSplash Swim School SafeSplash Swim School oers swimming lessons for all ages and abilities including group lessons, private lessons and semiprivate lessons. • Opened July 12, grand opening Aug. 9 • 20931 Tuckerton Road, Cypress • www.safesplash.com 5 The Humeister Reserve Urban Edge, a community developer, held a grand opening for its newest neighborhood in June. The Humeister Reserve oers custom homes in the Cypress area. Buyers can design a custom home ranging from the $300,000-$600,000 price range. • Opened June 7 • 12302 Huffmesiter Road, Cypress • www.urbanedgetx.com 6 Crust Pizza Co-owner Dennis Solari said he and Nel Solari opened a new Crust pizza location in the Cypress area in June. Crust is a franchise with 40 locations with several coming soon and 33 locations currently open. • Opened June 26 • 22219 FM 529, Katy • www.crustpizzaco.com 7 Good Friend Theatre ComedySportz owner Benji Cooksey said the comedy theater rebranded and relocated to the Good Friend Theatre on July 19. ComedySportz was formerly located downtown at 2201 Preston Street, Houston. • Opened July 19

249

N. BRIDGELAND LAKE PKWY.

MIL

99 TOLL

BRIDGELAND CREEK PKWY.

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SUMMIT POINT CR.

CYPRESS N. HOUSTON RD.

290

A L

FRY RD.

GREENHOUSE RD.

STEEPLE WAY BLVD.

ELYSON EXCHANGE WAY

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7 16

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Assisting Hands Cypress Assisting Hands in Cypress opened its newest location in May, offering a variety of in-home healthcare services for seniors. Services offered include hospice care, dementia care and household assistance. • Opened May 14 • 12262 Queenston Blvd., Ste G, Houston • www.assistinghands.com 3 Romp N’ Roll Romp n’ Roll children’s gym celebrated its grand opening in Cypress at the end of June. The franchise

Now open

1 Seafood Central Seafood Central owner John Huynh said the seafood market is now selling jumbo shrimp, sh, oysters and crabs. Seafood Central oers wholesale services, custom orders and delivery services, according to the website. • Opened June 7 • 20611 FM 529, Ste. 106, Cypress • www.seafoodcentraltx.com

• 8301 Jones Road, Ste. 160, Houston • www.comedysportzhouston.com

8 British Swim School British Swim School oers water acclimation, water survival and stroke development lessons for all ages

KIDS AROUND OUR COMMUNITY ARE HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL. SHARE THE ROAD AND DO YOUR PART TO KEEP THEM SAFE.

CONNECT WITH US! @CYFAIRFD . #CYFAIRFD • Bus routes and traffic patterns will be changing— Allow extra travel time and drive slowly in school zones, near bus stops, and in residential areas. • Stay alert for students— Some walk to and from school or to and from a bus stop. Pay close attention, especially between 6:30-9:00 a.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. • Don’t drive distracted— Put the phone down. A second of distraction could mean a child’s life.

MOST ACCIDENTS HAPPEN WHEN CHILDREN ARE NOT INSIDE A VEHICLE.

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

and abilities as well as a noncompetitive swim team for year-round skill development. • Opened July 7 • 12304 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.britishswimschool.com 9 Gelato & Co. The new location is owned by Javier Farinez and oers authentic Italian gelato, artisan coee, homemade pastries, desserts, popsicles and milkshakes as well as gelato catering services. • Opened Aug. 2 • 20115 Bridgeland Creek Parkway, Ste. 103, Cypress • www.gelatoeco.com 10 Village on the Park Senior living community Village on the Park Steeplechase celebrated its grand opening Aug. 7 following a year of renovations. The facility has been in the Cy-Fair area for over 20 years and recently revamped its independent living cottages. • Opened Aug. 7 • 12102 Steeple Way Blvd., Houston • 409-600-1645

• www.asherlivingtx.com

Now open

13 Callahan’s Callahan’s, a locally owned boutique, is set to open in Bridgeland this summer. The store oers apparel, accessories, home goods and gifts for people of all ages, owner Sydnee Gee said. • Opening in August • 10539 Fry Road, Ste. 300, Cypress • Instagram: shopatcallahans 14 MilkShake Factory With several locations nationwide, MilkShake Factory oers signature shakes made with the brands homemade ice cream. Guests can also enjoy nondairy shake options. • Opening early 2026 • 7040 Elyson Exchange Way, Ste. E-100, Cypress • www.milkshakefactory.com 15 Peak Health and Aesthetics Owned by Amy Calder, Peak Health and Aesthetics o¢cials said the health spa has plans to expand with a second location in Cypress and open by the fall. Services oered include replacement hormone therapy, IV drips, medical weight loss and sports nutrition, per the company website. • Opening fall 2025 • 9818 Fry Road, Ste 170, Cypress • www.peakhealthtexas.com

17 Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café o¢cials opened a new Cypress location in July that specializes in sweet and savory crepes, wa£es, salads, hot drinks and sandwiches. The new eatery is part of Village Green at Bridgeland Central. Guests can choose from sweet crepe options such as berry agave, dulce de leche and cookie butter; or savory crepes such as chicken alfredo and chicken carbonara. • Opened July 14 • 20240 Summit Point Crossing, Ste. 150, Cypress • www.sweetparis.com

Coming soon

11 Clutch & Win Clutch & Win will bring over 40 claw machines and several gashapon capsule machines to Cypress, co- owners Jennifer Bui & Mai Vo conrmed. The arcade will be lled with prizes oered on a point-based system for rare plushies, toys and collectible items. • Opening in August • 25414 Hwy. 290, Ste. C-3, Cypress • Instagram: Clutch & Win 12 Asher at Towne Lakes Caldwell Companies o¢cials said Asher at Towne Lake is now preleasing in Cypress ahead of the grand opening. The development features 328 apartment homes ranging from one- to three-bedroom apartments. Monthly lease rates will range from $1,600-$3,100, o¢cials said. • Opening Aug. 23 • 12700 Greenhouse Road, Cypress

Relocations

Closings

16 Planetary Cycles Planetary Cycles owner Adam Potter said the bike shop has relocated to another space in Jersey Village to oer a more engaging layout. Founded in 1994, Potter said Planetary Cycles has relocated several times and grown from a 1,000-square-foot business to a 9,000-square- foot business. • Relocated July 9 • 8301 Jones Road, Ste. 110, Houston • www.planetarycycles.com

18 Koala Kolache Owner Vatsana Souvannavong announced the closing of her shop in July. She said the path ahead will still involve her love for baking, except in an online format. Her new online bakery website, under the name Vatsie’s Bakery Box, is still under construction. She said customers can expect the online launch to take place in September. • Closed July 6 • 14502 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. 300, Cypress • www.enjoykoalakolache.com

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Education

BY SARAH BRAGER

Education Edition

2025

Welcome to Community Impact’s 2025 Education Edition! Cy-Fair ISD is undergoing signicant shifts as it responds to community needs and evolving educational trends. The district has experienced a notable 59.1% increase in student transfers to local private and charter schools, highlighting growing competition and prompting district leaders to reevaluate strategies to retain and support families. In a move to better serve its student population, CFISD is reinstating bus routes that were cut last year, restoring transportation for nearly 12,000 students who previously lacked reliable access to school—an important step toward equity and accessibility. At the same time, Cy-Fair ISD is embracing innovation and career readiness. The district is using newly-invested state funds to expand its career and technical education (CTE) programs, oering students more pathways beyond traditional college degrees. Finally, this guide also includes a timely Q&A with Professor Meng Li, founding director of the Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute at the University of Houston, who discusses the increasing role of AI tools in education.

What's inside

Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute Director Meng Li talks AI use in schools (Page 10)

Angie Thomas General Manager athomas@ communityimpact.com

Learn about Cy-Fair’s ISD increase in career, technical readiness programs (Page 14)

See how Cypress Winds Community Band is promoting music education (Page 17)

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ENROLL YOUR CHILD at CFISD.NET

Cy-Fair ISD brings back cut bus routes for students in August

All Cy-Fair ISD students will have access to buses for the 2025-26 school year after the board of trustees voted June 23 to reinstate bus routes. Exact routes will be released to the public in the beginning of August, district o cials said. How we got here The district allocated $4.1 million for transpor- tation in its $1.2 billion budget for the upcoming scal year. The decision follows a year of backlash after the district cut over 70 routes for scal year 2024-25 to manage its budget shortfall. The impact Approximately 33,000 students were notied last summer that they were ineligible for bus services, CFISD Chief Financial O cer Karen Smith said. However, she said actual ridership only decreased by about 12,000 students because not all students who are eligible for bus services use them.

Cy-Fair ISD bus routes changes CFISD has 628 bus drivers on sta and 46 in training as of July 9. Regular buses

Special education buses

600

200 150 100

400

200

SOURCE: CYFAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

voted to approve the bus route cuts, said at the June 23 board meeting she regrets the decision. CFISD also received several reports of auto pedes- trian accidents involving students last school year. “I have to sit here and apologize to the public because it wasn’t a good decision to keep children unsafe on their way to school,” she said.

Jarred Hostetler said his 11-year-old daughter had to walk almost 2 miles to and from school. “It didn’t seem like anyone was really looking out for the safety of our children, so that’s when I decided that we had to really push to get the buses back,” Hostetler said. Trustee Natalie Blasingame, who originally

CYFAIR JERSEY VILLAGE EDITION

Education

BY DIEGO COLLAZO

University of Houston Professor Meng Li talks AI use in schools Since its release in 2022, generative articial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have given stu- dents access to technology that can complete tasks and assignments with a simple prompt, sparking discussions on AI’s place in the classroom. Community Impact spoke with Meng Li, founder and director of the Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute at the University of Houston, to discuss the role of AI in academia. Have you seen students using AI tools in the classroom, and has it become a problem? Of course, within the classroom and also out- side the classroom. Students are young; they’re quick. They adopted AI tools, so of course that’s happening. It really depends on the context. I think the

reality is we cannot ignore AI. Students are using it, so we cannot let them not use AI. I think when ChatGPT rst came out, schools restricted students from using it, but it’s not happening anymore. People are more welcoming of AI for students. I think the bigger question is how to best use AI in the classroom, or how to help our students learn based on these AI tools. What might the early stages of integrating AI into education look like? We need to dene what AI tools are appropriate, how to structure learning around them and how to adopt them in meaningful ways. It will take time. We’re still at the beginning of this transformation. What role do schools and educators play when it comes to AI? I think a lot of university schools are developing AI policies. Train the professors, educators, teachers to learn how to use AI in their classroom or at least understand it. I think that’s important, and schools should do it. It is a very tough task because this AI scene is developing quite fast.

This interview was edited for space, see the full interview at communityimpact.com .

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Education

BY SARAH BRAGER

Former teacher Catherine Labuda never thought she’d hear a child beg to take another math test. Now, as a co-owner of three math tutoring centers across Cy-Fair, she said she hears this all the time. “With little kids, we’ll do a numerical uency test, and we play games with them,” she explained. “We make it fun so that they enjoy it.” How we got here Catherine Labuda and her husband, John, invested in their rst Mathnasium center—a math tutoring franchise—when they moved to Texas 15 years ago. The couple, who met in a university math class, knew they wanted to have a broader reach in Cy-Fair and opened two more locations by 2014. John Labuda said one of the most rewarding parts of the job is watching students grow into their con dence as their grades shift from Ds to As. “I have parents come up to me and say, ‘Not only have my son’s math grades improved, but all his grades have improved,’ just because of the con - dence,” he said. Mathnasium tutors teach second-grade math through precalculus, which students usually take their junior year of high school, with curriculum customized for each student. The Labudas said Mathnasium also focuses on creative incentivization, rewarding students with prizes when they take an assessment. The local impact The Labudas own Mathnasium centers in Cy-Fair, Copper eld and Lakewood, with about 250 students and 30 employees across the three locations. John Labuda said they’ve served almost 3,000 students since their rst center opened in 2010. Reecting on 15 years in the community, the couple said they’ve been able to grow alongside the students themselves. Some students, who John Labuda calls “lifers,” started going to the Cy-Fair center in elementary school and stayed through high school. A few of them have even applied to be tutors, he said, creating a true full-circle experience. “We’ve had a lot of instructors who have decided to become math teachers because of the positive experience they’ve had here,” he said. The future Catherine Labuda said she hopes to keep demon- strating that anyone can be a “math person.” Basic math sense is crucial in all aspects of life, the couple explained, noting that fewer kids in recent years are able to do simple calculations in their head. Mathnasium celebrates 15 years in Cy-Fair

Students sit at tables based on their math level, so ages vary across the classroom.

PHOTOS BY SARAH BRAGERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

A Mathnasium tutor works through a problem set on July 8 with the students at his table.

Each student uses a workbook that’s personalized to their math level.

Even as teaching becomes more digital, John Labuda said they will continue to have students write out their work because the physical process aids retention and comprehension. “It’s important to engage with the whole person,” Catherine Labuda said. “Parents want the children to have worksheets to do at home, and that’s not what my message is. They want time with [their parents], and if you play games with them, they’re going to be engaging with all their senses.”

529

17310 FM 529, Ste. 102, Houston www.mathnasium.com

CYFAIR JERSEY VILLAGE EDITION

More Cy-Fair parents picking private, charter schools From the cover

Diving deeper

What’s happening

Harmony Science Academy-Bridgeland will also welcome its inaugural group of students in August. Principal Vivien Pham said the Bridgeland community was an attractive choice for Harmony’s expansion because of rapid development near the Grand Parkway. Harmony has ve other campuses within CFISD boundaries, which Pham said have seen higher demand in the last ve years. According to Texas Education Agency student transfer reports, virtual alternatives for students transferring out of CFISD in 2024-25 included online learning through Texas universities, such as The University of Texas at Austin and Texas Tech University. Cy-Fair enrollment in virtual programs increased after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Charter schools are free, publicly funded schools separate from traditional independent school districts, meaning they have more exibility in their curriculum and teaching methods. At least 20 charter schools have opened in the Greater Houston area since 2019, six of which fall within CFISD boundaries. Texas charter districts Bob Hope School and Harmony Public Schools are each opening a campus in Cy-Fair this fall with about 520 students and 650 students, respectively. McLendon said Bob Hope School conducted demographic surveys before settling on its campus at the former Cypress Christian School facility. The district considered factors such as language spo- ken at home and household income, McLendon said, as the charter district has historically served bilingual and low-income students.

According to the PASA analysis, CFISD is expected to see a 1.1% enrollment dip by 2034. That’s a projected net loss of about 1,300 students, factoring in students who transfer into the district and start kindergarten each year. Birth rates have also declined since 2020, the report found, meaning fewer kids are expected to enter the district over the next few years. Chief Operations Ocer Matt Morgan said a 1% decline in enrollment equals a $7.3 million decrease in state funding for CFISD. The district built its Fiscal Year 2025- 26 budget with the 1% decline in mind, Morgan said, noting that enrollment is projected to trend at in the future. “Since declines in enrollment impact state funding, any decline in enrollment is a concern,” Morgan said. “A decrease in funding can impact programs and future pay raises.” Tepera said she believes the enrollment decline was inevitable. She told the board of trustees in April that the district is entering a stabilization phase, meaning demographics are naturally stabilizing after years of rapid growth. This is in part because development is tapering as projects nish, she said.

Mapping private, charter school growth Charter schools Private schools c p

Opened before 2000

Opened 2000-2009

Opened 2010-2019

Opened after 2019

Cy-Fair ISD

SPRING CYPRESS RD.

290

1960

Harmony Science Academy- Bridgeland

Student transfers out of Cy-Fair ISD over time

c c

Bob Hope School - Cy-Fair

249

8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0

529

+64.58%

Bob Hope School - Cy-Fair

SOURCE: LOCAL CHARTER AND PRIVATE SCHOOLSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

610

Public input

Breakdown of 202324 transfers

“We’ve always been very supportive of the pub- lic school system,” said Delp, who attended CFISD schools. “But we had always said we are willing to do whatever was best for each of our kids.” Delp said she would consider re-enrolling her kids in CFISD if schools oered more time for students to play outside and freely interact with their peers throughout the day, calling play a “pivotal” part of education.

Local parent Sarah Delp transferred all four of her children out of CFISD schools and into the Aristoi Classical Academy charter school for the upcoming school year. She said she was concerned about the conse- quences of computer-based learning and wanted to switch her kids to a more traditional liberal arts education. Delp also cited CFISD’s library sta cuts in June 2024 as a factor in her decision.

Charter schools: 52.5% Private schools: 30.7% Other school districts: 9.4% Virtual schools: 7.2%

NOTE: NUMBERS MAY NOT ADD UP TO 100% DUE TO ROUNDING OF DATA

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SARAH BRAGER

Quotes of note

Also of note

Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2 into law in May, allowing eligible families to access public dollars in the form of “education savings accounts” for private school tuition. Families can receive about $10,000 per child to enroll in private schools. Laura Colangelo, executive director of the Texas Private Schools Association, said it’s unclear exactly how the law will impact CFISD enrollment. An estimated 70,000 to 80,000 students statewide may receive funding from an ESA in 2026-27, Colangelo said, depending on special needs and homeschooled applicants. “We can’t predict how many parents from [Cy Fair] will apply to ESAs, but private schools are not expecting a huge inux,” said Colangelo, who lobbied in favor of SB 2. “It will aect some students, ... but it will not create a mass exodus from public schools.”

Senate Bill 2 explained $13,995 average annual private school tuition in Texas 3,064 students residing in CFISD who attended private school in 2023-24 $1 billion cap on state voucher spending for 2026-27 85% of per-student funding a public school normally receives from state will go to parents $30,000 is the max funding a student with a disability may receive to attend private school $160,000 is the maximum income for a family of four with a special needs child to receive rst priority on vouchers

“Public schools are the backbone of our communities. We serve all students, regardless of background,

income or ability.” TONYA GOREE, CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER, CFISD

“[Parents] may think their kid isn’t being challenged enough, [or]

they want their kid to have access to a dual language program or Montessori program free of charge.” JOHN MCLENDON, CHIEF OF SCHOOLS, BOB HOPE SCHOOLS

SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE, PRIVATE SCHOOL REVIEWCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Cy-Fair Educational Foundation

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CYFAIR JERSEY VILLAGE EDITION

Education

Cy-Fair ISD sees increases in career, technical readiness programs

A closer look

Goree said the health science program in partic- ular is experiencing notable growth and demand, both within CFISD and across Texas, citing high demand and wages in the health care industry statewide. Industry certications within this career cluster include: • Certied nurse aide • Emergency medicine technician, basic • Pharmacy technician • Registered dental assistant • Patient care technician On the other hand, Goree said, the district has seen a temporary decline in interest in hospitality related programs in association with lower wages. “Increased student interest in practical, career-focused education plays a key role, espe- cially as alternatives to traditional college paths gain value,” Goree said.

Enrollment in career and technical education programs in Cy-Fair ISD has increased by almost 3,000 students in the last six years, according to annual district data. In the 2024- 25 school year, 40,000 students across the district were enrolled in CTE courses. Chief Academic Ocer Tonya Goree said this is in part because high school students are taking advantage of the chance to obtain industry recognized certications at a lower cost, which allow them to enter the work force right after graduation. For example, the average cost of a post- secondary cosmetology program ranges from $13,000 to $20,000, Goree said, but CFISD students can complete the training for free with exception of the nal exam cost.

Cy-Fair ISD enrollment in career, technical programs over time 50,000

+7.31%

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

SOURCE: CYFAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SARAH BRAGER & EMILY LINCKE

About the program

Zooming out

Gov. Greg Abbott pushed for expansion of statewide CTE programs during the 89th legislative session and in February listed high school career training as an emergency item. While CFISD has not historically struggled with CTE funding due to high enrollment, the additional support is always benecial, Goree said. CFISD Chief Financial Ocer Karen Smith said funding increases associated with the two pieces of legislation were funneled through House Bill 2, which gave a funding boost to public schools across the board, including CTE programs. According to a December 2024 report from the Texas Workforce Commission, the two industries projected to have the most high-wage and high-demand jobs are professional, scientic and technical services, as well as health care and social assistance.

CFISD oers over 30 programs of study, including:

The Texas Legislature passed House Bills 20 and 120, which expand college and career readiness programs in public schools. The legislation also established that Junior ROTC courses are eligible for CTE funding. The estimated CTE funding increase from HB 2 for the district is $1.2 million for FY 2025-26, Smith said, which came from the boost to basic allotment funding. Smith said HB 2 included funding increases for reimbursement of two certication exams per student and to cover items like criminal background checks. Legislators set a statewide cap at $20 million, but per-district funding is unknown as of press time.

Animal science

Automotive technician

Business management

Cosmetology

Culinary

Environmental and natural resources

Health science

Robotics engineering and manufacturing

Welding

Changing t

SOURCE: CYFAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Changing the future

CY FAIR JERSEY VILLAGE EDITION

Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas schools to see $8.4B funding boost

Zooming in

said in May, noting that lawmakers previously gave educators one-time “bonuses.” HB 2 also includes a $55 increase to the base amount of per-student funding schools receive from the state. Districts can use these funds, known as the basic allotment, for a variety of needs, including purchasing classroom materials, renovating facilities and paying teachers or sta. Some school leaders requested a roughly $1,300 basic allotment increase to help schools keep up with inationary costs. “When we’ve raised the basic allotment only, … we haven’t seen those dollars always driven to the classroom,” Creighton said July 21. “We made sure with our new allotments, that we achieve targeted strategies towards what will increase student out- comes and academics and what will also reward and protect our teachers.”

Sen. Brandon Creighton, RConroe, who spon- sored HB 2 in the Senate, told Community Impact July 21 that lawmakers changed “the budget architecture for how public schools are funded going forward.” HB 2 provides permanent raises for teachers with at least three years of classroom experience, with larger raises for teachers in small districts. In districts with 5,000 students or less, teachers with three to four years of experience will receive a $4,000 raise , while those with at least ve years of experience will receive an $8,000 boost . In districts with over 5,000 students, educators with three to four years of experience will get a $2,500 raise , and more experienced teachers will earn a $5,000 raise . “For the rst time in Texas history, that pay raise will continue beyond this biennium,” Creighton

Over the next two years, Texas’ nearly 9,000 public schools will receive about $8.4 billion in new funding after Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2 in June. Nearly half of that funding will be spent on raises for educators and support staff, such as bus drivers, janitors and librarians. State lawmakers estimated in May that schools will receive “north of $17,700” per student under the school funding package—up from about $15,503 in the 2022-23 school year, according to Texas Education Agency data. The funding increase comes as some school Texas districts across Community Impact’s coverage areas grapple with growing budget shortfalls, leading some districts to consider closing campuses, cutting staff and slashing elective courses. Over a dozen school associations and advocacy groups praised lawmakers’ work on HB 2 after it was sent to the governor in late May, noting that the legislation would provide a “lifeline” to cash-strapped schools.

The breakdown

HB 2 gives schools approximately:

$3.7B for teacher pay raises

$430M for school safety

$1.3B for xed costs, such as transportation and insurance $850M for special education resources and evaluations

$243M for state-owned instructional materials $200M for teacher preparation and certication

“Texas is No. 1 in so many categories. Texas should be No. 1 in educating our children.” GOV. GREG ABBOTT

$500M for raises for support stu, including bus drivers and librarians

$153M for career and technical education

The bill also includes a $55 increase to the base per- student funding schools receive, known as the basic allotment.

$433M for early literacy and numeracy

SOURCES: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE, RAISE YOUR HAND TEXASCOMMUNITY IMPACT

One more thing

Texas’ school funding system

create these guardrails around this money,” Rombado told Community Impact July 18. He said a larger basic allotment increase would have given Texas public schools “the most exible funding,” because that money can be used for a variety of purposes. “Having the autonomy to pivot and invest money that [districts] have been given allows them to adapt to changing times a little more eciently,” Rombado said.

Max Rombado, the legislative director for the public school advocacy organization Raise Your Hand Texas, said creating targeted funding allotments can be complicated in a state as large and diverse as Texas. “While the impact may generally be positive, there are a variety of complexities and dierences between school districts that might create challenges when you

Federal funding: $2,688

State funding: $5,021 Local property tax revenue: $7,793

The average school district received about $15,502 in the 2022-23 school year.

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, RAISE YOUR HAND TEXASCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Cypress band promotes music education Founded in 2024 to promote professional devel- opment and community engagement through music, the Cypress Winds Community Band is composed of over 70 music educators from Cy-Fair ISD and the surrounding area. The inspiration The community band idea was brought in by Rowe Middle School music directors who partici- pated in a community band concert in Austin. “The thing that happens when you become a teacher is all of a sudden the day-to-day changes, because you’re not playing your instrument, you’re teaching other people to play,” Cypress Winds Director Todd Clearwater said. The impact Clearwater and co-director Tom Harrington said the ensemble oers a creative and inspiring

Cypress Wind Community Band was founded in 2024 to promote music education.

PHOTOS COURTESY CYPRESS WINDS COMMUNITY BAND

environment for musicians passionate about performing wind band literature while providing students with the opportunity to see their teachers perform. Performances take place starting in December and continue through May with various themed performances. Clearwater said Cypress Winds is in the process of becoming a nonprot organization to fund its community and education initiatives.

The band is made up of Cy-Fair ISD music educators.

CYFAIR JERSEY VILLAGE EDITION

Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Cy-Fair Ten Pin Challenge Participate in the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce’s Ten Pin Challenge with a team of four at Coppereld Bowl. • Aug. 22, 12:30-4:30 p.m. • $425 (registration per team) • 15615 Glen Chase Drive, Houston • www.cyfairchamber.com Paint your pet Paint a picture of your pet with the guidance of an instructor during a step-by-step painting process at Painting With a Twist. • Aug. 28, 7 p.m. • $59-$77 • 12344 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 200, Cypress • www.paintingwithatwist.com Cypress Melon & Berry Festival Try and buy a variety of berries and melons such as raspberries, blueberries, watermelon and cantaloupe at the Your Neighborhood Farmers Market. • Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free entry • 10519 Fry Road, Cypress • www.ynfma.org

August

September

10th Annual Moms & Mimosas Have brunch with other moms in celebration of the back-to-school season at Local Table. • Aug. 13, 8-11 a.m. • $7-$60 (depending on prosecco choice) • 10535 Fry Road, Ste. 100, Cypress • www.eatatlocaltable.com ‘Annie’ Stageworks Theatre is presenting ‘Annie,’ based on the

T2T Cypress 5K run/walk Participate in the Tunnel to Towers Greater Houston Area 5K at John Paul Landing. • Sept. 6, 7:30 a.m.-noon • $15-$40 (registration) • 9950 Katy Hockley Road, Cypress • https://runwalkcypressnorthwesthouston.t2t.org Denim & Diamonds casino night fundraiser Family Ties, a family resource services organization, is holding a fundraiser to stop violence and child abuse. • Sept. 6, 5 p.m. • $125 Reach Unlimited clay shoot Join Reach Unlimited for its third annual sporting clay shoot where participants will shoot 100 targets, enjoy a barbecue lunch and get to bid on auction prizes at Westside Sporting Grounds. • Sept. 19, 8 a.m.-noon • $350 • 18224 Kz Road, Cypress • www.familytiesfrs.org

popular comic strip by Harold Gray. • Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 17, 3 p.m. • $26-$38.75 • 10760 Grant Road, Houston • www.stageworkshouston.org

Houston Restaurant Weeks Houston foodies are invited to dine out and support 12 local restaurants and the Houston Food Bank from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. The restaurants include: Black Walnut, BRIX Wine Cellars, Dario’s Steakhouse & Seafood, Federal American Grill, Guachos Do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, Marvino’s Italian Steakhouse, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, Salt and Sugar Gastro Bar, Saltgrass Steakhouse, Sotos Cantina and The Chef’s Table.

Cy-Fair Community Blood Drive Shell Federal Credit Union is partnering with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center to host a community blood

Shop ‘Til You Drop Support the Cy-Fair Women’s Club during its annual market featuring over 250 small-business vendors at the Berry Center.

• Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.cyfairwomensclub.org

drive for the Cy-Fair area. • Aug. 21, 12:30-3:30 p.m. • Free • 24344 Hwy. 290, Cypress • www.commitforlife.com

• 10120 Pattison Road, Katy • www.reachunlimited.org

HUFFMEISTER 8945 Hwy 6 N (281) 859-5879 SPRING CYPRESS 22508 Hwy 249 (281) 379-7383

BARKER CYPRESS 17996 FM 529 (281) 656-4200

JONES ROAD 17414 NW Fwy (713) 983-8827

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

The Texas Tornado ($5.96-$7.79) is made with vanilla custard with chocolate and strawberry avors.

J.B.’s Texas Turtle ($6.59) is made with frozen custard, hot fudge, caramel, roasted pecans and cherries.

Owners Keri Jackman and Matthew Greatens enjoy a cone of frozen custard.

PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILAR COMMUNITY IMPACT

Connie’s Frozen Custard oers taste of the Midwest Connie’s Frozen Custard has been a local staple in the Cy-Fair community for 25 years, but for its cur- rent owners, Keri Jackman and Matthew Greatens,

Tornado made with melted chocolate chips and strawberries, and the Turtle Sundae made with vanilla custard, hot fudge, caramel and pecans. Looking ahead Served through a walk-up window and drive- thru, Connie’s Frozen Custard plans to continue serving frozen custard to the community at its original location as well as its new location set to open this fall in Towne Lake. Jackman said they hope to open the additional location by October and will maintain the same business model. “When we found out that they were wanting to sell, that was when we started thinking, it would be awesome to own a piece of our history, or, you know, just history in our lives, and really to make sure they continue,” Jackman said. “Because that’s what’s happening to so many businesses. People are retiring and they’re not able to sell, or they don’t sell and pass it down, and then the business just disappears.” As community members, local business owners and members of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce; Jackman and Greatens collaborate with local businesses and organizations including Stageworks Theatre and The Met Church, and o er an annual scholarship to graduating Cy-Fair ISD students.

the nostalgic swirl of frozen treats runs deeper. Once regulars while attending Cy-Fair High School, the husband-and-wife duo took ownership after the original owners retired in 2022.“I think for us, it was about wanting to continue something that we knew was iconic in the community,” Jackman said. Craving frozen custard? Under the couple’s ownership, Connie’s has maintained the original frozen custard recipe and upgraded its operations to o er an ecient business model. “Honestly, I think it’s a testament to the fact that it’s natural, and the ingredients are premium, without the preservatives, that keep it from melting,” Greatens said. The upgrades include a new, upgraded register and 20 employees to cater to its growing clientele. Unlike traditional ice cream, frozen custard is made with pasteurized eggs and o ers a creamier texture ready to eat as soon as it is prepared. With ingredients from the Midwest, Connie’s Frozen Custard o ers vanilla and chocolate frozen custard prepared daily. Frozen custard can be customized with over 50 toppings, such as nuts, syrups and candy. A few popular menu items include the Texas

Co-owner Matthew Greatens prepares a Texas Turtle sundae.

Keri Jackman and Matthew Greatens took ownership of the local business in 2022.

CYPRESS NORTH HOUSTON RD. MCCRACKEN CIR.

12545 Jones Road, Houston www.conniesfrozencustard.com

CYFAIR JERSEY VILLAGE EDITION

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