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KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION
VOLUME 11, ISSUE 9 MAY 26 JUNE 23, 2023
FUNDING EDUCATION IN TEXAS With a budget surplus of over $32 billion, public education advocates are calling on state lawmakers to invest more in public schools. At the same time, legislators could pass a school choice bill this session to provide families with funds to leave public schools and enroll in private schools.
Public schools
Private schools
The basic allotment—state funding school districts receive per student to provide basic education
How much families would receive per student for education-related expenses under Senate Bill 8
$6,160
$7,500
Burger chain P. Terry’s coming to Houston
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$900
Increase needed to match in ation since 2019-20
$13,571 Average private school tuition in Katy area*
BARBECUE GUIDE 2023
House Bill 100 proposed a $140 increase in the basic allotment over the next two years as of press time.
*THIS NUMBER IS BASED ON THE AVERAGE TUITION OF 30+ KATY AREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.
How Texas compares
Local attendance rates
After factoring in additional allotments for special education, bilingual, gifted and talented, and other programs, the state spends $9,369 per student on average.
As of 2021-22, data estimates 3.2% of students residing in Katy ISD are attending charter schools, and 2.8% are attending private schools.
Texas average $9,369 U.S. average $13,679 Katy ISD average $13,061
Charter school attendance within Katy ISD’s boundaries
Barbecue spots to visit in the Katy area
2,250 1,500 3,000
22
2,541 students
0 750
In per-student spending by state, Texas ranks
#42
Public school performance in KISD Proponents of school choice legislation argue a perceived decline in public school performance statewide is a reason to encourage alternative education options. Katy ISD State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness scores match these trends in some subjects, but KISD students still performed above the state average in 2022.
Local vet provides personalized pet care
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ALGEBRA I
BIOLOGY
ENGLISH I
ENGLISH II
U.S. HISTORY
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Southern Dough brings comfort food to downtown
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School choice bill advances despite public education advocates’ opposition SOURCES: EDUCATION WEEK’S 2021 SCHOOL FINANCE RANKINGS, FORT BEND ISD 2023 POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS REPORT, SENATE BILL 8, 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, PRIVATE SCHOOL REVIEW COMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: 2020 IS MISSING AS END OF COURSE TESTING IN SPRING 2020 WAS CANCELED
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
A proposal to use state money to help parents pay for private schools was approved by the Texas Senate on April 6, setting the stage for a contentious debate in the House. Senate Bill 8, led by Sen. Brandon Creighton, BY DANICA LLOYD, HANNAH NORTON & DANIEL WEEKS
R Conroe, would create an education savings account program, also known as private school vouchers. Par- ents who pull their children out of public schools could receive $7,500 per student for private school tuition and other education-related expenses. CONTINUED ON 26
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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION • MAY 2023
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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: Hi, readers! I’m Daniel, your new Katy editor. This month brings exciting new changes to our Katy coverage. We have expanded our coverage zone to include many new mailboxes, so if you’re receiving a Community Impact paper for the rst time, we’re so happy to have you as a reader! We also have split into two di erent newspapers: Katy North and Katy South-Fulshear. Don’t fret, you will still be getting the same useful, hyperlocal content. Our May issue is lled with the latest headlines, from May 6 election results to the details of a prospective Katy ISD bond this November. The front-page story for this issue is a dive into the school choice debate taking place at the Texas Legislature and what it means for your local schools. Be sure to also check out our guide to local barbecue restaurants on Page 22. I greatly look forward to serving the Katy area with the highest quality hyperlocal coverage and further connecting with the community I grew up in. Hi Mom! Reach out to me at dweeks@communityimpact.com if you have any tips or suggestions on Katy coverage. Daniel Weeks, EDITOR
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Amy Martinez EDITOR Daniel Weeks REPORTER Asia Armour
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KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION • MAY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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Hangr Skate Shop
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COURTESY HANGR SKATE SHOP
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such as eyelash extensions, spray tans, waxing and foundation applications. 281-697-9544. www.spaviadayspa.com 5 Sweet & Boozy officially opened its relocated headquarters April 14 in LaCen- terra at 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. E185, Katy. The sweets shop offers various ice cream flavors curated and created by the business with some unique flavors infused with alcohol, such as pina colada, mimosa and white Russian flavors. 281-394-2201. www.sweetnboozy.com 6 Typhoon Texas Waterpark announced the opening of Typhoon Jr. on May 10. The smaller version of the full-size venue has attractions specifically designed for the park’s youngest guests. Its features in- clude 10 junior-size slides, an 800-gallon miniature version of the Gully Washer and an upgraded splash pad. The waterpark is located at 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, near Katy Mills mall. 832-426-7071. www.typhoontexas.com COMING SOON 7 The new Chick N Max coming to Ful- shear at the Market at Cross Creek shop- ping center along FM 1463 and Fulshear Bend Drive has an updated timeline that shows the restaurant opening in the third quarter. Construction for the Fulshear lo- cation is expected to start in May or June, a representative said in an email. Chick N Max offers almond wood-smoked chicken wings, sandwiches, tenders, leg quarters and breast quarters. www.chicknmax.com 8 Drip’d Donuts , a dessert shop spe- cializing in stuffed donuts, is planning to open a new location in Katy this summer. The business signed a lease March 16 for
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NOW OPEN 1 Evergreen Spa opened in Fulshear on May 1. The day spa is located in the Around the Bend shopping center at 8030 FM 359, Ste. B, Fulshear, near The Summit Fitness Studio. Evergreen Spa provides a variety of massage services from licensed therapists to encourage restoration, relax- ation and wellness. 281-346-8476. www.evergreenspa888.com 2 Hangr Skate Shop held a soft opening April 22 at 25311 Kingsland Blvd., Ste. 130,
Katy, with plans to hold a grand opening in May or June. The shop carries boards and wheels as well as hats, shirts and helmets. The shop also comes equipped with an indoor mini-ramp and offers to assist riders of any skill level to learn the basics. While Hangr offers complete skateboards, it also offers the components needed to custom- ize a board from scratch. 346-387-6952. https://hangrskateshop.com 3 Hungry Howie’s , a pizza restaurant, opened its third shop in Katy on April 18. Located at 6940 Katy Gaston Road,
the restaurant sells pizzas, flatbreads, oven-baked subs, breadsticks, salads, wings, “no-dough” pizza bowls and desserts. There are two other restaurants in Katy at 21003 Highland Knolls Drive and 6133 N. Fry Road. 346-257-0557. www.hungryhowies.com 4 Spavia opened a new location at 10705 Spring Green Blvd., Ste. 600, Katy, on March 24. The name combines “spa” and “via,” meaning a route or journey towards wellness, according to the brand’s website. The day spa offers massage therapy, skin care and beauty treatments—
Rashes, bites and stings are just some of the non-life threatening illnesses and injuries we treat quickly and affordably.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR, MELISSA ENAJE & DANIEL WEEKS
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Typhoon Texas Waterpark
Drip’d Donuts
COURTESY TYPHOON TEXAS WATERPARK
COURTESY DRIP’D DONUTS
a space at the Shoppes at Grand Crossing, which is located at 23523 Katy Free- way. According to real estate company NewQuest Properties, the shop is set to open by July. Drip’d Donuts’ flagship store is located on Washington Avenue in Hous- ton, where each donut is made to order. The menu features unique ingredients for stuffing, topping and saucing—such as candies, cookies, cereal, and other des- serts. www.instagram.com/dripddonuts 9 As part of a wider expansion into the Greater Houston area, EOS Fitness acquired local chain Texas Fit and will initiate the rebranding process for the fitness center in Katy. The Katy Texas Fit location acquired by EOS is located in The Shops at Katy Reserve at 719 Spring Green Blvd. According to a news release from NewQuest Properties, EOS’s rebranded gyms are expected to be open before the end of the year. The exercise facility touts a variety of machines, a training area called The Yard and steam rooms at its locations. www.eosfitness.com 10 Katy officials secured a deal to bring an upcoming Home Depot location inside city limits, according to economic agree- ments approved at an April 17 special City Council meeting. The plat purchased by the retailer is located at Kingsland Boule- vard, west of Cane Island Parkway and near I-10. City Administrator Byron Hebert said he expects a summer 2024 opening of the store. The national retailer sells tools, con- struction products and appliances as well as offering services such as fuel and trans- portation rentals. www.homedepot.com 11 The Dick’s Sporting Goods in Katy is temporarily closed to allow for the con- struction of a new House of Sport complex
at 24600 Katy Freeway, Ste. 1100A. Signs in the area indicate the House of Sport, an offshoot store operated by Dick’ Sporting Goods, will open this summer. Existing House of Sport locations are event centers that include a multipurpose field, a climb- ing wall, a health and wellness center, and various shops selling sporting gear, according to the Dick’s Sporting Goods website. www.dickssportinggoods.com 12 Mango Mango Dessert is planning to open its second Houston-area location in July or August at the Katy Asiantown mar- ketplace. The business fuses sweet soups traditional to Hong Kong with modern desserts, according to its website. Menu items include puddings, pastries and teas. The new store will be located at 22403 Grand Circle Blvd., Unit B103, Katy. www.mangomangodessert.com 13 Tokyo-based Rakkan Ramen is ex- pected to open soon at 1321 N. Westgreen Blvd., Ste. 300, Katy. The restaurant’s Facebook page has yet to announce a grand opening date. The new Katy location will be the third Rakkan Ramen in Houston with the first two locations in the Houston Heights and Tomball areas. The restaurant serves entirely plant-based dashi broth, which its website touts as being a healthier alternative to meat-based ramen broths while maintaining the same rich flavors. www.rakkanramen.com 14 A new Shake Shack is under con- struction near the intersection of I-10 and Greenhouse Road at 19300 Katy Freeway, the first in the Katy area. The New York-based burger restaurant is a national chain that also sells chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, frozen custard, milkshakes and french fries. The restau- rant recently launched a veggie burger
P. Terry’s flies in beef from California and potatoes from Idaho for its burgers and fries.
COURTESY P. TERRY’S BURGER STAND
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON With a city that o ers countless burger chains such as Whataburger, McDonald’s and In-N-Out Burger, another burger chain is vying for a seat at the table. P. Terry’s has targeted 2024 for opening in the Bayou City. “We are planning to open our rst two [locations] in Houston in 2024. It would be premature to share any further details on that plan, but that is our intention,” CEO Todd Coerver said. While Coerver said no o cial locations are set for the fast-food burger drive-thru, the countdown is on for when Houston will have its own red and aquamarine logo with the words “P. Terry’s” on it. For several years, according to the restaurant’s website, the chain is focused solely on the Austin-San Antonio-Houston triangle as areas for targeted expansion. Kathy Terry and husband Patrick Terry
opened the rst P. Terry’s burger stand in July 2005 in Austin. Since then, it has become a Texas franchise with nearly 30 locations in the Austin and San Antonio areas. All of its locations are independently owned and operated by the original founders with no plans to change its operations, according to the restaurant’s website. P. Terry’s serves all-natural, never-frozen Angus beef that is 100% hormone and antibiotic free, according to its website. It also serves fresh-cut Idaho potato fries free of hydrogenated oils. New hamburger-centric restaurants in Houston have opened in the last year. The anticipated 2023 opening of Trill Burgers by rapper Bun B was featured on national TV. After spending time as a pop-up location, Burger Bodega opened its brick-and-mortar location last November on Washington Avenue. www.pterrys.com
option with mushrooms, sweet pota- toes, carrots, pickles and fried onions. www.shakeshack.com CLOSINGS 15 After 30 years in the Katy community, Hauerland’s held an
“everything must go” sale at its store at 1648 S. Mason Road. The gift shop slashed prices for many of its items, including home decor, jewelry, trees, garlands and wreaths. The store official- ly closed on May 20. 281-395-4595. www.hauerlandsgiftshop.wordpress.com
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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION • MAY 2023
TO DO LIST
May & June events
COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR
JUNE 12 16
COOK UP CARTOON CRAVINGS COOK N GROW
JUNE 03 04
SEE A HORSE SHOW THE GREAT SOUTHWEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER
In an ode to classic cartoons, Cook N Grow will have a ve-day Cartoon Cravings camp for kids ages 5 to 11. Participants will make pizza based on the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” as well as the “Krabby Patties” that Spongebob Squarepants serves. 9 a.m.-noon. $80 per day. Cook N Grow, 1210 Ave. A, Katy. 832-952-1771. www.cookngrow.com
The Great Southwest Equestrian Center will soon host a classic horse show. Four competition rings will run simultaneously. Breeds shown include American saddlebreds, American quarter horses, Arabians, miniature horses and Paso Finos. Begins 8 a.m. Free. Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 S. Mason Road, Ste. 100, Katy. 281-578-7669. www.ghhja.org
09 WATCH A MOVIE AT THE PARK At Katy Summer Nights, families can see a movie at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Park. Participants are asked to bring chairs and blankets, and there will be food and drinks available for purchase. No glass, alcohol or pets are allowed, and all minors must be accompanied by an adult. 6-9 p.m. Free. VFW Park, 6202 George Bush Drive, Katy. 281-391-4840. www.cityo aty.com 11 ATTEND A MUSIC FESTIVAL Texas Best Music Fest is returning to Katy, with acts such as Deborah Duncan, Hayden Baker, and Bill and Kim Nash. Proceeds bene t Champions Kid Camp, which nurtures children who have survived a traumatic injury, illness or personal loss—such as the loss of a parent or sibling. 2-2:30 p.m. $20. Mo’s Place, 21940 Kingsland Blvd., Katy. 832-449-3743. www.texasbmf.com 15 HEAR SOME JAZZ Aunt Bill’s Soul Food Cafe invited trombonist Bruce Melville and his jazz quartet for a night of live music. Guests can enjoy one of Aunt Bill’s comfort food entrees—including chicken wings, smothered pork chops and oxtails—or take part in founder and chef Kevin Muc’s
MAY 31 ENJOY A BOURBON BASED DINNER AND DESSERT Brett’s BBQ and Garrison Brothers Distillery will collaborate on a chef-paired dinner where each course is accompanied by a bourbon-based cocktail. The main course is a bourbon, barbecue-glazed double-cut pork chop with bourbon applesauce, a baby lamb chop and asparagus. 6-9:30 p.m. $185+. Brett’s BBQ, 25220 Kingsland Blvd., Katy. www.facebook.com/brettsbarbecueshop JUNE 01 CONNECT WITH PROFESSIONALS The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce will have a casual, lightly structured networking event for businesses and professionals. Each attendee will give a 30-second presentation on their profession and receive additional resources from the chamber to educate members on di erent ways to support each other’s businesses. 7:30-9 a.m. $20. Rudy’s BBQ, 21799 Katy Freeway, Katy. 281-391-7423. www.katychamber.com
special for the evening. Admission is free, and guests can bring their own bottle of wine if preferred. 6-8 p.m. Free. Aunt Bill’s Soul Food Cafe, 22603 Morton Ranch Road, Ste. 220, Katy. 281-665-8457. www.auntbillsoulfood.com 18 RACE GO KARTS WITH DAD Those looking to spend time with dad on Father’s Day might make the trip to Speedy’s Fast Track, an entertainment center that features go-karts, laser tag and arcade games. The center is o ering a free ride, laser tag or mini golf promotion exclusively for Father’s Day. Noon-10 p.m. Free. Speedy’s Fast Track, 11440 Hempstead Road, Houston. 713-957-8803. www.houstonfasttrack.com 24 PARTICIPATE IN A FOOD FAIR Katy Christian Ministries will combat food insecurity with a community food fair. The nonpro t organization has goals to distribute hundreds of pounds of free food and fresh produce to Katy-area residents, and all community members are encouraged to attend. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Powerhouse Christian Church, 1818 Katyland Drive, Katy. 281-391-9623. www.ktcm.org
The event is open to experienced stargazers and newcomers alike. WORTH THE TRIP STARGAZE IN THE GLADES Starting at sundown May 26, come watch the stars at Memorial Park. Astronomers will show viewers constellations, planets and other visible celestial bodies. Guests are encouraged to bring telescopes, binoculars and blankets. Sundown. Free. 7575 N. Picnic Lane, Houston. 713-863-8403. www.memorialparkconservancy.org
W. MEMORIAL LOOP DR.
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Find more or submit Katy 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.
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Public hearing process for 36A corridor starting late this year
COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR & DANIEL WEEKS
UPCOMING PROJECTS
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STUDY ZONE
The feasibility study for the 36A corridor concept is divided into two sections. A future highway could run from the cities of Rosenberg to Hempstead.
Environmental studies will start for the proposed 36A corridor transportation project after a series of public hear- ings expected to start in late 2023, according to documents provided by the Texas Department of Transportation. The TxDOT studies are for the 36A corridor project, which consists of a proposed transportation corridor from I-69 southwest of Rosenberg to Hwy. 6 north of Hempstead. The environmental study area includes parts of Fort Bend, Waller, Austin and Harris counties. TxDOT documents state the project’s purpose is to match projected growth in the study area to avoid congestion issues, improve general connectivity and improve hurricane evacuation route capacity. The study also aims to identify constraints of future construction, such as residential and commercial areas, historic sites, parks, and cemeteries. TxDOT o cials will conduct two environmental studies for the north and south segments of the project. Before o cially initiating the studies, meetings with the public and elected o cials will be conducted as TxDOT o cials draft an environmental impact statement. Fort Bend County commissioners in April passed a resolution calling for the study process to restart after seeing delays last year. County agenda documents state the process faced delays after being split into north and south segments.
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Kingsland Boulevard extension The city of Katy entered into a utility and economic agreement with home im- provement retail giant The Home Depot on April 17. To accommodate the com- pany, Katy will add throughways at two points along Kingsland Boulevard, west of Cane Island Parkway. The streets will provide mobility from the I-10 service road to Kingsland Boulevard. Timeline: TBD Cost: TBD Funding source: city of Katy
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Downtown Fulshear streetscape changes on track The city of Fulshear and Fort Bend County intend to make changes to three essential streets in downtown Fulshear that will increase commerce and walkability in the area. Harris Street runs parallel to Wallis and Main streets—the two other roadways in the streetscape plan, which will be funded by the city but designed and constructed by Fort Bend County for an estimated cost of $5.2 million. Goodlander said the city intends
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 15. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT KTFNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. Leyendecker Landing, trails expansion Katy Parks Director Kevin Browne said a phased site plan for Leyendecker Park will be presented by August, following a trail feasibility study. Both are part of the parks master plan approved October 2022. Timeline: fall 2023-fall 2026 Cost: $888,840 (design) Funding source: city of Katy
Assistant City Manager Zach Good- lander said the design phase of Harris Street—which will be funded and con- structed exclusively by the city—is on track to conclude by mid-June. Goodlander said he could not estimate the construction cost for the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
to dedicate funds from its scal year 2023-24 budget for the reconstruction of Harris Street, which will include widening, curb and gutter additions, on-street parking, and wide sidewalks for pedestrian and bike tra c.
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KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION • MAY 2023
You are the focus of neurological advancements. We find innovative ways to keep your brain working the way it should. Like coordinating stroke care while you are in transit so treatment plans can start before you even get to the ER. All so you can go on living like you. This is neurological care designed for you. memorialhermann.org/neuro
Advancing health. Personalizing care.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
HEALTH CARE Fort Bend County outlines 5 primary public health priorities
COUNTY HEALTH SNAPSHOT Eight hundred community survey responses and 25 key informant interviews were used as part of an expansive study. Its findings included physical and mental health statistics, which were used to inform the county’s public health priorities. 1,210 residents per mental health provider
30% of adults are considered obese 111.7 per 100,000 deaths caused by heart disease 60.7% of pregnant women receive early prenatal care
BY ASIA ARMOUR
Jacquelyn Johnson-Minter, director of health and human services, said in the 2022 CHA introduction that the COVID-19 pandemic brought physical health, mental health and economic struggles of Fort Bend County’s rapidly evolving community to the forefront. “The pandemic highlighted many areas where critical resources were lacking, and partnerships had to be resurrected or formed in order to succeed in keeping our community as healthy as possible during the most challenging health crisis of our lifetime,” Johnson-Minter said in the report’s introduction. During summer 2022, the health and human services department con- ducted a community survey to inform the CHA priorities. Each priority was developed based on community health figures compiled by public health organizations throughout the county. Then, from September to
For the first time since 2007, Fort Bend County’s Health and Human Services and 35 other community stakeholders collaborated to identify the county’s critical health needs. On April 21, the county released the 2022 Community Health Assess- ment—which indicated these five public health priorities for residents of Fort Bend County: Improve mental health by increas- ing access to services and providing education; Ensure safe and afford- able housing units are available for ownership and rent for the present and future residents of Fort Bend County; Improve health by decreasing obesity; Improve cardiovascular health by increasing awareness and access; Prevent pregnancy complications and maternal deaths, and improve women’s health before, during and after pregnancy.
3.6 mentally unhealthy days per month for average resident 26.5% of residents spend over 30% of income on housing
SOURCE: FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PLAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
December, the department engaged community members to develop an action plan for each priority area. Furthermore, over 150 Fort Bend County leaders, residents, stakehold- ers and health champions represented 70 organizations in community input sessions that determined objectives and strategies for the Community Health Improvement Plan. Ten total objectives to improve com- munity health were developed from this data and are outlined in the com- munity plan. The plan is intended to
provide a long-term, systematic effort to address public health problems based on results from the assessment, according to county documents and the Public Health Accreditation Board. According to the report, the county’s objective is to improve many of its prioritized community health issues by 2026, including access to services, education and awareness. The full 2022 CHA and accompa- nying reports can be found on the county’s health and human services department webpage.
512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu
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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION • MAY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
ELECTION RESULTS 3 new members elected to Katy ISD board
Results for the May 6 city of Katy and Katy ISD joint election were o cially canvassed May 17, and Lamar CISD results were canvassed at a May 16 meeting. KATY Incumbent Winner RESULTS BREAKDOWN
BY DANIEL WEEKS
Cuzela could not be reached for comment by press time. In a Community Impact questionnaire, both pointed to giving Katy ISD teachers a competitive salary as a method for improving faculty retention amid a teacher shortage. Lamar CISD board of trustees Two new members were elected to the Lamar CISD board after the May 6 election, with one sitting board member holding on to his seat. Newcomer Jacci Hotzel was elected to the Position 4 seat with a 70.54% of the vote. She previously told Community Impact that she sought a “ scally con- servative” approach to the school district’s projected rapid growth. Position 5 incumbent Jon Welch was re-elected to the role with 62.88% of the vote after four years serving on the board. He previously told Community Impact that since he joined the board, LCISD has moved away from a “rural mindset” in development and has restructured to better meet growth. Position 7 incumbent Alex Hunt was ousted by nonpro t director Suzanne Box, who received 59.64% of the vote. She said in a questionnaire regarding district growth that she wants to see LCISD focus more on smaller, more available tracts of land over larger and more competitive tracts.
The May 6 election featured three races for each of the Katy ISD and Lamar CISD boards and a race for the Ward A seat on the Katy City Council. Katy City Council The Katy City Council Ward A incumbent Janet Corte won re-election with 85.41% of the vote. She told Community Impact she looks forward to another three years to complete projects in the role. “I feel like the city is going in a good direction, and this just proves that they’re happy with the direction that we’re going with the city as a whole,” Corte said. Katy ISD board of trustees O cial election results showed Amy Thieme, Morgan Calhoun and Mary Ellen Cuzela winning their respective Katy ISD board of trustees races with 53.98%, 49.96% and 52.27%, respectively. Candidates that receive less than 50% of the vote did not need to participate in a runo election. Position 3 winner Thieme told Community Impact she intends to uplift parents’ voices and put students rst when serving in the role. “I’m excited about representing Katy families, students and sta ,” Thieme said. Respective position 4 and 5 winners Calhoun and
85.41% Janet Corte 14.59% Clara Bonin KATY CITY COUNCIL, WARD A
53.98% Amy Thieme 37.98% Bruce Bradford KATY ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES, POSITION 3 8.04% Shawn Miller 49.96% Morgan Calhoun 22.48% Erica Brettell KATY ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES, POSITION 4 27.56% Cicely Taylor 52.27% Mary Ellen Cuzela 47.73% Shana Peterson KATY ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES, POSITION 5 SOURCES: KATY ISD, CITY OF KATY, FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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KATY SOUTH FULSHEAR EDITION • MAY 2023
REAL ESTATE Appraised property values continue to rise
SUPPLY AND DEMAND According to a Houston Association of Realtors report, residential properties saw a decline in sales since April 2022 in the Greater Houston region, aligning with prepandemic levels.
BY DANIEL WEEKS
home inventory levels: The latest data from the Houston Association of Realtors estimates a 2.7-month supply of homes, which is up from a 1.3-month supply from last year. The months supply measurement estimates the total number of months it would take to deplete cur- rent home supply based on the prior 12 months’ sales activity. According to HAR, being below a three month supply of homes indicates a seller’s market. HAR data indicates the Greater Houston area’s housing market has been a seller’s market since 2012-2013. FBCAD and HCAD reports say low inventory levels and steady demand are a contributing factor to rising residential property values. Despite inventory for housing being low, it has increased since last year. Appeal deadline The deadline to le an appeal for many property owners in Harris and Fort Bend counties passed May 15, before press time. However, some property owners in both counties may still have the opportunity to le a protest of their appraised values. The deadline to submit a protest is either May 15 or 30 days after receiv- ing a valuation notice from either county, whichever comes later. Residents who are still within the 30-day window of receiving their appraised value notice can le appeals online in Harris County at www.hcad.org and in Fort Bend County at www. cad.org/appeals. Late protests can be led for “good cause,” which is determined by an
Properties in Harris and Fort Bend counties overall saw increases in appraised values since the prior year as the region battles in ationary pressures and recovers from pan- demic-era supply chain disruptions. The Harris and Fort Bend central appraisal districts mailed property value notices to many of their respective county’s property owners in April. Overall, Harris County residential and commercial property values increased by 16% and 21% year over year, respectively. “We are again seeing a large number of residential and com- mercial properties in Harris County increasing in value this year,” HCAD Chief Appraiser Roland Altinger said in a news release. The release indicates about 96% of homes in the county saw a value increase. Meanwhile, Fort Bend County residential and commercial values increased by 15% and 18% year over year, respectively. FBCAD Chief Appraiser Jordan Wise said through- out the pandemic the county saw an “unprecedented rise in sales volume and price.” “This year, with rising interest rates and in ation, sales volume has dropped to prepandemic levels, cre- ating a market that is more balanced than recent history,” Wise said in a news release. The Greater Houston region remains in a seller’s market for residential properties, according to analysis from a 2023 HCAD report. One signal for a seller’s market are
appraisal review board. Property taxes are a ected by both property values and property tax rates. Values are appraised at an estimated market value each year, while tax rates are set by local taxing entities, such as counties and school districts. Altinger said the purpose of appraisals is to allocate the tax bur- den fairly across property owners. Wise said the protest process may reduce tax burden. “As a property owner, you know your property best and may have additional information speci c to your property or market area. For this reason, the state Legislature cre- ated the protest process to ocially appeal the value set by the appraisal district,” Wise said in a release.
Greater Houston April snapshot
home sales year over
year -18.4%
home sales since prepandemic (2019) -4.7%
average sales price -1.3%
total sales value $3.6B
months home
supply* 2.7
average days on market before sale
55
*MONTHS SUPPLY ESTIMATED THE NUMBER OF MONTHS TO DEPLETE THE SINGLE FAMILY HOME INVENTORY BASED ON SALES ACTIVITY
RISING VALUES
Harris and Fort Bend County property valuations increased overall year over year due to supply shortages, high demand and expensive construction costs from pandemic-related supply chain disruptions.
Warehouses
Residential
Apartments
O ces
Retail
PERCENT CHANGE IN VALUES SINCE 2022
99
290
Harris County Fort Bend County
Harris County: +16% residential +21% commercial
30% 25% 20% 15% 10%
6
10
5%
Fort Bend County: +15% residential +18% commercial
0%
-10% -5%
N
SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY, FORT BEND COUNTY, HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
“ON BEHALF OF ALL OUR FAMILY QUOTE OF NOTE
House passes bills to improve teacher retention and increase school funding
KEEPING STAFF The Texas Teacher Vacancy Task Force issued a report in February. House Bills 11 and 100, which passed April 27 in the Texas House, respond to the task force’s recommendations:
NUMBER TO KNOW That’s how much the Texas Senate has set aside to expand access to mental health services and construct new mental health facilities across Texas. $2.3B INCREASE THE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR PEOPLE WHO MANUFACTURE OR DISTRIBUTE FENTANYL MEMBERS WHO HAVE DIED INNOCENTLY BY TAKING MEDICATION LACED WITH FENTANYL ... WE’RE HERE TODAY TO TELL THE PEOPLE WHO DEAL THAT DRUG: WE’RE GOING TO PASS A PIECE OF LEGISLATION. WE’RE COMING AFTER YOU.” REP. CRAIG GOLDMAN, R-FORT WORTH, BEFORE THE HOUSE PASSED HOUSE BILL 6, WHICH WOULD UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS
BY HANNAH NORTON
The minimum salary for a beginning Texas teacher is $33,660 for the 2022- 23 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency. HB 100 also adjusts the basic allotment—or how much state money schools receive per student—by $140 over the next two school years. The basic allotment is set at $6,160. It would go up to $6,250 during the 2023- 24 school year and $6,300 in 2024-25. The Texas Education Agency in March 2022 reported teacher depar- ture rates to be 11.57%. That rate is the highest it’s been since the agency started collecting data beginning in the 2007-08 school year. “House Bill 100 is a historic bill that is infusing an estimated $4.5 billion into public education while making policy shifts that will support critical increases in teacher pay and greater predictability,” King said. Both bills are now headed to the Texas Senate.
Lawmakers propose panic buttons, armed security in campuses five and a half million students in Texas to get a better quality educa- tion,” Dutton said. HB 100, by Rep. Ken King, R-Ca- nadian, would raise the minimum salaries for teachers, librarians, nurses and counselors based on experience. In an attempt to reduce the high rate of turnover among public and charter school staff, the Texas House passed two bills April 27 that are aimed at increasing school funding and provid- ing more support for teachers. House Bill 11, by Rep. Harold Dutton, D-Houston, would provide additional funding for teacher residency and mentorship programs, which help aspiring and early-career teachers. The proposal also increases the Teacher Incentive Allotment, a program designed in 2019 to give “outstanding” teachers added pay. “This bill ultimately provides ... an opportunity for all of our schools—all
Raise overall teacher compensation
Give teachers additional benefits and support
Increase help for special education teachers
Improve training for aspiring teachers
Expand teacher mentor- ship programs
Increase access to high- quality teaching materials
Extend teacher planning periods
Provide additional sup- port for staff
SOURCE: TEXAS TEACHER VACANCY TASK FORCE AND TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Bill would shield teens from ‘harmful’ content
INCREASING SECURITY
REP. JACEY JETTON Richmond Republican Elected: 2020
Texas lawmakers are considering a trio of bills that will increase securi- ty at all public and open-enrollment charter schools. House Bill 3 Action: Requires the Texas Education Agency to conduct annual safety audits for all public school districts House Bill 13 Action: Gives a $25,000 stipend to armed employees on campuses
BY HANNAH NORTON
The Texas House approved a bill April 26 that would require social media sites to get parental consent before teens could create accounts. House Bill 18, by Rep. Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville, is aimed at giving parents more tools to protect their children from “harmful” con- tent online and limiting how websites can use minors’ data. Known as the Securing Children Online through Parental Empow- erment Act, Slawson’s proposal is a priority of House Speaker Dade Phelan. Slawson said parents could choose to turn off location services, targeted advertising and in-app purchases for their children’s social media accounts. “Let me be very clear that our chil- dren are not the customers of these platforms—they are the commodity being traded,” she said. “Their young minds are being shaped by addictive algorithms.”
BY HANNAH NORTON
HOUSE BILL 677 This bill would amend the state’s Transportation Code to eliminate toll fees for public school buses. HB 677 passed the House with a vote of 144-1 and was sent to the Senate on May 4, where it was then referred to the Committee on Transportation on May 8.
Eleven months after a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, the Texas House on April 25 passed bills to enhance school safety. Senate Bill 838, by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, would add silent panic alert devices to all classrooms. The devices would immediately alert district officials and law enforcement of an active shooter or other emergency. House Bill 3, by Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, would require the Texas Education Agency to com- plete annual school safety audits for all public school districts. If a school does not comply with security TEA standards, students could receive grants to attend another district. The bill also gives campuses $15,000 for school safety initiatives each year.
Senate Bill 838
SEN. JOAN HUFFMAN Houston Republican Elected: 2008
HB 13, by Rep. Ken King, R-Ca- nadian, would provide a $25,000 annual stipend to employees who are armed on campus. Under Texas law, school employees can carry guns after receiving a license through school marshal programs. HB 3 and HB 13 are now headed to the Texas Senate, and SB 838 will be sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for him to sign. SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT Action: Adds panic alert devices to all classrooms
SENATE BILL 9 This bill, authored by state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, and co-authored by Huffman, proposes a salary increase for teachers of $2,000 for districts with enrollment over 20,000 and $6,000 for districts with enrollment under 20,000. The purpose of the bill is to bridge a compensation gap between urban and rural school districts, legislators said. SB 9 was last considered in a House public hearing May 16.
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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION • MAY 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Katy ISD
QUOTE OF NOTE
4 new Katy ISD schools included in new bond proposal KATY ISD An $840.6 million bond package is being considered by the Katy ISD board of trustees for the upcoming November election. work at school and … continue work- ing at home,” Avendano said. “You BY ASIA ARMOUR BOND BREAKDOWN On Nov. 7 , Katy ISD residents could vote whether or not to pass a prospective bond. Proposition A $722.9 million for four
HIGHLIGHTS KATY ISD With 33 years of experience as an athletic administrator and varsity football coach, Lance Carter has been selected as Katy ISD’s new executive athletic director effective immediately as of May 1. Carter began his career with the district in February 2007 as the athletic coordinator and head football coach at Mayde Creek High School. In November 2014, he became assistant athletic director for Katy ISD, a leadership position alongside Executive Athletic Director Debbie Decker. This comes as Decker approaches retirement from the position at the close of the 2022-23 school year, per a May 1 news release from the district. In the release, Carter pledged to continue serving KISD coaches so they can support the more than 18,000 student- athletes throughout the district. Katy ISD board of trustees meets June 26 at 6301 S. Stadium Lane, Katy. Meetings are livestreamed at www.katyisd.org. MEETINGS WE COVER “UNTIL WE GET RELENTLESS ABOUT ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM, WE WILL STILL SEE HUGE GAPS BY RACE AND BY CLASS.” MIKE MORATH, TEA COMMISSIONER NUMBER TO KNOW is the tentative dollar amount proposed for a Katy ISD November bond focusing on new schools, technology and more. $840.6 M
also want to have the kids getting familiar with the use of technology from [an] early age.” Avendano also said the bond package was designed to avoid a tax rate increase for property owners. Proposition A makes up the major- ity of the preliminary bond package cost with a total of $723 million. Proj- ects include the purchase of land and the construction of four new schools to address growth in the northwest quadrant of the district; campus expansions; equipment upgrades; renovations to 26 schools; and safety and security improvements. Board members officially have until August to call for a bond referendum in the November election.
The bond is split into four propo- sitions, and puts new schools, a 1:1 technology to student ratio, renova- tions to aging facilities and security improvements at the forefront of district priorities. Alejandro Avendano, chair of the Community Bond Advisory Committee, said each of the 56 projects brought forth by the district were passed by the committee. He highlighted the proposal to provide technology to each student from first grade on as a key project. “Each kid will have their own computer, and they can do more
new campuses, renovations to 26 schools, safety and security upgrades. Proposition B $83.6 million to provide devices for every student from first through 12th grade. Proposition C $4.2 million to replace the natatoriums at each high school Proposition D $29.9 million to repair and upgrade athletic facilities, such as Rhodes Stadium
SOURCE: KATY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
TEA commissioner talks education priorities
BY ASIA ARMOUR
from kindergarten to third grade. Although some data shows a pattern between socioeconomic status and reading proficiency exists, “poverty is not destiny,” he said. Morath acknowledged Katy ISD as a local leader in executing these changes to curriculum, highlighting the district’s 2022-24 strategic design plan. “Katy is going through ... this process of the significant overhaul and evaluation of reading practices to align with the current science. This is not easy to do and not necessarily popular, ... but it is necessary,” Morath said. “Our kids will thrive when they are given leaders that meet their needs.”
KATY ISD Texas Education Commis- sioner Mike Morath visited Houston on April 14 to discuss the future of the state’s education system with Katy- area school districts and stakeholders. At the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce event, Morath provided a high-level overview of reading proficiency and overall student performance across the state’s public education system and spoke to the TEA’s key priorities. Morath spoke at length about establishing foundational skills for reading and math for Texas’ youngest learners—students
TEA PRIORITIES
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath identified four key priorities at a Katy Area Chamber event. • Recruiting, supporting and retaining teachers and principals • Eliminating educational gaps • Developing rigorous and relevant high school curriculums
• Improving the trajectory of low-performance schools.
SOURCE:MIKE MORATH/COMMUNITY IMPACT
12 MONTH CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT
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KATY SOUTH - FULSHEAR EDITION • MAY 2023
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