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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 11 FEB. 28 MARCH 24, 2023
Dutch Bros Co ee opens new location
6
Austin ISD to focus on special education scores
FACING THE FALLOUT Winter Storm Mara caused freezing temperatures and ice, which brought down trees and limbs on energy lines, leading to widespread power outages and debris.
SOURCES: AUSTIN ENERGY, AUSTIN ISD, CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT 36K+ DUMP TRUCKS OF DEBRIS COLLECTED 373K POWER RESTORATIONS
Crews clean up storm debris in the Circle C neighborhood Feb. 10. (Deeda Lovett/Community Impact)
COMPLETED BY AUSTIN ENERGY
Education
15
'Historic' Winter Storm Mara recovery drags on
4 DAYS OF CLASSES AT AUSTIN ISD CANCELED
CAMP GUIDE 2023
BY DARCY SPRAGUE & BEN THOMPSON
more of accumulated ice, caused widespread destruction and power outages, including knocking out a heritage oak tree in a neighboring church’s yard into the Millers’ fence. The city of Austin said 36,000 dump trucks of debris has already been picked up as of Feb. 21. The ice coated power lines and trees, knocking out electricity to at least 170,000 Austin Energy customers
Lee and Carrlyn Miller were eating lunch Feb. 1 when they heard a massive crack and felt their house shake. “We ran outside because we feared [a tree] had fallen on the house,” Carrlyn Miller said. “In fact, that brought people from across the street.” Winter Storm Mara, which hit the Austin area starting Jan. 31 with freezing temperatures and half an inch or
Local summer camps
19
CONTINUED ON 28
DSISD pursues new bond after November rejection
Betting on the bond
Amid rapid growth, Dripping Springs ISD is once again asking voters for a bond.
Hill Country restaurant o ers international fare
Existing facilities
• 3 campuses overcapacity
• 5 portables in the district
• 4 portables to be added by 2024-25 school year
27
If the bond passes
If the bond fails
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries Join to receive exclusive Saturday news and more.
• Design for 5 schools • 4 new schools built by 2031 • Sycamore Springs Middle School expanded by 2024-25 school year
• Expanded class sizes and rezoning • 4 more campuses expected to reach capacity by 2025
BY ELLE BENT
Less than three months after a $481.13 million bond failed, Drip- ping Springs ISD is planning to pres- ent another one to voters in May. The 2023 bond, aimed at address- ing both capacity issues and mainte- nance needs at its schools, is $257.43 million less than the November
• 14 more portables
SOURCE: DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
attempt. The biggest change is leav- ing out construction of a second high school. In the last 10 years, DSISD
enrollment has increased by 82%, causing three of eight campuses to become
CONTINUED ON 30
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
Models Open Daily!
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THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Deeda Lovett EDITOR Darcy Sprague REPORTERS Elle Bent, Amanda Cutshall, Katy McAfee, Ben Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joseph Veloz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Weston Warner METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Amy Denney COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Haley Grace CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, P ugerville, TX 78660 • 512 989 6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES swanews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING swaads@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 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. ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM DEEDA: As I wait for debris pickup for our once-icy tree limbs, I nd it hard to believe it is already time to plan for summer break. To help make it a bit easier for parents, this issue includes our annual Camp Guide. Starting on Page 19, you’ll nd six pages of local summer camp listings including a few facts about each one to help you determine which might be right for your kids. Deeda Lovett, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM DARCY: I cut my teeth as an education reporter, so even though I am not a Dripping Springs resident, I am captivated by the story of the Dripping Spring ISD bond failing and the district’s plan of asking voters for a new bond in May. There are so many state issues that can be seen in the fast-growing district. Read Elle Bent’s story, starting on the front page, for more information. Darcy Sprague, EDITOR
CORRECTION: Volume 15, issue 10 A graphic on page 22 noting the projected student enrollment of Dripping Spring ISD skipped a school year. The correct data can be found on Page 30 of this issue.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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BARTON CREEK BLVD.
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Dutch Bros. Coffee
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3 Lululemon opened in Barton Creek Square mall at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Space A10B, Austin, on Dec. 7. The yoga-focused store offers athletic wear and accessories for men and wom- en. Curbside and in-store shopping is available at this location. 512-601-8823. www.lululemon.com 4 Chef Ling Qi Wu opened Ling Wu Asian Restaurant at 7415 Southwest Parkway, Austin, on Feb. 17. The Lantana Place restaurant is Wu's third eatery in the area behind Lin Asian Bar in Clarks- ville and Qi downtown. Ling Wu Asian Restaurant serves East and Southeast Asian-inspired dishes for lunch and dinner, and offers dim sum brunches on weekends. www.lingwuatx.com 5 Pandora Jewelry opened Dec. 14 at Barton Creek Square, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Space J10A, Austin—down- stairs next to the Disney Junior Play Zone. Pandora is best known for design- ing and manufacturing hand-finished jewelry at affordable prices. The location at Barton Creek Square offers curbside pickup as well as in-store purchase op- tions. 737-204-7730. www.pandora.net 6 ZIPS Cleaners opened its newest location at 3421 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 141, Austin, on Feb. 9. Franchise Operating Partner Jason Frick said ZIPS offers dry cleaning on most garments for $3.99, with laundered shirts for $2.99 and comforters for $24.99. ZIPS offers an “In by 9, Out by 5” policy, where patrons who drop off dry cleaning before 9 a.m. can pick it up the same day by 5 p.m. ZIPS also offers alterations and wash/fold services. 512-399-5995. www.321zips.com/williamcannon 183
PICKLE RD.
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SOUTH AUSTIN NOW OPEN 1 Dutch Bros. Coffee opened at 9605 Menchaca Road, Austin, on Jan. 18. The drive-thru coffee shop’s menu consists of cold brews, Americanos and specialty espresso drinks. It also offers other options, such as pastries, teas, smoothies and energy drinks. The
Oregon-based company broke ground on the 858-square-foot building in fall 2021. 541-955-4700. www.dutchbros.com 2 Birds Barbershop opened its ninth Austin location Jan. 20 at 3601 William Cannon Drive, Austin. Childhood friends Michael Portman and Jayson Rapaport opened Birds Barber- shop in 2006 on South Lamar Boulevard. The newest location is described as “’90s themed” by the barbershop. The shop
features two 30-foot-tall interior murals by Bryan Keplesky, who has other works featured in other Birds locations. The barbershop features seven chairs and was designed by Mark Odom Studio and constructed by Franklin Alan. Like other locations, the waiting room features an arcade machine and complimentary drinks. Appointments can be booked online or by calling the shop. 512-795-4600. www.birdsbarbershop.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY ELLE BENT & AMANDA CUTSHALL
5
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Pandora Jewelry
Circuit of the Americas
ELLE BENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
RENDERING COURTESY CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS
COMING SOON 7 Steepologie Teas will open in the spring at Barton Creek Square Mall, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin. It will be located on the upper-level Dil- lard’s wing next to Sephora. Steeplogie Teas offers more than 230 fresh, loose- leaf teas and 50 bagged teas in addition to tea dishware, gift packs and more. 831-226-7925. www.steepologie.com EXPANSIONS 8 Circuit of the Americas will open an amusement park featuring more than two dozen rides on the property at turns 19 and 20. COTA is located at 9201 Cir- cuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin. The project is currently known as COTALand, and it will have a tilt coaster—a track segment that rotates cars into a vertical position before dropping them—which will be the first of its kind in America. Another coaster that will be offered is the Palindrome, which is a shuttle coaster that will take riders up 90 de- grees and go over COTA Boulevard. The park will be open in 2024 at the earliest. www.circuitoftheamericas.com ANNIVERSARIES 9 Austin Rising School , a homeschool- ing co-op, is celebrating 10 years of serving elementary and middle school students. The school, located at 6800 Westgate Blvd., Austin, is expanding for the 2023-24 school year to offer services to high school students. Stu- dents attend Austin Rising School three days a week within small class sizes.
12
Iska’s Secrets opened its food truck Dec. 1 at 10542 Menchaca Road, Austin, next to The Hive.
COURTESY ISKA GENER
FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Iska’s Secrets opened its food truck Dec. 1 at 10542 Menchaca Road, Austin, next to The Hive. Chef and owner Iska Gener said all of his food is made from authentic Cuban recipes passed down in his family from one generation to the next. Iska’s Secrets specializes in the Cubano—a Cuban sandwich with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard pressed in Cuban bread for $13. Other 12 Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden will celebrate its five-year anniver- sary in mid-March. The coffee and beer garden sits at 121 Pickle Road, Ste. 121, Austin. It features specialty coffee, local beers, craft cocktails and live music with food trucks parked outside the shop. The venue also hosts private events. 512-481-0694. www.cosmichospitalitygroup.com 13 Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe , located at 5517 Menchaca Road, Austin, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in February. Serving traditional, authentic Thai food,
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
items on the menu include empanadas, yuca fritas and Cuban co ee. 512-287-0872. Facebook: Iska’s Secrets
AMANDA CUTSHALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Austin Rising High School will provide project-based learning to students. www.austinrisingschool-highschool.com 10 Austin Community College is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023. The college will offer a series of events throughout the spring semester to cele- brate the milestone, officials said. There will also be giveaways of swag at various campuses. The 50th Anniversary Plan- ning Committee will lead the celebrations and is composed of founders, faculty, staff, students and employee associa- tions. The college has multiple locations throughout the Austin area, including a location at 1820 W. Stassney Lane, Austin. www.austincc.edu 11 Cruzteca Mexican Kitchen will cele- brate its five-year anniversary after open- ing March 4, 2018. The Mexican eatery, located at 5207 Brodie Lane, Ste. 125, Austin, in Sunset Valley, serves Tex-Mex fare, such as tacos, tortas and tostadas. To celebrate the five-year anniversary, on March 9 Cruzteca will offer food and drink specials along with live music. 512-291-7726. www.cruzteca.com
OLD MANCHACA RD.
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its most popular dishes are the pad thai and the pad see ew. Couples Nam and Rom Noieam and Anuruk Noieam and Rathsamy Sengvixai own the restaurant. 512-326-1619. www.tuktukthaiaustin.com CLOSINGS 14 Cut-N-Shoot Hair Studio at Oak Hill Centre, 6705 Hwy. 290, Ste. 607, Austin, closed its doors Dec. 31. The hair studio has been open for 50 years under differ- ent owners. It closed after the last owner, Robert Tran, retired.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
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Sunset Valley
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Unplug and get outside on miles of walking trails that meander past catch and release ponds, play areas and dog parks. Our one-of-a-kind Lazy River Amenity Center features a 1,000 foot lazy river and the Sunbright Activity Center has a splash park and lap pool, with AMPLE shade for all. Visit us online today to see our community amenities, amazing builders and a list of Available Quick Move In Homes ! master-planned living just south of austin CASTLEROCK • CENTEX • CHESMAR HOMES • DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES GEHAN HOMES • PULTE HOMES • TAYLOR MORRISON
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
COMPILED BY ELLE BENT
290. The project recently broke ground with completion estimated in late 2023 or early 2024. Amy’s was established in 1984 in Austin and has expanded to San Antonio and Houston. Amy’s handcrafts ice creams, fruit ices and frozen yogurt. An exact address is not yet available as the development is still being construct- ed. www.amysicecreams.com RELOCATIONS 4 Dripping Springs Tax-Aide began providing free tax preparation services in 2023 at Dripping Springs Presbyte- rian Church at 26650 RR 12, Dripping Springs on Jan. 15. For the past two years, Dripping Springs ISD Community Services operated at the Dripping Springs ISD Administration Building and only offered curbside assistance. The local group is part of the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, and each year volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS. Tax re- turns are filed electronically, and services are available for all ages. 512-858-0954. www.facebook.com/dstaxaide CLOSINGS 5 Le Vacher closed Jan. 29 at 136 Drift- ing Wind Run, Ste. 101, Dripping Springs. Le Vacher was open for two years and served French-inspired cuisine by owner Jacob Euler and Executive Chef Taylor Burlingame. Le Vacher sourced local,
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Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries & Shakes
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DRIPPING SPRINGS NOW OPEN
252 Frog Pond Lane, Bldg. C, Dripping Springs. The studio features a virtual pro- duction volume wall that can display in- teractive environments that are computer generated. The technology can be used for a variety of digital production from films, television, commercials or music videos. The studio is open to events. 616-914-7718. www.strayvista.com COMING SOON 3 Amy’s Ice Creams plans to open a location in Dripping Springs as part of the Ledgestone East development off Hwy.
1 Mighty Fine Burgers, Fries & Shakes opened its seventh location Jan. 23 in Dripping Springs at 165 Hargraves Drive, Ste. T100, Austin. The restaurant offers burgers, fries and shakes. Mighty Fine is owned and operated by Tc4 & Co. Hospi- tality. 737-309-3463. www.mightyfineburgers.com
Stray Vista Studios
ELLE BENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
seasonal ingredients and offered a scenic view of the Dripping Springs landscape. The menu offered French bites, such as potato croquettes and gnocchi.
2 Stray Vista Studios opened Feb. 9 at
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
FRAMING SERVICES ��� OFF THROUGH MARCH 31 , ���� DROP OFF AND PICK UP AT EITHER OF OUR LOCATIONS, OR CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE A DESIGN CONSULTATION. W WW.W CC.ART
����� FITZHUGH RD #��� DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX ����� | ���.���.���� ���� W �TH ST, # ��� AUSTIN, TX ����� | ���.���.����
IT'S MY PARK DAY SATURDAY - MARCH 4TH Open to all ages Improve Austin’s parks, trails and green spaces alongside your neighbors and friends.
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www.austinparks.org/impd/
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
March & April events
COMPILED BY ELLE BENT & KATY MCAFEE
MARCH 10 19
TAKE PART IN SXSW DOWNTOWN AUSTIN
MARCH 24 26
WATCH A RACE CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS
South by Southwest Conference and Festivals will showcase music, lm, comedy, education and technology. Times vary. Online passes start at $199. The music badge for March 13-18 costs $896. The lm and TV badge for March 10-18 costs $1,495. Student discounts are available. Locations vary. www.sxsw.com
NASCAR is hosting a variety of events including NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR X nity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Circuit of the Americas. 2:30-6:30 p.m. Weekend general admission tickets start at $75 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd., Austin. www.nascaratcota.com
25 TASTE CRAFT BEER The Dripping Springs Brewers Festival features several of the Hill Country’s craft beers and brewers. The festival began in 2022 and will return for its second year in 2023. The Brewers Festival features beer tastings, live music and food and is family friendly. To participate in the tastings, a wristband must be purchased ahead of time online. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $25 (eight beer tastings), $40 (unlimited). 311 Old Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs. www.destinationdrippingsprings.com 25 THROUGH 26 SHOP LOCAL VENDORS The 11th annual Wild ower Spring Market will include vendors from across Texas selling handmade gifts. Attendees can nd clothing, jewelry, home decor, garden supplies, art, candles and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Feb. 25), 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Feb. 26). $5-$6 (two-day admission with nonperishable food donation to Helping Hands). Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center, 1042 Event Center Drive. 888-225-3427. www.destinationdrippingsprings.com 25 ATTEND A LANTERN FESTIVAL The Austin Water Lantern Festival will be held at Mueller Lake Park. Attendees receive supplies to make a
MARCH 04 GET REAL WITH HOW YOU FEEL Moontower Comedy will present “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” at The Paramount Theater. The show encourages guests to be honest about how they are feeling. The show is based on the “Terrible, Thanks for Asking” podcast hosted by writer and grief expert Nora McInerny, who will be hosting the live event. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35; VIP tickets start at $125. The Paramount Theater, 713 Congress Ave., Austin; parking is located at 600 Congress Ave., Austin. www.tickets.austintheatre.org/9070 10 THROUGH 25 BUCKLE UP FOR THE RODEO Austin Rodeo 2023 will host 15 concerts spotlighting artists including Carly Pearce, Flo Rida and Aaron Watson. The event will also include a livestock show, carnival attractions and more. Doors open at 6 p.m. $30-$175. Travis County Exposition Center, 9100 Decker Lake Road, Austin. www.rodeoaustin.com 18 THROUGH 20 CELEBRATE ART AND MUSIC Nonpro t atxGALS will hold SpringFest at The Cathedral. The event is a
three-day celebration of local art and music. It will showcase art by Austin’s emerging women artists, intimate live performances by leading local musicians and panel sessions focused on local women entrepreneurs, art and community. Times and prices vary. 2403 E. 16th St., Austin. www.thecathedralatx.com 20 THROUGH 21 SEE VANCE JOY LIVE Australian singer/songwriter Vance Joy will bring the tour for his 2022 album “In Our Own Sweet Time” to Austin. 6:30 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show starts). Tickets start at $54. ACL Live at The Moody Theater, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin. 512-404-1300. www.acllive.com 24 THROUGH 27 DANCE IT OUT Join the Austin Tango Society for a weekend of dancing at the Austin Spring Tango Festival. Multiple tango workshops will be held during the day followed by an evening of performances from festival “maestros” or tango experts. The Asado BBQ and Milonga event will be held on Feb. 26. 4 p.m.-1 a.m. $35- $340. 6612 Sitio Del Rio Blvd., Austin. www.austinspringtango.com
lantern. Tickets also cover the cost of removing lanterns from the lake after the event. 3:30-8:30 p.m. Free (under age 7 with no lantern), $12.45 (children age 7 and older), $28.98 and up (adults). www.waterlanternfestival.com 25 THROUGH APRIL 1 LEARN TO GARDEN The Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center will host a two-part series for Austinites looking to learn gardening basics. The workshop will be instructed by horticulturist Leslie Uppinghouse. Registration is required. 9:30-11 a.m. $45. 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin. www.wild ower.org APRIL 22 EAT PANCAKES AND SEE ART Over 75 local artists will be exhibiting their work at the Austin Pancakes and Booze Art Show. Pancakes are free and all you can eat. The event will feature live music on two stages until midnight. Presale is available until a week in advance of the event. 8 p.m.-midnight. $10-$15. The Far Out Stage and Lounge, 8504 S. Congress Ave., Austin. 512-351-9909. www.pancakesandbooze.com/austin
Find more or submit Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs 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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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES William Cannon and Bannockburn Drive nears completion The largest project in the WILLIAM CANNON MOBILITY
ONGOING PROJECTS
Project phases
#
Bannockburn Drive and William Cannon Drive Improvements • New tra c signal • Accessible curb ramps • High visibility crosswalks
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1826 project is about 10% complete. The most recent intersection with Bannockburn Drive is expected to wrap up by March. city of Austin’s 2016 bond, the $75 million-$90 million William Cannon Drive
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BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
Construction of the William Can- non Drive and Bannockburn Drive intersection improvements is nearly complete, bringing the William Can- non Corridor Mobility Plan as a whole one step closer to the nish line. Jessica Engelhardt, communica- tions and public engagement o cer for the Corridor Program O ce of Aus- tin, said the intersection will wrap up by March. The project includes a new tra c signal, high-visibility cross- walks and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps. Funded by the City of Austin’s 2016 Mobility Bond, the $600,000 William Cannon and Bannockburn Drive intersection project is part of the estimated $75 million-$90 million William Cannon Corridor Construc- tion Project, she said. The William Cannon project
2
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BANNOCKBURN DR.
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF FEB. 13 NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SWANEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. summer on Menchaca Road between Matthews Lane and Kaiser Drive. The goals of the project are to repair and repave the roadway in that area. This project is part of the Menchaca widen- ing project. Timeline: fall-summer 2023 Cost: $2.7 million Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation Menchaca Road improvements Roadwork is set to begin by the
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SOURCE: CORRIDOR MOBILITY PLAN COMMUNITY IMPACT
“It’s about 11 miles of corridor, and every intersection will be touched in one way or another,” Harvey said. Some of the project goals set out by the William Cannon Drive Corridor Mobility Plan—which spreads from Southwest Parkway to McKinney Falls Parkway—are to enhance mobility, connectivity and safety for residents, including those who walk, drive, bike and take public transit.
is broken up into ve segments, Harvey said. In 2016, voters in Austin approved bonds totaling $720 million for transportation and mobility improvements throughout the city, with the largest portion going toward William Cannon Drive. The corridor project, which began in 2021, is about 10% complete, said Randy Harvey, program construction manager for the corridor program.
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DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
COMPILED BY AMANDA CUTSHALL & DARCY SPRAGUE
Projects underway in the Southwest Austin area
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COURTESY RICHMAN PROPERTIES
INDUSTRY SOMA The affordable housing project Industry SOMA broke ground in December. It includes 23 townhouse-style homes. The homes are expected to be ready for move- in in mid-2024, according to the developer Industry Affordable. The qualification process for the homes will begin in early fall. Interested buyers can learn more at www.industryatx.com. Size: 23 homes Timeline: complete mid-2024 COURTESY INDUSTRY SOMA
THE PRESCOTT APARTMENTS A new apartment complex in South Austin began leasing apartments in early February. The development, The Prescott from developer Richman Property, features four buildings of apartments in a garden-style layout with a pool and green space between the buildings. Units are available as studios or one, two, and three bedrooms. Space: 13.372 acres Timeline: April 2021-July 2023
13.5 acres of park for the city
210,000 square feet of office space
136,000 square feet of shopping center
SOURCE: GRAND DEVELOPMENT SOCO
GRAND DEVELOPMENT SOCO On Jan. 26, Austin City Council approved a plan for Husch Blackwell LLC to build a mixed-use development at 7809 S. Congress Ave., Austin, along the South Boggy Creek. Plans include 1,218 multifamily units; 210,000 square feet of office space; and 136,000 square feet of shopping center space. In addition, the developer will dedicate 13.5 acres of
park for the city. Size: 43.033 acres Timeline: TBD N
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BARTON SPRINGS ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT PUBLIC MEETING
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
IS YOUR CHILD AT THE RIGHT HIGH SCHOOL?
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Our academic courses are grounded in the classics and expose students to the great ideas of humankind, the events that shaped civilizations, the beauty of mathematics, the power of the arts, and the phenomena of the scientific world. Our teachers know and respect each student’s strengths, abilities, and temperament. We are a close-knit community and a healthy, supportive, safe school environment. We offer one-on-one college counseling and our graduates are distinguished by their curiosity, intellectual flexibility, and advanced capacity for synthesizing ideas. Discover the Waldorf Difference High School Open House Saturday, April 1, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Now Scheduling High School Experience Mornings and Private Tours
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enroll@austinwaldorf.org www.austinwaldorf.org (512) 288-5942
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EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Austin & Dripping Springs ISDs
HIGHLIGHTS DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD On Jan. 23, the Dripping Springs ISD board approved a contract that will provide funds for two additional mental health staff, said Tisha Kolek, director of counseling and health services for DSISD. The social service funding agreement is with Hays County, which received funds from the Behavioral Health for Schools Grant through the American Rescue Plan Act. The county is providing up to $200,000 for salaries, contract behavioral services and indirect costs. DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD On Jan. 23, Dripping Springs ISD shared its early budget projections for the fiscal year 2023-24 which includes a 3% pay increase for staff. In 2022-23, DSISD included a 7% raise for educators. Austin ISD Will meet March 9 and 23 at 6 p.m. 4000 S. I-35, Austin www.austinisd.org Dripping Springs ISD Will meet March 20 at 6:30 p.m. and March 27 at 6 p.m. 510 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs www.dsisdtx.us MEETINGS WE COVER
AISD to improve special education training
SPECIAL EDUCATION FOCUS
Austin ISD exceeds the state average for special education students meeting expectations. It has a goal of 60% by 2026.
All AISD students
All Texas students
AISD special education students
Texas special education students
50% 60% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
AUSTIN ISD Leaders in the district will receive additional training as Austin ISD focuses on improving special education scores. The most recent data shows 26% of special education students in kindergarten through eighth grade met or exceeded grade-level expec- tations in the 2021-22 school year in Austin ISD. While that is slightly higher than the state average of 24%, district officials said it is not good enough. “This is nowhere near the level of excellence that we need for our stu- dents,” said Dru McGovern-Robinett, assistant superintendent of special education programs. Robinett said district officials must provide the right structure and sup- port to teachers and students to boost
2020-21
2021-22
2018-19
STUDENTS WERE NOT TESTED IN 2019-20 DUE TO THE PANDEMIC
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
the number to the district’s goal of 60% by 2026 for special education students in grades K-8. Frances Stetson of Stetson & Associates Inc., the educational consulting firm tracking and helping the district with special education scores, said there are “districtwide issues and department issues.” “We’ve begun robust efforts to train leaders, including principals, and we’re asking them what needs to be done to address this,” she said. Stetson said 125 leaders in the district were brought together to seek
out solutions and find strategies that enrich instruction while not putting a burden on teachers. “Starting today, we are launching foundational training that we found, across the country, results in systems changes that improve instructional outcomes for all learners,” Stetson said. “We will train every school in the district by the end of the spring semester.” Stetson said this will result in a common vision and common vocabulary to meet the goals set out by the district.
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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION • FEBRUARY 2023
AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
QUOTE OF NOTE
Texas Democrats propose $15K pay raise for teachers
Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY improvement of existing libraries. House Bill 882 A bill from Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, would increase the basic allotment for students, or the amount of money per student given to public schools, from $6,160 to $7,075 starting in the 2024-25 school year. HIGHLIGHTS Senate Bill 165 This legislation from Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, would require a school district to obtain the written consent of a child’s parent before providing some instruction that contains violence—other than that included as a part of a depiction of a historical event—illegal substance use, nudity or sexual content. Senate Bill 197 This bill led by Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, would enable the state to provide grants for library construction to allow the establishment of new public libraries or the “THE BOTTOM LINE IS THIS: WE’RE NOT GOING TO END THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION WITHOUT HAVING STRATEGIES TO MAKE SURE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE POWER TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS STATE FOR THE NEXT 40 YEARS.” GOV. GREG ABBOTT, DURING A JAN. 31 WINTER STORM MARA UPDATE
BY HANNAH NORTON
pay, Democrats said. According to the National Education Association, Texas now ranks 28th. Before becoming a lawmaker, Tala- rico taught language arts at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio. “I struggled to make ends meet, and my coworkers at Rhodes Middle School drove Ubers at night and sold their own blood plasma to make extra money,” Talarico said. “Now, 40% of Texas teachers work a second job just to pay the bills.” If Talarico’s bill is taken up by the House Public Education committee, it has the option to refer it to the House oor, where lawmakers can make amendments and vote on it. If House lawmakers approve it, it is sent to the Senate. Many districts lost up to one-third of their teachers, Austin ISD board President Arati Singh said. “This leads to bigger class sizes, ... smaller course o erings and an increased likelihood that you have
EDUCATOR PAY RAISE Under House Bill 1548, lawmakers would propose a:
One proposed bill by Texas Demo- crats aims to increase teacher pay after 11.6% of teachers—over 42,000—left their jobs at public schools ahead of the 2021-22 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency. State Rep. James Talarico, D Round Rock, led House Bill 1548—which is supported by the Texas House Democratic Caucus—that would raise teacher salaries by $15,000 and increase pay for school support sta by 25%. This would bring the minimum annual salary for Texas teachers to $48,660. During the 2022-23 school year, classroom teachers, full-time librarians, counselors and registered nurses with less than one year of experience must receive at least $33,660 per year, according to the TEA. Under the bill, the average teacher salary would be $73,887, making Texas the seventh-best state for teacher
an uncerti ed teacher teaching your kids how to read,” Singh said. This session, Texas lawmakers have $188 billion available for the 2024-25 biennium state budget, including nearly $33 billion leftover from the previous biennium. The bill would also reduce property taxes, Singh said. The TEA partially funds schools based on attendance. The rest of the money schools receive comes from local property taxes. $15,000 teacher salary increase 25% increase in pay for school support sta $48,660 minimum teacher salary, up from $33,660 $73,887 average teacher salary SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Residents can report latest winter storm damage
HOW TO REPORT STORM DAMAGE
BY HANNAH NORTON
helps with receiving federal disaster assistance as a result of the storm. Reporting damage online is entirely voluntary and should not be done in place of submitting reports to insurance agencies. Abbott also issued a statewide disaster declaration for the seven counties of Denton, Hays, Hen- derson, Milam, Smith, Travis and Williamson. The declaration makes state emergency resources available to help with repairs and cleanup.
Residents a ected by Winter Storm Mara can report their damage to help with disaster assistance. Visit https://damage.tdem.texas.gov
Texans impacted by Winter Storm Mara can report damage to their homes and businesses. The Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, which can be found in English and Spanish, allows emergency management ocials to measure how much damage occurred during the storm and determine where resources are most needed, according to a Feb. 2 news release from Gov. Greg Abbott’s oce. It also
Select “ Ice Storm/Winter Weather January 29 - Ongoing ” under “ active incidents .” There is no deadline to report damage.
SOURCE: TEXAS DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
MAY 5TH & 6TH at the Paramount
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
CITY & COUNTY
News from Austin, Dripping Springs & Travis County
County gets federal overdose funds
LOCAL DRUG OVERDOSE CRISIS Travis County Commissioners Court will receive $2 million for overdose prevention, as fatal overdoses have continuously increased throughout the county in recent years.
BY KATY MCAFEE
to last two years. Funding will go toward hiring at least nine peer support specialists with personal addiction experience and training for at least 250 residents on how to administer Narcan—an overdose reversal drug—and how to identify an overdose. Existing peer support contracts will be extended as well. Training will also be given to health providers to prevent cycles of dependency as addiction can stem from pain killers given at the hospi- tal. And aside from training, funds will support a dedicated education campaign to get information in the community.
TRAVIS COUNTY Area leaders announced securing $2 million in fed- eral support for overdose education, outreach and prevention programs Jan. 17, the rst long-term federal funds received for this purpose. Travis County leaders declared drug overdoses a public health crisis last May following a report showing drug toxicity was the top cause of accidental death in the county in 2021. Fatal overdoses have since increased, according medical examiner data. The $2 million will be given to Austin Public Health and is expected
Austin City Council Will meet March 7 and 21 at 9 a.m. and March 9 and 23 at 10 a.m. 301 W. Second St., Austin www.austintexas.gov/austin-city- council Travis County Commissioners Court Will meet March 7 and 21 at 9 a.m. 700 Lavaca St., Austin www.traviscountytx.gov/ commissioners-court Dripping Springs City Council Will meet March 7 and 21 at 6 p.m. 511 Mercer St., Dripping Springs www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/ city-council MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS AUSTIN City Council voted Jan. 26 to begin a code update aimed at streamlining the development of child care centers by removing permitting requirements and zoning limits on such facilities. The city could also create a grant program to support such centers. AUSTIN City Council voted Feb. 15 to pursue negotiations over a new one-year contract with Austin’s police union, days after city and police leaders announced a tentative four-year plan. O cials voting for the new approach said a May election over police oversight measures should play out before a new contract is put in place. NUMBER TO KNOW estimated damages caused in Hays County during Winter Storm Mara, according to Dripping Springs City Council. $1M+
The $2 million will be used to: Hire 9 peer support specialists
Train 250 residents on how to administer Narcan
Create a public education campaign
SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Austin ordered to pay $90M to acquire ABIA South Terminal
Council appoints interim manager
BY BEN THOMPSON
negotiations. Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison voted against his removal. Including salary and bene ts, Cronk’s severance totaled $463,001.50. Garza, who most recently managed a political committee supporting Mayor Kirk Watson’s election, will earn $350,000 plus other allowances and bene ts this year. “I knew the job that I signed up for when I came to Austin ve years ago and it’s not uncommon for the council and manager to reevaluate their working relationship, and today was a re ection of that,” Cronk told Community Impact after the vote.
AUSTIN City Council voted 10-1 to re City Manager Spencer Cronk on Feb. 15 and appoint former City Manager Jesús Garza as his interim replacement. Cronk’s tenure lasted just over ve years, and ended after city o cials expressed discontent with the handling of the recent winter storm and police labor
BY ELLE BENT
AUSTIN A probate court ordered the city to pay $90 million to LoneStar Airport Holdings LLC, the operator of the South Terminal at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, to acquire the facility. Austin is seeking to acquire the South Terminal as part of the airport’s 2040 Master Plan. Austin o ered LoneStar $1.95 million in April to end the remainder of its 40-year lease on the terminal that opened in 2017; LoneStar rejected that o er. The court order issued Feb. 6 assessed total damages payable to LoneStar are more than the city initially o ered.
Jesús Garza
Spencer Cronk
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