The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.
SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 AUG. 10 SEPT. 8, 2023
EDUCATION EDITION 2023
SEEKING SUPPORT Fort Bend ISD o cials said the district does not have the capacity to deliver teacher compensation raises without a tax rate increase due to dwindling nancial support from the state. pay increase since 2020-21 $4K $2.5K possible pay raise with tax increase
New drive-thru Shake Shack locations open State legislature cuts school district tax rates
6
SOURCE: FORT BEND ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Government
11
EDUCATION EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • YMCA of Greater Houston
District data
15
Revamping public school accountability
A Fort Bend ISD educator teaches a classroom early in the 2022 23 school year. (Courtesy Fort Bend ISD)
Texas schools await budget assistance from state School districts across Texas are facing budgetary issues and are waiting to see if help might be coming from the state’s ongoing legislative session. for sta hinges on receiving adequate nancial support from the state or an increased tax rate. BY JAKE NORMAN & DANIEL WEEKS
Inside Information
18
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
by June with a July 1 scal year start. “We’re approving these budgets today because we have to, and we’re still essentially pending what the state Legislature [is] going to do,” FBISD Trustee Kristen Malone said at the meeting. “This [budget plan is] likely going to be amended in the near future.” District o cials said increased pay
The state entered the 88th Legis- lature with nearly $33 billion in its reserves and a list of funding plans for public schooling. However, beyond a few small examples, larger funding bills have yet to materialize, said Bob CONTINUED ON 24
Fort Bend ISD passed its 2023-24 budget in a June 26 meeting due to Texas Education Agency require- ments that districts prepare a budget
COMPLEX NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS Treated in Sugar Land
At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, our physicians collaborate across specialties to diagnose and treat common to complex neurological disorders. With innovative and advanced treatment options, we provide personalized comprehensive care — close to home.
Our team of physicians treats a variety of conditions, including:
• Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders • Aneurysms • Brain tumors • Multiple sclerosis • Neuropathy
• Parkinson’s disease and tremors • Sleep disorders • Spinal disorders • Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)
SCAN HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code , visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.274.7979 .
2
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
A comprehensive Back-to-School guide with valuable information for parents, staff and community members. Visit www.fortbendisd.com/A-Zguide
3
SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
Coming Fall 2023!
Live on the Bright Side
New Homes from the $200s-$500s
Fort Bend County’s Newest Community!
Located on Highway 59 near Rosenberg, Emberly is the next generation of master-planned communities. Near Fort Bend’s star attractions and zoned to student-focused Lamar CISD schools.
Beautiful new model homes opening this year by: Lennar · LGI Homes · DSLD Homes · Tricoast Homes
Exit Loop 541 towards Kendleton and turn left on Doris Rd over Hwy 59.
EMBERLYTEXAS.COM
* Prices and availability subject to change without notice. 7/23
4
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM DANIEL: This issue is the Education Edition, which comes just in time for the start of the 2023-24 school year. Sugar Land and Missouri City reporter Joe Edwards put together several news reports and features focused on public education, with our front- page story being a deep dive into Fort Bend ISD’s budget dilemmas as officials await state action. The Education Edition section starting on Page 15 begins with a breakdown of FBISD’s enrollment, staff and administrative salary information and more. An explanation of the latest changes to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness tests can be found on Page 18. Some of these stories were published first online at communityimpact.com, where you can also subscribe to our daily newsletters. If you want to stay informed about your area, the Morning Impact hits your inbox every weekday at 6 a.m. sharp! Daniel Weeks, EDITOR
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Martinez EDITOR Daniel Weeks REPORTER Joe Edwards
GRAPHIC DESIGNER La’Toya Smith ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tracy Drewa METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Schafler COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281-469-6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES slmnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING slmads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron
BIG
ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE COMING...
communityimpact.com
@impactnewshtxmetro
@impactnews_slm
linkedin.com/company/communityimpact
@communityimpacthouston
We've teamed up to bring you more of the stories you care about.
Proudly printed by
Stay up to date with CI social posts and blogs
© 2023 Community Impact Co. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.
With on-site x-rays, skilled providers, and orthopedic physicians on call, we can quickly determine if you have fracture, sprain or strain.
WHETHER YOU’RE ACHEY OR BREAKY.
Scan for the nearest location. Open 9am – 9pm, 7 days a week nextlevelurgentcare.com
5
SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
4
W . B E L L F O R T B L V D .
6
59
59
6
W . A I R P O R T
9
CITY WALK
99 TOLL
TEXAS DR.
8
TOWN CENTER BLVD.
Lucchese Bootmaker
COURTESY LUCCHESE BOOTMAKER
PROMENADE WAY
90
FLUOR DANIEL DR.
and-mortar location nationwide. The Sugar Land location, at First Colony Mall, features a wide variety of Lucchese fa- vorites, including cowboy boots, cowboy hats, leather goods and Western apparel for men and women. 346-341-2005. www.lucchese.com 5 Nails of America , a nail and wax- ing spa, opened a new location at 4777 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, with the grand opening on July 23 at First Colony Mall. The salon o ers a variety of services, including pedicures, manicures, eyelash extensions, children’s services and waxing, according to its o cial website. 281-205-2955. www.nailsofamerica.com COMING SOON 6 Fort Bend ISD closed on a plot of land in Harvest Green, marking a milestone in the development of a new elementary school—the district’s 55th overall. The new school will occupy ap- proximately 16 acres along Harlem Road, just south of Harvest Garden Boulevard. According to a news release, it is set to become the fourth Fort Bend ISD school within the Harvest Green community, with the district anticipating a grand opening in August 2026. www.fortbendisd.com 7 Rosati’s Pizza will open its third Houston-area location in late August at 18802 University Blvd., Ste. 140, Sugar Land, according to an email from a public relations representative. The Rosati’s menu o ers a selection of Chicago-style pizzas along with a variety of pastas, salads, calzones and other Italian dishes. Cannolis, tiramisu and “dough nuggets”
MISSOURI CITY
90
T
NBLVD.
1092
6
4
1
5
10
HARVEST GARDEN BLVD.
.
99
59
SUGAR LAND
6
COMMONWEALTH BLVD.
K W Y .
59
KITTY HOLLOW PARK
12
3
36
7
2
11
2759
SIENNA PKWY.
MAP NOT TO SCALE N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
NOW OPEN 1 Airrosti Rehab Center opened July 31 at 16525 Lexington Blvd., Ste. 260, Sugar Land. Airrosti Rehab aims to provide safe and e ective musculoskeletal treatment for long-term pain and injury resolu- tion. The new Sugar Land location o ers assistance with a range of injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and various muscle pulls or strains. 281-378-7789. www.airrosti.com 2 Code Ninjas , a children’s education- al coding franchise, opened its newest Missouri City location at 9029 Hwy. 6 Ste.
140 on July 10. The center will provide children ages 7-14 with an opportunity to learn coding, problem-solving skills and STEM skills while building video games, robotics and drones. The location’s game-based, self-paced curriculum is organized into nine belts like martial arts and promotes a fun and engaging learning experience for children new to technol- ogy. Children can learn to code and and develop problem-solving skills through building their own video games. 832-715-4998. www.codeninjas.com 3 Life Time opened its doors in Missouri City July 28 at 8421 Hwy. 6. The new
athletic club spans 124,000 square feet and comes with a variety of features for tness enthusiasts within the area. Life Time Sienna features an outdoor beach club with a six-lane lap pool, water slides and a poolside bistro, as well as pickleball courts and studios for tness classes. The complex created 250 new jobs in the area, according to a news release. 281-969-2500. www.lifetime.life 4 Lucchese Bootmaker , a West- ern-wear brand with over 140 years of history, opened a new location June 23 at 16535 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. The newest store is the brand’s 21st brick-
D.R. HORTON AMERICA’S BUILDER Home for every stage in life. SM Now Open: Caldwell Ranch
6
521
288
Caldwell Ranch
Prices Starting in the $270K’s
Zoned to highly rated FBISD schools
MODEL HOMES OPEN NOW IN CALDWELL RANCH
Call: 281-746-6212 | Email: HoustonSoutheastOSC@drhorton.com
Prices, plans, features and options are subject to change without notice. Prices shown are based on home prices and do not include costs and fees, modifications to plans and custom features which may substantially affect final cost of home. Please check accuracy of information provided with your sales agent prior to purchasing. Features noted above could be plan or lot specific. Pictures, photographs/renderings, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change at any time without notice or obligation. Square footage is approximate only. Additional restrictions may apply. Furnishings and decorative items not included with home purchase. Artist renderings only. Subject to change. Schools, districts and zoning are outside of D.R. Horton, Inc.’s control and subject to change at any time. Buyer should conduct his or her own investigation of the present and future availability of school districts and school assignments. Seller has no control or responsibility for any changes to school districts or school assignments should they occur in the future. 11/2022.
6
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY JOE EDWARDS & DANIEL WEEKS
8
11
Rosati’s Pizza
Fish City Grill
COURTESY ROSATI’S PIZZA
COURTESY FISH CITY GRILL
will also be available for those with a sweet tooth. www.myrosatis.com RELOCATIONS 8 Floss Dental of Sugar Land , a full-ser- vice dental o ce serving the community since 2012, relocated to a new facility located at 2735 Town Center Blvd., Ste. L on Aug. 1. Previously located at 15921 City Walk, Sugar Land, Floss Dental provides access to the newest dental technology, including 3D printers, 3D scanners, digital Fluor Corp. , a prominent construc- tion company in the Lake Pointe area, announced its relocation from Sugar Land to the Energy Corridor. After four decades, the corporation will bid farewell its longheld 1 Fluor Daniel Drive loca- tion. Fluor announced in May that the company intends to relocate over 1,600 employees to a 13-story building in the Energy Corridor before the end of sum- mer 2024, according to a news release from Granite Properties. This move a ects the business landscape of Sugar Land by taking over 1,600 employees out of the city. www. uor.com RENOVATIONS X-rays and same-day crowns. www. ossdentalsugarland.com 9 Fish City Grill , located within Sugar Land’s Town Square at 15980 City Walk, closed its doors for 12 days in July, ac- cording to a news release. The restau- rant, which originally opened in 2006, reopened July 21. The menu and drink selections remained the same: A variety of oysters, crab and other seafood favor-
ites are on the menu alongside popular cocktail and wine happy hour promotions. 281-494-3474. www. shcitygrill.com 10 The Missouri City Walmart Su- percenter at 9929 Hwy. 6 celebrated a grand reopening July 13. The new Super- center includes an additional building for online pickup, new cash registers and a self-checkout area, an updated beer and wine section and an upgraded apparel apartment with an expanded selection and exclusive brands. At the event, the community received charitable contribu- tions totaling $8,000. These donations were extended to the Houston Knan- aya Catholic Society and the Fort Bend Broncos—a local youth football team. 281-835-0001. www.walmart.com IN THE NEWS 11 Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels o cials have announced the appointment of their new executive director. The leader- ship transition took e ect July 24; The nonpro t’s location is at 1330 Band Rd., Rosenberg. Newly appointed Executive Director Doug Simpson is expected to lead the organization, succeeding former Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, who has served as the executive director for the past four years. The organization provides hot, home-delivered meals to more than 1,500 senior citizens daily, many of whom live alone and cannot prepare their own meals. 281-633-7049. www.fortbendseniors.org 12 Fort Bend County Epicenter o cials have announced a major developmental milestone impacting infrastructure and the future calendar of events. In a new
The new Katy-area Shake Shack marks the third location with a drive thru in the state, with the second opening recently in Sugar Land.
SIERRA ROZENCOMMUNITY IMPACT
FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN The New York-based iconic burger joint Shake Shack continued its expansion across the country in the opening of its rst Katy location July 26 at 19300 Katy Freeway. Drew Neillie, regional marketing manager for Shake Shack, said Houston had already been a “great market,” but the company had wanted to further expand after opening its Sugar Land drive-thru location at 2515 N. Town Center Drive on June 22. Neillie said the location was selected to be a drive-thru location because of its proximity to the busy Katy Freeway. She said having a drive thru will allow for greater accessibility for customers over other non-drive-thru locations, or “Core Shacks,” such as the one located in Montrose. “As you’re zooming by, you’ll say, ‘Oh, I don’t even have to get out of my car in this Texas heat!’” she said.
Shake Shack serves a variety of burger options, including the classic ShackBurger, a veggie burger and a ‘Shroom Burger, which is a fried portobello mushroom lled with Muenster cheese. For dessert, several milkshake and custard options are on the menu. Vanilla, chocolate, Oreo, brownie and nondairy options are available. Advertised outside the new location is the new avocado bacon burger, which also comes in chicken sandwich form. 346-521-2551 www.shakeshack.com
TOWN CENTER DR.
59
6
N
development, the Epicenter, located at 28505 Southwest Fwy., Rosenberg, has entered into a multiyear sponsor- ship deal with Silver Eagle Distributors Houston, LLC, making them an o cial partner of the venue expected to open at the end of August. As one of the
largest independent beverage distribu- tors in the nation, Silver Eagle Houston employs over 1,000 team members and serves the metropolitan Houston area. www.thefortbendepicenter.com
» Fully Furnished Offices » Mailbox / Package Service » Phone Answering Service » On-Site Management » Staffed Reception
THEPARKEXECUTIVESUITES.COM 713.325.4112
COWORKING I EXECUTIVE SUITES 10707 CORPORATE DRIVE, STAFFORD, TX 77477
» Fully Furnished Offices » Mailbox / Package Service » Phone Answering Service » On-Site Management » Staffed Reception
» Short and Long Term Options » Office Packages from $99/mo » Community Conference Room » Training, Break Room, Reception » Physical, Virtual, Business Address
7
SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
TO DO LIST
August & September events
COMPILED BY JOE EDWARDS
SEPTEMBER 15 CATCH SPIDER MAN IN PERSON Sugar Land residents and Marvel fans alike can get their spidey senses tingling as the “Spider-Man: Into the Universe Live Concert” swings into the Smart Financial Center. This event combines the beloved characters from the Spider-Man franchise with a live orchestral performance. 7 p.m. Tickets starting at $36. Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexingon Blvd., Sugar Land. 281-207-6278. www.smart nancialcentre.net 16 CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST IN TEXAS The upcoming Oktoberfest event at the Quail Valley City Centre will celebrate a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of Bavaria, attendees are encouraged to don their lederhosen and dirndls and immerse themselves in a truly authentic German experience. The festivities will feature a wide selection of traditional German beer and cuisine, allowing visitors to savor the avors of the renowned Oktoberfest fare. 4-7 p.m. Free. Quail Valley City Centre, 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City. 281-403-5900. www.golfquailvalley.com
enthusiasts and beer a cionados for a memorable evening of fun and camaraderie. Attendees can explore the scenic trails and pathways of Brazos River Park. The event o ers something for everyone, with options for both experienced cyclists and casual riders. 5:3 -8:30 p.m. Free. Brazos River Park, 18427 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land. 281-275-2825. www.sugarlandtx.gov 19 PRACTICE YOGA ON THE LAWN First Colony Mal’s weekly event, Yoga on The Lawn, will o er a serene experience for residents and visitors alike. Led by experienced instructors, the yoga sessions cater to all levels, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for beginners and experienced practitioners at no cost! 9-10 a.m. Free. First Colony Mall, 16535 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land. www.visitsugarlandtx.com 19 CATCH THE COUNTING CROWS AND 2000’S ERA FAVORITES Sugar Land music enthusiasts are in for a treat as the renowned rock band Counting Crows and emo-rock out t Dashboard Confessional are set to perform soon. The concert promises an evening of nostalgic hits from the 2000’s era. 7:30 p.m. Tickets starting at $81. Smart Financial Centre, 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land. 281- 207-6278. www.smart nancialcentre.net
Participants will stargaze guided by astronomers sharing their expertise. FEATURED EVENT Stargaze at Brazos Bend Park Participants on Sept. 9 can stargaze guided by knowledgeable astronomers. 9 p.m. $10 admission for adults, 12 and under free. Brazos Bend Park, 21901 Farm to Market Rd 762, Needville 979-553-5101 www.tpwd.texas.gov
GET YOUR ZUMBA ON IN THE PLAZA SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE
SEPT 18
AUGUST 17 HYDRATE AND CELEBRATE AT MOTO MEET UP This gathering brings together cycling This Zumba gathering is held at Sugar Land Town Square, located at 2711 Plaza Drive. Fitness lovers can join in the fun and embrace the rhythm as certi ed instructors lead energetic dance routines that blend various Latin and international music genres. People of all tness levels are welcome to partake. 10-11 a.m. 2711 Plaza Drive, Sugar Land. www.sugarlandtownsquare.com
9
762
COW MICHAM RD.
N
Lower your property taxes with Texas Protax Experts working to get you the property tax reduction you deserve Find more or submit Sugar Land and Missouri City events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
Don’t let an out-of-state company try to fight your Texas property taxes. Next property tax season, let the experts in Texas property taxes help you get the largest property tax reduction and ultimately help you lower your property tax bill. TexasProtax.com
8
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Sugar Land boosts EV charging network
COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR & JOE EDWARDS
ONGOING PROJECTS
IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE
TEXAS HERITAGE PKWY.
The city identified five potential sites to install electric vehicle charging stations.
Sugar Land City Council unani- mously approved a grant application for new electric vehicle charging stations during a City Council meeting July 18. Some context City management formed an interdepartmental team in spring 2022 to explore suitable locations for EV charging stations on public properties. The initiative for more charging stations aims to promote electric vehicle usage and improve charging infrastructure in the city, according to a city presentation. By the numbers “We have a number of citizens driving [electric vehicles] and understand the commitment to that; 723 electric vehicles were recorded within the three ZIP codes in Sugar Land as of last year,” Assistant Direc- tor of Aviation Ken Durbin said. Eleven vendors expressed inter- est in response to the request for
statements of interest released by the city in July 2022. Seven vendors submitted statements of interest by the September deadline. The cost To minimize costs and risks, the city opted for a zero capital investment strategy, leveraging public property access, Durbin said. Motivated by savings from a free CenterPoint Energy infrastructure installation, Argent Company took the initiative to assist with a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Year 2023 Charging and Fueling Infrastructure, or CFI, Grant Program. The CFI grant program offers $500,000 for EV charging station installation, with a $100,000 sponsor share. Argent recognized the unfunded nature of the city’s initiative and assumed the burden of the sponsor share, resulting in a successful grant application before the June 13 deadline.
1093
BELLAIRE BLVD.
electric vehicles recorded in Sugar Land ZIP codes 723
vendors expressed interest in providing stations 11
723
359
N
Sugar Land Regional Airport Gillingham Public Works Facility
Sugar Land Memorial Park Brazos River Park Imperial Park Recreation Center
Westpark Tollway extension design The Westpark Tollway, a major east- west thoroughfare in the southwest Katy area that leads into FM 1093, is being extended from FM 723 to the Texas Heritage Parkway by the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority. Designing the extension will cost $7 million, engineer Phillip Smith said. A project cost estimate and timeline have not been made yet. Timeline: design completes at end of summer Cost: $7 million for design Funding source : Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority
1
3
4
2
5
2
JIM DAVIDSON DR.
1
3
MATLAGE WAY
90
6
SWEETWATER BLVD.
69
4
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JULY 26. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SLMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
5
N
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
9
SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
Student Checking
that fits you to a
At Trustmark, you don’t have to be an athlete to score an account that’s right for you. With Student Checking, there’s no monthly maintenance fee, plus, you can access your money anytime, anywhere with mobile banking. Learn more at trustmark.com/studentchecking.
PATIENT NAME: Rachel Wright NOTES: 80 AGE:
We see the whole person. Get your wellness visit, Covid-19 vaccine – and all the care you need from a team that genuinely cares. Appointments available at 3 convenient locations. Call (713) 814-3655 or visit LegacyCommunityHealth.org/ SeniorCare
Specializing in primary health care for older adults. Legacy accepts Medicare, Medicare Advantage, HMO/PPOs and offers programs to help reduce the cost of care.
10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
GOVERNMENT $18B tax relief package projected to trim bills for all homeowners
Tax relief The Texas Legislature approved an $18 billion plan to cut property taxes for homeowners and businesses. The tax cuts will show up on this year’s bills if approved by voters during the Nov. 7 election. BREAKING DOWN YOUR TAX BILL
The equation
BY HANNAH NORTON
according to the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association. The state is expected to spend roughly $5.3 billion to reimburse schools for the tax cuts. School district tax rate compression Lawmakers also set aside $12.7 bil- lion to “compress,” or reduce, school district maintenance and operations taxes, which make up the majority of a homeowner’s tax bill, by 10.7 cents for the 2023-24 school year. The author of
Texas lawmakers passed a sweep- ing plan to cut property taxes on the average home by over $1,200. The July 13 passage of Senate Bill 2 closed out the second special legisla- tive session of the year and brought an end to seven months of negotiations. The $18 billion package includes two bills and a constitutional amendment. For the tax cuts to show up on this year’s tax bill, Tex-
Taxable value The value of a property that can be taxed
$331,000 Average base home value in Texas
Local tax rate Including school district, city, county, utility district, etc.
Homestead exemption
This is the portion of a primary home’s base value that is exempt from taxes. Local municipalities may o er additional exemptions.
CURRENT $40K exemption Amount that cannot be taxed
$331,000 Average home value in Texas $331,000 Average home value in Texas
$291K Homestead value $231K Homestead value
ans must approve the constitutional amendment during the Nov. 7 general election. The 31-member Senate unani- mously approved the legislation, while it got a few dissenting votes in the 149-member House. Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bills
“SMALL BUSINESSES OPERATE ON THIN MARGINS, SO IN AN ECONOMY WHERE EVERY PENNY COUNTS, THIS TAX CUT WILL PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS TO BUSINESS OWNERS.” ANNIE SPILMAN, TEXAS DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
NEW $100K exemption Value that cannot be taxed
the Senate bills, Sen. Paul Betten- court, R Houston, said taxes will decrease by 23.8% on average. Savings will vary by school district, but all of Texas’ 5.7 million homeowners are expected to
School district tax rate compression
Homeowners will pay reduced taxes to their local school districts. ISD tax rates will decrease by 10.7 cents . For example, for a $300K home , decreasing the school district tax rate by 10.7 cents would cut an average tax bill by $321. The state of Texas will distribute $12.7 billion to schools .
NONHOMESTEAD APPRAISAL CAP
bene t. Schools will receive money from the state to ensure they do not lose revenue as local tax rates fall. However, overall school funding will not change. Democrats unsuccessfully pro- posed amendments July 13 to send more money to schools and give teachers a one-time bonus. “Without question, the members in the Senate and House want to give the teachers their pay raise,” Patrick said. “We will have time in the fall, I believe, to give them a permanent raise, and not just a one-time raise.” In September or October, law- makers are expected to return to the capitol to discuss school funding, teacher pay and how to provide students with the best educational opportunities. Nonhomestead appraisal cap To help more property owners, the Legislature introduced a three-year, 20% appraisal cap for commercial and nonhomestead residential property worth $5 million or less. This means the value of the property cannot
2 and 3 on July 22. SB 2 becomes law if the constitutional amendment is approved, while SB 3 goes into e ect Jan. 1. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the legisla- tion will save the average homeowner $1,250-$1,450 on their 2023 tax bill based on the average Texas home valuation of $331,000. Here’s what each portion of the tax relief plan means for Texans. Homestead exemption Texas homeowners can apply for a $40,000 exemption from school property taxes on their primary home. Seniors and people with dis- abilities are eligible for an additional $10,000 exemption. Under SB 2, homeowners can receive a $100,000 exemption, with $110,000 for seniors and people with disabilities. Additionally, people whose homes are worth $100,000 or less will not pay any property taxes to their local school districts. This will largely impact homeowners in rural areas. The average home value is less than $100,000 in 397 of the state’s 1,014 public school districts,
The new tax relief package includes a nonhomestead appraisal cap, which limits how much certain properties can increase in value annually. The value of property worth $5 million or less cannot increase by more than 20% year-over-year . The cap applies to all nonhomesteaded property , including second homes and commercial property.
Approximately 13 million properties will qualify.
BUSINESS FRANCHISE TAX EXEMPTION The new law also amends the state business franchise tax, which is calculated based on individual businesses’ circumstances. Businesses that make less than $2.47 million annually will no longer have to pay the tax. Roughly 67,000 small and midsize businesses will be exempt from the tax. Collectively, qualifying business owners will save around $300K each year .
SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE COMMUNITY IMPACT
increase by more than 20% per year. The cap goes into e ect in 2024 and runs through 2026, at which point lawmakers can choose to extend, modify or stop the program. Business franchise tax exemption SB 3 eliminates the state franchise
tax for companies that make less than $2.47 million per year. The tax is calculated depending on individual businesses’ circumstances. Roughly 67,000 small and midsize businesses will no longer have to pay the tax or submit a “no tax due” form, Bettencourt said.
11
SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CITY & COUNTY
News from Missouri City & Sugar Land
QUOTE OF NOTE
Missouri City renames streets due to controversy
Sugar Land City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at 2700 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land. Meetings are livestreamed and in person. 281-275-2900. www.sugarlandtx.gov Missouri City City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City. Meetings are livestreamed and in person. 281-403-8500. www.missouricitytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER Sugar Land Regional Airport, according to a July 26 news release. In 2021, an aviation- engineering firm highlighted the need for comprehensive runway rehabilitation, according to the release. The expected sources of funding for the estimated $30 million construction project will primarily come from Federal Aviation Agency and Texas Department of Transportation grants. The release states the design phase is anticipated to take NUMBER TO KNOW is the new homestead exemption placed by the Sugar Land City Council to ease property tax burden. 15% HIGHLIGHTS MISSOURI CITY City Council held a special meeting July 17 to delve into the potential annexation of Sienna Municipal Utility District No. 2. In response to concerns raised by Sienna residents, the city released a statement saying residents will gain municipal services, police, fire, public works, code enforcement upon annexation, along with election participation. The city tax rate difference is $0.14 for 2022; residents are exempt from paying it until 2024. The next meeting being held on the topic is a second reading of an ordinance to annex the area on Aug. 21. SUGAR LAND City Council approved a $1.4 million allocation to rehabilitate the runway of the approximately 10 months, with construction slated to commence in 2026. Updates on the project are available on the dedicated website at www.runwayupdate.com “WE SEEK TO PROVIDE CITY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES A LIFE BETTER THAN THEY CAN EVEN IMAGINE.” MICHAEL GOODRUM, SUGAR LAND CITY MANAGER ON PROPOSED BUDGET
BY JOE EDWARDS
VICKSBURG BLVD.
MISSOURI CITY City Council recently approved the name changes of two streets in the Vicksburg Village of Shiloh, a suburban neighborhood southwest of Houston, after residents protested the streets’ original names due to their controversial history. The background The decision came after Rodney Pearson, a resident and community advocate, led a petition drive among fellow property owners to rename Bedford Forrest Drive as Liberty Way Drive and Bedford Forrest Court as Liberty Way Court. The streets in question were named after Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general during the Civil War who later became the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Pearson’s efforts were met with overwhelming support from his fellow community members. The community joined together to rally behind the initiative to change the street names
F
N
successfully petition for the renaming of streets like Confederate Drive, Confederate Court, and Confederate South Drive to Prosperity Drive, Prosperity Court, and Prosperity South Drive, respectively, throughout 2021 and 2022. Lowering the threshold to 60% for name change petitions demonstrated the council’s receptiveness to the voices of the community, acknowl- edging the need to address historical legacies that perpetuated racial dis- parities and discomfort, Boney said.
to ones that better represent their aspirations and values, according to City Council meeting statements. How it happened Council Member Jeffrey Boney, who represents the area where Vicksburg Village is located, had previously initiated an ordinance amendment in 2020, lowering the threshold for name changes from 90% to 60% consent from property owners on a given street, according to city documents. This change paved the way for other homeowners in the neighborhood to
Sugar Land unveils $353M budget
Sugar Land Animal Shelter seeks partnerships to combat capacity problem
AT CAPACITY The shelter numbers revealed a trend of being over its capacity of 31 dogs. NOTE: DATA FOR JUNE IS UNAVAILABLE
BY JOE EDWARDS
BY JOE EDWARDS
SUGAR LAND City officials presented a proposed budget of $353 million for fiscal year 2023-24, which will begin Oct. 1. The impact To mitigate the impact of an anticipated tax rate increase, Sugar Land raised the homestead exemption to 15% for 2023. This exemption increase will partially counterbalance the expected tax rate rise of approximately $0.035- $0.35 per $100 valuation, necessary to implement voter-approved bond projects, according to a release. Additionally, the rate for residential solid waste services will increase by 99 cents to $20.84 per month starting in January. The proposed capital improvement program for 2024-28 includes $65 million allocated for two 2019 bond projects for 2023-24: the emergency operations center and public safety facilities rehabilitation.
SUGAR LAND At a meeting held July 12, the Sugar Land Animal Advisory Board examined potential partnership opportunities to bolster fundraising efforts and address the issue of the overcapacity local animal shelter. Representatives from the nonprofit All Kind Animal Initia- tive, which is partnered with the city of Abilene, and KC Pet Project were engaged in discussions at the meeting to explore various fundraising avenues. Current situation Animal Services Manager Cindy King shared updates on staffing vacancies, noting multiple posi- tions were successfully filled as of July 10. However, a new vacancy for a veterinary technician recently emerged. An interlocal agreement was exe- cuted between Sugar Land and Fort Bend County to make up for the
56 70 42 14 28
0
staffing vacancies at the shelter. The agreement facilitated the utilization of a surgical suite managed by a veterinarian who has performed surgeries on a total of 304 animals since the agreement’s finalization April 25, King said. To ensure the welfare of animals within the shelter, a temporary closure of over-the-counter dog intake was enforced starting Jan. 25 due to being overcapacity.
13
SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2023 EDUCATION EDITION COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS.
GOLD SPONSOR
YMCA After School: The perfect mix of fun and learning When it comes to YMCA After School programs, we’re the experts in awesome adventures! Housed in local, Houston area schools, YMCA After School Care instills positive social emotional learning and provides the fun children need. Serving thousands of children on a daily basis, the Y o ers safe and a ordable care providing parents peace of mind during after school hours. All YMCA sta members must pass an FBI background check, drug screening and attend 40 hours of training yearly, In addition, each is CPR and First Aid certi ed, so you can rest assured your child is well-cared for in a safe, supportive environment. The program features care on early dismissal and in-service days, healthy snacks, homework assistance, academic enrichment and more! Visit our registration page to nd out if the YMCA program is o ered at your child’s school and register today.
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
TWU Institute of Health Sciences – Houston Center, in the world- renowned Texas Medical Center, o ers advanced degrees in several health science programs. Founded in 1960, the Houston campus is one of three that make up Texas Woman’s University, the largest public university in the nation focused on women.
Space Center Houston is an immersive space exploration learning destination and the o cial visitor center for NASA Johnson Space Center. Our purpose is to bring people and space closer together by crafting experiences that reveal how science and humanity power space exploration.
DISTRICT DATA
Data and information from local school districts
COMPILED BY DANIEL WEEKS
SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, FORT BEND ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
English learners Economically disadvantaged students STUDENT STATISTICS, 2022 23
FORT BEND ISD
Special education students
Fort Bend ISD is a district based in the northeast part of Fort Bend County, primarily in the Sugar Land area. Amid a statewide teacher shortage, the district saw year- over-year drops in teacher sta ng levels each year since 2020.
20.59% 12.34%
50.29%
Statewide
62%
23.02% 12.74%
STAFFING, SALARIES AND SUBSTITUTES, 2022 23
Statewide
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Total number of teachers* 4,454
Percent change from 2020-21: +4.59%
371,802
Starting teacher salary
$59,500 $60,716
Superintendent
$370,000 $165,700
*TOTAL IS THE FULL TIME EQUIVALENT AND MAY INCLUDE PART TIME POSITIONS. **RANGES VARY BASED ON EXPERIENCE AND OTHER FACTORS $85-$100 Substitute daily pay**
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24*
*PROJECTED
15
SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
Tired of the healthcare rodeo, Houston?
Easy in-person care
We have offices near where you work, live, and travel.* And onsite lab work means you don’t have to run all over town. Locations near you
We take the hassle out of healthcare. Easily book in-person appointments online and in the app for everything from the sniffles to mental health concerns.
Primary care that cares
Our providers and care team take the time to get to know you, so you feel seen, heard, affirmed — and cared for.
Video Chat with a provider in minutes or message our virtual care team from anywhere in the country with our app. It’s included in your membership at no extra cost. Unlimited 24/7 virtual care
*Out-of-network charges may apply
Save $100 off your first year of membership (normally $199) with code: HOULOVE Learn more at onemedical.com/hou-love Terms and conditions apply
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
HIGHER EDUCATION New ‘historic’ state law to reward community colleges for performance
2023 EDUCATION EDITION
REVERSING THE TREND Since 1980, the state’s contribution to Texas’ 50 community colleges has been steadily declining, causing the institutions to rely more on property taxes and tuition. O cials are hopeful a new law passed in the 88th Legislature this year will provide a path to more state funding to meet workforce needs. Revenue breakdown of Texas community colleges over time
BY JAMES T. NORMAN
Chancellor Stephen Head said. LSC has eight colleges in the North Houston area, according to its website. As part of the Texas Commission on Community College Finance tasked with helping bring the bill forward, Head said for a long time he’s told state o cials the old system was not sustainable. “Community college nancing has been at issue for more than a decade,” Head said. Along with not aligning everyone’s goals in a cohesive direction, the old formula often punished smaller colleges—a system Head described as creating “haves and have-nots.” For example, many rural areas are losing their population to larger metro areas, Head said. That makes it di cult for smaller colleges in those places to keep their operations going as enrollment drops. And sometimes, due to the state having a xed amount of funds
Houston-area community college leaders are describing a new state law that transforms how their colleges receive funding from Texas as “groundbreaking” and “historic.” House Bill 8 will invest $683 million into the state’s community colleges and incentivize them to help students earn more credits and certi cation in high-demand elds. The bill will also incentivize colleges to help students transfer to four-year universities and provide more funding to them for high schoolers who complete dual- credit courses through their institu- tion, higher education o cials said. It’s a shift away from the old model, which gives colleges money based on their enrollment and the number of hours they are in contact with students, o cials said. “This is the most groundbreaking legislation I’ve seen,” Alvin Commu- nity College President Robert Exley
Property taxes Tuition
State
100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Jobs requiring middle skills or certi cation in Gulf Coast region
Number of positions in 2020 Projected additional positions in 2030
47,000 9,000
Heavy-truck drivers Medical assistants Licensed practical & vocational nurses Heating, ventilating, air conditioning & refrigeration installers Preschool teachers
17,000
5,000
13,000
2,000
1,000 8,000 7,000 2,000
SOURCES: GULF COAST WORKFORCE BOARD, TEXAS 2036 COMMUNITY IMPACT
said. “It goes right to the heart of our mission.” The bill was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier in June and received majority support, said Renzo Soto, policy adviser at Texas 2036, a nonpartisan public policy think tank. “I have not seen a signi cant education reform package not only pass, but also
every biennium, even when those colleges do have increases in enroll- ment, it’s still pro- portionately lower than the increases larger colleges see, resulting in lost revenue, Soto said. The new model Beyond just helping all commu- nity colleges in Texas nd sus- tainable revenue, the goal of the new law is to drive more students into high-demand jobs.
“I HAVE NOT SEEN A SIGNIFICANT EDUCATION REFORM PACKAGE NOT ONLY PASS, BUT ALSO MOVE THROUGH THE PROCESS, WITH THIS LEVEL OF UNIFIED SUPPORT.” RENZO SOTO, POLICY ADVISER AT TEXAS 2036
system to this degree are given years to implement, Zamora said. However, this new funding system will go into e ect in September—right at the start of the fall semester. As a result, colleges and the state are scrambling to set up their budgets, which go into e ect the same day, while an emergency rules session is ongoing for the bill to lay out its parameters, said Zamora, who is part of that committee. The emergency rules will be issued in July and approved in August, Soto said. Those rules will be in e ect for one year and will be followed up with a more permanent set. Those are expected to be more thorough and go through a more rigorous process that includes public hearings. Zamora said there is a bit of stress going into the new year, but it’s tempered by the expectation the new system will improve nancials and outcomes. The next year will also show what the rules could be. “The speed at which we’ve had to implement this has been challenging,” she said. “But I think everyone is cognizant that this is a great new direction.”
and vocational nurses. “The state is going to nd a way that noncredit education can be credit that stacks,” Soto said. “It’s all for the bene t of students.” Some of those jobs are high in demand, particularly in Houston, according to data from the Gulf Coast Workforce Board. Statewide, nurses and educators are needed as well. While community colleges in Houston and around the state are expecting funding to increase as a result of the law, many of those details still need to be worked out, Zamora said. However, thanks to a new in ux of money of $683 million paired with the bill, many colleges will receive a revenue boost for the 2023-24 school year to help deal with the transition, said Marshall Heins, chief nancial o cer and senior vice chancellor of nance and administration for Houston Community College. At ACC, the hope is the bill could add about $4 million per biennium to the college’s funds, Exley said. What comes next Typically, laws that overhaul a
move through the process, with this level of uni ed support,” Soto said. The goal is to help train Texas’ workforce to take high-demand jobs that require less than a bachelor’s degree but more than a high school diploma, Soto said. The old model HB 8 represents the rst time the funding model for community colleges in Texas has been signi cantly updated in 50 years, Lone Star College
For many colleges, such as San Jacinto College, the mission will remain intact, albeit more supported at the state level, Vice Chancellor for Fiscal A airs Teri Zamora said. The law also has a newly placed emphasis on noncredit paths, Soto said. Those are paths that require cer- ti cation but are not standardized in the same way other degree programs might be, such as for truck drivers, electricians, and licensed practical
17
SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
INSIDE INFORMATION Revamping public school accountability BY HANNAH NORTON At the beginning of each school year, the Texas Education Agency rates public schools and districts based on student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps for at-risk students. Individual campuses and districts receive A-F scores, which are meant to hold schools accountable and inform Texans about student performance. Scores for the 2022-23 school year will be released Sept. 28, following months of revisions to the accountability system. The A-F accountability system was established during the 2017 legislative session, under House Bill 22. What is the A F system? Ratings are based on a variety of factors, including
2023 EDUCATION EDITION
What are the goals? What does the update mean?
Serving students on alternate paths O cials adjusted performance indicators to better account for students on alternative paths, such as those enrolled in dropout recovery schools. These schools help students who have dropped out of school get back on track and graduate. Dropout rates will no longer count against overall campus performance.
Boosting public transparency Ratings for campuses and districts are posted online annually, but more information will be publicly available this year. Texans will be able to access data on attendance and absenteeism, advanced learning programs, and more, Morath said. This is meant to give parents a greater overview of their districts’ e orts to improve student performance.
Improving evaluation of student growth To give more attention to students who are performing below their grade level, the TEA added a new indicator called “accelerated instruction.” This allows o cials to accurately measure the performance of students who switch the language they take tests in—such as Spanish to English— between years.
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said the revised system provides a more holistic view of student performance, focuses more on students in need, and aligns the performance of schools and districts.
Revising college, career and military readiness indicators Over the next four years, the TEA will implement new workforce certication requirements. Morath said there will be a greater emphasis on hands-on experience, rather than just course completion. For example, a student who takes welding classes in high school will gain real-life experience in welding and receive an industry certication.
Aligning classroom instruction The TEA also redesigned the STAAR in 2023 “to better align with classroom instruction” following the passage of HB 3906 in 2019. The exams were administered almost exclusively online in 2023 and focused on writing, o cials said.
High school scores improve
How students perform on the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness largely impacts the annual A-F ratings for public schools and districts. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tests were not administered in 2020. The exam was redesigned in 2023, so scores from this year cannot be directly compared to previous years.
Students who approached grade level, or passed
Increasing focus on at-risk students Previously, o cials evaluated the academic performance of each student group—including racial and ethnic groups, economically disadvantaged students, students taking special education classes and more. This year, indicators will focus on the performance of the two “lowest-performing,” or most at risk, groups.
Updating target scores
Enhancing district ratings Morath said each district was previously evaluated “as if it is a single K-12 campus.” This meant district ratings were based heavily on the performance of high school seniors, whose graduation and postsecondary readiness are measured. This September, the new ratings will be calculated with a weighted average for each campus, giving each school a balanced share in the overall score.
*NO DATA FOR 2020 **2023 TESTS WERE SCORED DIFFERENTLY, SO THEY ARE NOT DIRECTLY COMPARABLE TO PAST YEARS.
Performance indicators were updated to re ect where students and schools were after the COVID-19 outbreak, Morath said. For example, college, career and military readiness scores have improved by 38% across Texas since 2017. “This is an untold success story,” Morath said.
ALGEBRA I
80% 90% 100% 70% 0% BIOLOGY
70% 80% 90% 60% 0% ENGLISH I
70% 80% 90% 60% 0% ENGLISH II
80% 90% 100% 70% 0% U.S. HISTORY
80% 90% 100% 70% 0%
academic growth high school graduation rates how prepared students are for college, a career or the military the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
STAAR scores for high school students were released June 30 and grades 3-8 scores will be available Aug. 16.
On Sept. 28, A-F scores for schools and districts will be posted online at www.txschools.gov.
Che s to Savings! ® SUGAR LAND
SUGAR CREEK 13827 Southwest Fwy (281) 491-8628 SIENNA PLANTATION 9034 Sienna Crossing Dr (281) 778-9959
3335 HWY 6 S (281) 313-4446 MISSOURI CITY 5418 HWY 6 (281) 403-0400
NEW TERRITORY 5720 New Territory Blvd (281) 491-0811
Store selections vary. Sale ends 8/31/2023. Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. SPECSONLINE.COM
Offering Curbside, In-Store Pickup & Delivery
18
19
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18-19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36Powered by FlippingBook