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Northeast San Antonio Metrocom Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 5 FEB. 14 MARCH 13, 2026
2026 Voter Guide
Teeing up improvements
Universal City enters into $2.37M contract for golf course renovations
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center is teeing up for some renovations in Universal City. In a 4-2 vote Jan. 6, City Council approved entering into a $2.37 million contract with Verde Sports Construction for golf course renovations, which is estimated to contribute $8 million annually to the local economy, according to an analysis by the National Golf Foundation. Mayor Tom Maxwell said these improvements are necessary for Universal City and that the golf course is an amenity for residents. “I’m not a golfer, but I understand the importance of gol ng. There [are] hundreds of friendships and business deals made on that golf course and around that golf course and at the events center,” Maxwell said.
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Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center is an 18-hole golf course located at 1200 Mount Olympus in Universal City. (Amira Van Leeuwen/Community Impact)
Also in this issue
Impacts: Learn about organic grocer Sprouts Farmers Market coming soon to Cibolo (Page 4)
Government: Read about a $1.35M trail project underway in Schertz (Page 7)
Elections: Get to know the candidates running for Guadalupe County Commissioner seats in the Republican March Primaries (Page 9)
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Correction: Volume 5, Issue 4 Julio Gomez is Cibolo’s director of public works and capital projects. Cibolo’s Niemietz Park and Veterans Park renovations are part of a park improvement project, not master planning.
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3
NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
Impacts
permit from the city of Cibolo for a new 23,000-square- foot location. Sprouts Farmers Market sells a range of meats and organic produce. • Opening TBD
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• 18000 I-35, Cibolo • www.sprouts.com
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6 Kedplasma The 11,000-square-foot plasma center will specialize in the collection and procurement of high-quality plasma, which is processed into plasma-based therapies. The plasma treats conditions such as hemophilia and immune deficiency disorders. • Opening April or May • 1832 Universal City Blvd., Universal City • www.kedplasma.us 7 Sierra The retailer sells gear for different outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, running and skiing. • Opening 2026 • 8270 Agora Parkway, Selma • www.sierra.com 8 HomeGoods The retailer sells a range of home decor, including furniture, bedding, rugs and more. • Opening 2026 • 8270 Agora Parkway, Selma • www.homegoods.com 9 Smokey Mo’s BBQ The restaurant sells barbecue plates, sandwiches, pork belly burnt ends and more. • Opening April • 18430 I-35 N., Schertz • www.smokeymosbbq.com 10 Jason’s Deli The Beaumont-based sandwich shop—which sells salads, sandwiches, pastas and soups—will open a new 4,407-square-foot location with a drive-thru lane. • Opening TBD • 8214 Agora Parkway, Live Oak • www.jasonsdeli.com
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3 Little Free Library The book-sharing box works to build community and literacy through access to free books. • Opened Jan. 11 1518 Schertz
Now open
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1 Dave’s Hot Chicken The restaurant sells chicken tenders, boneless chicken
• 514 Aviation Ave., Schertz • www.littlefreelibrary.org
bites and more. • Opened Jan. 9 • 18476 I-35 N., Ste. 500, Schertz • www.daveshotchicken.com
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4 Chipotle The chain sells customizable burritos, bowls and salads. • Opened Jan. 26 • 5498 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste. 300, Schertz • www.chipotle.com
2 Kinder Haus Pediatrics The pediatric office—owned by local veteran Amy Garcia—provides health care services for children up to age 18. • Opened Jan. 12 • 580 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste. 221, Cibolo • www.kinderhauspediatrics.com
Coming soon
5 Sprouts Farmers Market The organic grocer was issued a site development
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ANDREW CREELMAN & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Alsies The ice cream truck—locally owned by Steven Johns— will sell prepackaged gourmet ice creams. • Opening March 2 • Serving the Schertz, Selma, Universal City and Converse area • www.alsies.com/franchisee/schertztx
13 Methodist Hospital Northeast The hospital broke ground on a multistory,
Coming soon
100,000-square-foot tower Jan. 20. The $146 million project will add 14 critical care beds and 64 medical- surgical beds, according to a news release. The tower is
anticipated to open in 2027. • 12412 Judson Road, Live Oak • www.sahealth.com/locations/ methodist-hospital-northeast
In the news
14 Puppy Kisses Pawlor The pet grooming business—owned by local veteran Paige Jackson—received new signage through the Cibolo Economic Development Corp. Economic Development for Growth & Enhancement, Grant Program on Nov. 21. Puppy Kisses Pawlor offers dog and cat grooming along with fur dye for pets. • 121 Cibolo Commons, Ste. 117, Cibolo • https://booking.moego.pet/ol/ landing?name=PuppyKissesPawlor 15 Hope Healing Group The acupuncture clinic—owned by Eileen Fernandez— will celebrate its 5-year anniversary March 22. Hope Healing Group offers acupuncture and massages. • 510 N. Main St., Cibolo • www.hopehealinggroup.com
11 Texas Tri-County Chamber of Commerce The chamber celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 22. The Texas Tri-County Chamber of Commerce helps businesses across Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties. • 220 Pat Booker Road, Universal City • www.txtricountychamber.org 12 Olliewoods Oasis The venue—owned by husband and wife duo Ollie and Paula Oliver—added another building to its property at the end of 2025. The new space serves as a meeting room. • 11730 Lost Meadows, Schertz • www.olliewoods.com
16 James Avery Artisan Jewelry The jewelry store is opening another location in Central Texas. James Avery Artisan Jewelry sells silver and gold rings, charm bracelets and earrings, as well as men’s jewelry. The store also offers customization and engraving options for various
jewelry items. • Opening June
• 18406 I-35 N., Schertz • www.jamesavery.com
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
Government
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Guadalupe County could receive up to $1.25M for ood sirens
related equipment. What they’re saying
Guadalupe County commissioners entered into an agreement Jan. 6 with the Texas Water Develop- ment Board, or TWDB, for outdoor warning signs. The county is eligible to receive up to $1 million in nancial assistance for eligible expenses from TWDB; however, that assistance could be reduced if the county fails to submit approved project plans for the full amount awarded under the agreement by December 31, 2026. The gist Guadalupe County is expected to submit a proj- ect plan with projects in ash ood-prone areas where TWDB has found a history of consistent or severe ooding for which the installation, main- tenance and operation of one or more outdoor warning sirens is warranted, according to the grant agreement. Following project plan submission, the execu- tive administrator will provide a letter of approval or request changes to the plan submitted. The executive administrator is that of the TWDB or a designated representative, the grant agreement states. Upon project plan approval, TWDB will pro- vide Guadalupe County with a 25% advance of the approved project plan budget. The county is expected to submit monthly project reports and documentation of grant expenditures to the board, according to the grant agreement. Guadalupe County must submit a nal report to TWDB that includes: • Communities or entities involved in formulating the project • Types of equipment installed • Location(s) of equipment placement
• Summary of how the project satis es the requirements laid out by TWDB The catalyst The agreement comes after the 89th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 3 in response to the July 2025 ooding in Texas. The bill requires the governor’s o ce to establish and administer a grant program to assist governmental entities with the cost of installing outdoor warning signs. The legislature also passed Senate Bill 5, which appropriated funding from the state’s economic stabilization fund to assist communities within the counties identi ed by Gov. Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration to implement a system of ood warning signs, ood gauges and other Zooming out Other counties receiving the opportunity to negotiate and execute grant agreements with TWDB include: 1 Bandera 2 Bexar 3 Burnet 4 Caldwell 5 Coke 6 Comal 7 Concho 22
Upon grant acceptance, the county will receive up to $1 million of the rst allocation and then an additional $250,000 to go toward the projects, said Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County re marshal and emergency management coordinator. Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher said these funds are probably one of the most import- ant sets of state dollars that have been pushed out due to the ooding that occurred over the summer. “We could utilize these dollars to help keep people safe,” Kutscher said.
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16 Llano 17 Mason 18 Maverick 19 McCulloch 20 Menard 21 Real 22 Reeves 23 San Saba 24 Schleicher 25 Sutton 26 Tom Green 27 Travis 28 Uvalde 29 Williamson
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8 Edwards 9 Gillespie 10 Hamilton 11 Kendall 12 Kerr 13 Kimble 14 Kinney 15 Lampasas
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SOURCE: TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
$1.35M trail project underway in Schertz Schertz officials are one step closer to opening a new trail and completing pedestrian crossing improvements along West Dietz Creek. Schertz City Council approved a $331,319 agree- ment with engineering firm Halff Associates Inc. to provide design, engineering and construction management services for the West Dietz Creek Trail Project on Jan. 6. The estimated $1.35 million project will consist of building a 10-foot-wide concrete, multi-use path along West Dietz Creek. There will also be pedestrian crossing improvements at: • Savannah Drive • Maske Road • Schertz Parkway Benches, trash cans and water fountains will also be constructed at key intersections, according to agenda documents. The West Dietz Creek Trail Project is part of the city’s 2025 Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails, or PROST, Master Plan, adopted by City Council in December 2024. The community identified trails as a high-priority need in the plan. Funding the project The West Dietz Creek Trail Project is being funded through federal and local dollars. Approx- imately $1 million is being administered through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organiza- tion and the Texas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program. The program calls for an 80/20 split, so the city is paying a $250,000 match, funded by designated trail development funds. City staff identified
Transportation plan update postponed Guadalupe County commissioners postponed a vote to update its 2012 major thoroughfare plan during its regular meeting Jan. 6. Some details A major thoroughfare plan is a long-range planning tool used for potential future roadways. The plan does not define the final alignment of roadways, nor does it construct roadways and acquire new property. Instead, the plan aims to identify general alignments and roadway classifications needed to accommodate transportation needs and facilitate mobility and connec- tivity, according to Guadalupe County’s website. Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher said thoroughfare plans are a challenging conversation from start to finish. Precinct 1 Commissioner Jacqueline Ott said her vote will depend on what she thinks is best for her constituents. Precinct 4 Commissioner Stephen Germann said he needs a thoroughfare plan to dictate development. The Commissioners Court will discuss the plan again at a future meeting.
West Dietz Creek Trail Project
Pedestrian crossing improvements
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Breaking down the cost
The West Dietz Creek Trail Project is being funded through federal and local dollars.
City of Schertz: $354,889 Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization: $1M
$1.35M total
SOURCE: CITY OF SCHERTZ/COMMUNITY IMPACT
construction management services as a need to meet federal standards, which increased the project’s cost by $81,319. An additional $23,570 in contingency funds and annual parks and trail development funds is also available for the city’s portion of the project, according to agenda documents. Looking ahead The trail’s design will take about nine months. Construction is anticipated to begin in December, according to an email from the city.
County residents can view a draft of the plan at www.guadalupetx.gov/page/ Thoroughfare%20Plan
Universal City approves development agreement for new food truck park Another food truck park is on the way to Univer- sal City after City Council approved a development agreement for a mobile food unit park at 1980 Universal City Blvd. on Jan. 6. What you need to know A mobile food unit park is defined as three or food trucks and 18 parking spaces, including two accessible spaces, according to agenda documents. Council member William Shelby said the project was great. Mobile Food Unit Park
“I like that we’re developing a piece of property that is basically an empty lot now,” Shelby said. Fitzpatrick said she was concerned about traffic on Universal City Boulevard. “I do see it as being potentially problematic there and dangerous for the people walking,” she said.
UNIVERSAL CITY BLVD.
more food trucks located together on a parcel of pri- vate or city-owned land. The development agree- ment is between the city and local park operator UC Texas LLC. The food park will include space for six
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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
Election
Voter Guide
2026
Dates to know
Where to vote
Feb. 17: First day of early voting Feb. 20: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 27: Last day of early voting March 3: Election day and the last day for counties to receive completed mail-in ballots (or 5 p.m. March 4 if the carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day)
Registered voters may cast ballots in either Texas’ Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Third-party candidates will appear on the ballot in November. Guadalupe and Bexar County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.comalcounty.gov/193/Elections-Voter-Registration or www.bexar.org/2177/Voting-in-Bexar-County.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent **Appointed incumbent
Lieutenant governor D Vikki Goodwin D Courtney Head D Marcos Velez R Timothy Mabry R Perla Muñoz Hopkins R Dan Patrick* R Esala Wueschner Attorney general D Anthony “Tony” Box D Joe Jaworski D Nathan Johnson R Joan Huffman R Mayes Middleton R Aaron Reitz R Chip Roy
State Senator, District 21 D Cortney Jones D Judith Zaffirini* Bexar County Clerk
Sample ballot
State elections U.S. Senate
D Lucy Adame-Clark* D Mari Sanchez Belew D Cynthia Castro Bexar County, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 D Veronica Michele Brooks D Anna Campos D Erasmo Raz Hernandez D Christopher "Chris" McKnight Bexar County Judge D Ron Nuremberg D Peter Sakai* Guadalupe County Commissioner, Precinct 2 R Ronnie Clark R Noah Webster Guadalupe County Commissioner, Precinct 3 - Unexpired term R Allison Heyward R Jim Wolverton** Guadalupe County Commissioner, Precinct 4 R Mark Allen R Stephen Germann* R Joel Hicks State Board of Education, District 5 D Stephanie Limon Bazan
D Jasmine Crockett D Ahmad R. Hassan D James Talarico R John O. Adefope R Anna Bender R Virgil John Bierschwale
R Sara Canady R John Cornyn* R Wesley Hunt R Gulrez “Gus” Khan R Ken Paxton Governor D Patricia Abrego D Chris Bell
Local elections State Representative, District 44 D Eric Norman D Steve Schwab R Gabriel Ortiz R Alan Schoolcraft* State Representative, District 118 R Jorge Borrego R Desi Martinez R Joe Shellhart State Representative, District 119 R Ryan Ayala R Elizabeth "Liz" Campos* State Senator, District 19
D Bobby Cole D Carlton Hart D Gina Hinojosa D Jose Navarro Balbuena
D Faizan Syed D Zach Vance D Angela “Tia Angie” Villescaz R Greg Abbott* R R.F. “Bob” Achgill R Charles Andrew Crouch R Evelyn Brooks R Pete “Doc” Chambers
D Allison Bush D Abigail Gray
R Arturo Espinosa R Mark V. Goloby R Kenneth Hyde R Stephen Samuelson R Ronnie Tullos R Nathaniel Welch
D Kevin Jackson D Neto Longoria D Victor Sampson
R Marcus Cardenas R Robert Marks, Jr. R Adam Ernest Salyer
SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, GUADALUPE COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Guadalupe County Commissioner, Precinct 2
KEY: R Republican
Noah Webster Occupation & experience: Retired, U.S. Army Infantry O cer More information: Accomplished 20-year Army leader driving strategic change, process optimization, interagency collaboration www.noahwebster.us
Ronnie Clark Occupation & experience: Self-employed, audio/video contractor
More information: Mayor of city of Staples (4 years), Mayor Pro-Tem (4 years), council member since 2008 www.clarkforpct2.com
R
R
Why are you running for o ce?
After 20 years of Infantry service, my family and I have made our home in Texas’s spectacular, culturally rich county. As a committed veteran, I’m running to manage growth responsibly, keep taxes low with e cient spending, listen and engage with families and lead with integrity for our stronger future. Drawing from multiple Homeland Defense engagements—from weather crises to external threats—I bring a unique preparedness perspective. I’ll commission an updated oodplain study incorporating wild re risks, while prioritizing drainage upgrades, early warnings, resilient infrastructure and community input to safeguard Precinct 2 from extreme weather and ooding. How will you ensure your precinct is prepared for extreme weather and ooding?
I’m running for o ce because my 17 years in city government, including four years as mayor, have prepared me to help the county address growth, tra c, and other challenges that directly a ect our residents’ safety, property rights and way of life.
As mayor, I am currently pursuing grant funding to provide the City of Staples with an early-warning ood noti cation system, and I will continue working to secure similar resources to protect residents in Guadalupe County from ooding and extreme weather events.
How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
With bold, frontline leadership, I’ll be on the ground in every crisis—engaging families, listening to urgent needs, pushing swift local disaster declarations through commissioners court, strengthening OEM coordination with TDEM and FEMA for faster individual assistance, securing robust emergency reserves and slashing red tape for equitable aid.
I have built strong working relationships with Guadalupe County Emergency Management and FEMA through emergency responses, including the 2021 ice storm, a tornado in 2024 and frequent ooding along the San Marcos River. These relationships have allowed for quick coordination and e ective response during emergencies to protect residents and property.
If elected, what do you plan to do to ensure your community has enough water as the county and state continue to grow?
With proactive, community-focused leadership, I’ll champion GBRA’s WaterSecure for drought-proof supplies, partner with GCGCD experts on sustainable Carrizo-Wilcox practices I’m eager to learn more about, tie growth to veri ed water availability and wild re-resistant standards, and engage families directly for reliable, abundant water.
Conservation means standing up for our land and water. I will work with state legislators to pass bills that limit wastewater treatment plant permits and ensure growth does not come at the expense of clean water, property rights and public health.
Note: Incumbent Drew Engelke has withdrawn his name from the March 2026 Republican primary.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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thechamber.info JOIN THE CHAMBER!
9
NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
Election
Guadalupe County Commissioner, Precinct 3
KEY: R Republican *Appointed incumbent
Allison Heyward Occupation & experience: seven years city councilwoman; [Texas Municipal League] president, 2024-25; Guadalupe County Conservative Republicans founding member www.allisonheyward.com
Jim Wolverton* Occupation & experience: county commissioner for 24 years,
Guadalupe County Precinct 3 www.votejimwolverton.com
R
R
I’m running because Guadalupe County is at a turning point. Decisions we make about public safety, infrastructure, water and development will shape our county for decades. We can take control of our future with strategic planning and coordinated leadership, not keep hoping things work out on their own. Why are you running for office?
Judge Kutscher asked if I would come back and complete Commissioner Carpenter’s term. I was the Precinct 3 Commissioner for 24 years prior to retiring. He said I was the perfect choice, so he appointed me.
I’ll coordinate with Emergency Management to ensure residents receive timely warnings and closure notifications. Long term I’ll pursue all available funding to enhance safety infrastructure and emergency response throughout the county. I’ll work with Road and Bridge to prioritize dangerous low-water crossing improvements in Precinct 3. How will you ensure your precinct is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
Our Emergency Management Coordinator has a wear house full of equipment and supplies located at our Schertz facility.
I’ll ensure the county mobilizes resources quickly and coordinates effectively with state and federal agencies. I’ll advocate for our community’s needs, push for timely aid distribution and make sure residents have clear information about available assistance and how to access it. I’ll cut through bureaucracy when constituents need help navigating ... How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
Our county judge along with the commissioner and our [Emergency Operations Center] have a personal relationship with Representative Schoolcraft, who lives in McQueeney, and he has every phone number for Emergency Management in Austin.
I’ll work with [Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority] and regional water authorities to assess current capacity and plan for long-term infrastructure needs. I’ll advocate at the state level for funding and our water rights. County can’t stop development. I’ll demand transparency about water availability and push for honest planning that matches reality. If elected, what do you plan to do to ensure your community has enough water as the county and state continues to grow?
Back in the early 2000s, Schertz and Seguin formed a Local Government Corporation and started exploring Gonzales County for water leases. We built a treatment plant, and constructed a 50-mile pipeline from Gonzales to Seguin and on to Schertz. I was part of this endeavor from the beginning.
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10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Guadalupe County, Precinct 4 Commissioner
KEY: R Republican *Incumbent
Mark Allen Occupation & experience: Healthcare IT manager, Cibolo City Council, Mayor of Cibolo www.markdallen.us
Joel Hicks Occupation & experience:
Stephen Germann* Occupation & experience: lifelong resident of Guadalupe County, agribusinessman, conservative Republican Facebook: Stephen Germann, Guadalupe County Commissioner
Former Cibolo City Councilman, Texas Municipal League Certified Municipal Official, Region 7 Board of Directors www.joelhicks4commissioner.com
R
R
R
I will espouse professionalism for Guadalupe County through regular communication, keeping citizens informed about commissioner’s court matters which impact Guadalupe families. I wish to continue to serve our community beyond my most recent 7 years of service as a city council member and most recently as the Mayor of Cibolo. Why are you running for office?
I’m running for office to serve my community with integrity, bring practical solutions to real problems and ensure government works for everyone—not just the powerful—by listening, leading responsibly and delivering results that improve everyday lives.
I am running for re-election to continue what I promised my constituents I would.
I have an excellent working relationship with both the Red Cross as well as Guadalupe County’s Emergency Services Coordinator. I will work with both organizations to ensure we are well prepared to survive any natural disasters. I also am very familiar with FEMA emergency services planning. How will you ensure your precinct is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?
I will ensure our precinct is prepared for extreme weather and flooding by fully implementing Texas legislation, strengthening drainage and infrastructure, coordinating with emergency responders and prioritizing clear communication and rapid response to protect lives, homes and property.
Our emergency management office is continually working on emergency plans. We recently purchased a mobile command trailer for $350,000. This allows us to concentrate resources where they are needed along with our fire departments. We also have contracts set up with vendors for food and shelter.
Coordinate Guadalupe County TDEM with FEMA to assess damage, share information, and streamline applications so residents quickly access disaster aid, resources and recovery support after a natural disaster. Fortunately, our part of the country isn’t as susceptible to natural disasters as other areas, however in the event that we suffer a disaster, I will work directly with affected families to ensure they receive the services necessary in order to help get them back on their feet. How will you ensure your constituents are able to receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?
I work continually with our road department and our fire departments on preparedness. Those people have a keen knowledge of where the dangerous areas are and how to coordinate helping people in a time of crisis. Helping people is in highest regard.
If elected, what do you plan to do to ensure your community has enough water as the county and state continues to grow?
Municipalities and special utility districts, like GVSUD, are the water providers in Guadalupe County. I have great relationships with our city partners, as well as GVSUD board members and management. I recently helped Cibolo acquire additional water rights through partnership with GVSUD and will continue to assist with water access.
If elected, I’ll secure water by implementing 89th Legislature reforms: invest in resilient infrastructure, expand conservation and reuse, protect aquifers, support regional planning, and leverage state funding and partnerships to meet growth, drought and reliability challenges while keeping rates affordable.
Demand for water will exceed supply in the next twelve years. We ARE in the worst drought in history in this area. I must continue to inform my constituents to help me get state leaders to help us get money quickly for building and repairing infrastructure.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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11
NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
Education
BY JARRETT WHITENER
SCUCISD trustees discuss potential May bond election
What else?
Looking ahead
On Jan. 8, Chief Operations Officer JD Mosley said the bond package will be split into multiple propositions, and any savings from the proposi- tions can be used for similar projects. In 2019, the legislature changed the mainte- nance and operations formula to go to current values, equalizing the playing field for districts, Superintendent Paige Meloni said. However, Meloni said the interest and sinking rate is unequal, and larger districts have the capac- ity to take out millions of dollars without the need for a tax rate increase, while smaller districts take out small bonds with significant tax increases. These challenges make it difficult to determine how large a bond school district should be. “We all want these wonderful things for our kids, but this is the side of the house and the Texas public school system that is not equal in any way, shape or form,” Meloni said. “It makes decisions for boards of trustees and communities agonizing when you are putting that on the taxpayer.”
During the Jan. 8 board workshop, Trustee Amy Thomas asked what the process for informing residents would be, citing the recent tax rate election failure. Meloni said the district is working on initiatives to talk to voters at community events. Once the bond is called, additional presentations and communication efforts will be rolled out. The board of trustees has until Feb. 13 to call for the bond election, giving time to refine the final bond package. The goal is to have the bond issued in May, spend one year designing projects and go out for bid in 2027. If called, the bond will appear on the May 2 ballot. The last day to register to vote for the May election is April 2.
• Clemens High School cafeteria expansion • Playground improvements at elementary schools During a Jan. 8 workshop, trustees discussed a list of projects not flagged as a priority, totaling around $256.95 million. From this list, trustees decided to pull the refresh of Dobie Junior High for the bond package in May.
Chief Finance Officer Brian Moy said the district has a bond capacity of $295 million , meaning only select projects could be chosen. The final project priority recommendation included more than 25 projects, totaling around $295.09 million . This list included projects such as: • Lehnhoff Stadium rebuild • Steele High School Fine Arts Building renovation and new CTE Building
After a decade since the last Schertz-Cibolo- Universal City ISD bond, the board of trustees Jan. 22 discussed the options for pursuing a bond in May with a focus on facility improvements, technology upgrades and stadiums. Since late 2024, district staff and committees have worked to consolidate a list of infrastructure needs for facilities. The final list featured more than $500 million in identified needs.
May election timeline
Feb.
Feb. 13: Deadline to call bond election
March
April 2: Last day to register to vote
April
April 20: First day of early voting
SCUCISD bond capacity SCUCISD has up to $295 million in bond capacity, and over $500 million in identified projects. The district plans to pursue a May bond covering nearly $295 million in projects.
Projects recommended Additional projects for consideration Total bond capacity
$295M
April 28: Last day of early voting
May
$512,727,419 project costs identified by committee
$295,097,347
$217,630,072
May 2: Election Day
June
$0
$100M
$200M
$300M
$400M
$500M
$600M
SOURCE: SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
LIVE OAK 14623 IH-35 N (210) 651-1911
RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244
LEGACY 2003 N Loop 1604 E (210) 494-8600
STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322
Education
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & JARRETT WHITENER
SCUCISD compares test scores to state, region Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD students, on average, performed at higher levels than the state and region when comparing results of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, test. SCUCISD trustees Jan. 22 reviewed the Texas Academic Performance Report, which is required to be shared with district stakeholders annually. Breaking it down SCUCISD students performed slightly better than Region 20 and the state. However, the percentage of students mastering a subject matter is in line with the region and slightly below the state’s average, according to the report. Kelly Kovacs, assistant superintendent of schools, said the participation rate for the STAAR tests were 99%.
JISD proposes termination of superintendent
SCUCISD 2024-25 STAAR results
Approaches grade level
Meets grade level
Masters grade level
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD
75%
53%
19%
On Feb. 4, the Judson ISD board of trustees voted to propose the termination of Superintendent Milton “Rob” Fields, III’s employment contract and remain on admin- istrative leave with pay, appointing Mary Duhart-Toppen. Duhart-Toppen has been serving as the district’s deputy superintendent of teaching and learning, according to the district’s website. Some background Fields has been on paid administrative leave since Jan. 10 after trustees voted to place him on paid leave pending an investi- gation of reported concerns, as previously reported by Community Impact .
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
Region
74%
47%
19%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
State
75%
50%
21%
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
NOTE: PERCENTAGES EXCEED 100% DUE TO STUDENTS WHO MEET AND MASTER SUBJECT MATTER BEING COUNTED IN PREVIOUS CATEGORIES.
SOURCE: SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY JARRETT WHITENER
Ongoing projects
GREEN VALLEY RD.
35
3009
1103
4
2
WAGON WHEEL WAY
2252
Cibolo
A
N
GREEN VALLEY RD.
78
3B
1518
1 FM 1518 Project: A About 5.6 miles of FM 1518 will be reconstructed by widening the existing roadway. Two 11-foot lanes will be constructed in each direction, alongside a raised center median, and shared-use paths on each side of the roadway. Update: TxDOT plans to complete stormwater upgrades and a shared-use path addition on the east side of FM 1518, south of Lisa Meadows; intersection improvements at B Lower Seguin Road, C Ray Corbett Drive and D Schaefer Road; Schertz water and sewer line upgrades. • Timeline: Spring 2024-Spring 2028 • Cost: $72.78 million • Funding sources: TxDOT, city of Schertz
W. SCHAEFER RD.
Universal City
CIBOLO VALLEY DR.
SILVER WING
RAY CORBETT DR.
3A
1D
1C
1604
1B
FIREBIRD RUN
Schertz
1A
1518
10
N
MAP NOT TO SCALE
• Timeline: September 2025-Spring 2026 • Cost: $3.1 million • Funding source: City of Cibolo iscal year 2025 Certi icate of Obligation Bonds 4 FM 2252 Project: Work on this project will consist of the expansion of the roadway from two lanes to four lanes, with a raised median or continuous left turn lane, bike lanes and sidewalks. Update: Alternating lane closures will continue being implemented along the roadway, causing regular delays. During construction, motorists are encouraged to use caution or an alternative route. • Timeline: 2024-2028 • Cost: $48.5 million • Funding source: TxDOT
work are underway concurrently with other roadwork. • Timeline: November 2022-2030 • Cost: $39.29 million • Funding sources: TxDOT, city of Cibolo, city of Schertz 3 Cibolo FY25 Street Rehabilitation Package II Project: The reconstruction of A Firebird Run, Silver Wing and B Town Creek Road. This is the second set of roads funded for reconstruction under the 2025 general obligation bonds. The rst phase included construction on Deer Creek Boulevard and Green Valley Road. Update: Work on Silver Wing is substantially completed, and work on Town Creek Road is expected to wrap up in February. The construction on Firebird Run began on Jan. 8 and is expected to be completed in the Spring.
Ongoing projects
2 FM 1103 Project: The Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT, is improving FM 1103 from I-35 to Rodeo Way in Comal and Guadalupe counties to increase mobility, enhance safety and reduce congestion. The project will expand the road from two to four lanes and add sidewalks and bike lanes in each direction. Update: A lane on FM 1103 between Green Valley Road and Wagon Wheel Way closed from Jan. 19-23 as crews build a future detour for Phase 3 of the project. The contractor removed pavement markings for detour sections and implemented a tra c lane switch. After the switch, crews will begin work in additional areas for the proposed widening. Driveway and drainage
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15
NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
Teeing up improvements From the cover
How we got here
Digging deeper
Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center
May: Council approves contract with Watermark Golf for construction cost estimates August: Council signs contract with Watermark Golf to provide drawings October: Council receives a progress report from Watermark Golf November: Request for Proposals are posted to compile bids for the projects December: RFP pre-submittal meeting with contractors July: Renovations to be completed February: Renovations begin
The course greens will see upgrades following gradual wear and tear since opening in 2000. The renovations include expanding the size of Par3 tees, adding 100 new sprinkler heads and upgrading to Premier Pro bunker sand for longevity, drainage and playability. Par3 players tend to use iron clubs, which create more divots or take more ground o the tee box. Golf course sta would have to re- sand the divots and then add fertilizer to help the grass grow back, causing the tee boxes to concave, Director of Golf Operations Sal Garcia said. He said they will laser-level the tee boxes to be completely at and then resurface them using Paspalum grass—a type of grass typically seen on golf courses. A new control system will also be added so the superintendent can turn the sprinklers on and o using a computer or phone, Garcia said. “If a sprinkler goes down, it will immediately alert him so he knows that a sprinkler’s not working correctly,” Garcia said. “In the old days, you would have to drive the golf course and look for dying grass in order to kind of know ‘Hey, that sprinkler’s not working.’” The course has also been growing in popularity. The number of rounds played has increased by 59.3% since 2018, according to data provided by Olympia Hills. Garcia said the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and resurfacing the greens in 2024 brought more visitors to the course. “We really shot up with our rounds of golf and really became one of the sought-after golf courses to play in the San Antonio area,” he said.
2025
35
1518
UNIVERSAL CITY BLVD.
2026
N
$7.94M contribution to Universal City’s economy annually
50.8 local jobs created by the golf course
SOURCE: UNIVERSAL CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Number of rounds played over time
0 10K 20K 30K 50K 40K
43.6K 43.3K
37.1K
In their own words
29.5K
41.6K
45.1K
47K
25.7K
+59.3%
“It’s a boom for the city of Universal City that 90% of the players are coming from outside of Universal City.” BEAR GOOLSBY, COUNCIL MEMBER
2024 course visitor breakdown Other San Antonio-area residents: 62.8K
Out-of-area residents (beyond 50 miles): 5.3K Universal City residents: 9K Out-of-state residents: 2.5K
6.7%
11.3%
total visitors 79.6K
3.1%
“We need to continue to make it an asset to us because it is bringing in money,” CHRISTINA FITZPATRICK, MAYOR PRO TEM
78.9%
SOURCE: UNIVERSAL CITY, PLACER AI DATA 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT
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16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
The discussion
The local impact
conducted by the National Golf Foundation. Visitors to the Olympia Hills Golf Course & Event Center have generated between $223,000 and $294,000 in sales tax revenue since fiscal year 2022-23, according to data provided by city officials.
The course, which is owned and operated by Universal City, attracted nearly 80,000 visitors in 2024, with upwards of more than 85% of those visitors coming from individuals who are not city residents, according to the economic analysis
Council member Bernard Rubal said he was uneasy about the course renovations, despite the assurance from the mayor and others that Olympia Hills was the “last best chance for the city to move into the 21st century.” Council member Phil Vaughan said he was not comfortable. “I don’t think we should be putting this kind of money into the golf course. I think it’s a ‘nice to have,’ not a ‘need to have,’” Vaughan said. Maxwell said the venue tax is a retail sales tax used for parks and recreation projects, along with the golf course. “No property taxes are going to support the golf course,” Maxwell said. While renovations are ongoing, the course will remain open. Garcia said they hoping to be completed by the end of July.
Olympia Hills tax revenue
Key:
State and local sales tax
Mixed beverage sales tax
FY 2024-25: $293.73K total
$230.41K
$63.31K
FY 2023-24: $223.94K total
$173.58K
$50.36K
FY 2022-23: $250.77K total
$193.87K
$56.9K
$0
$100K
$200K
$300K
SOURCE: UNIVERSAL CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
NOTE: FIGURES HAVE BEEN ROUNDED • UNIVERSAL CITY'S FISCAL YEAR IS FROM OCTOBER-SEPTEMBER.
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17
NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
Events
BY ANDREW CREELMAN
• Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St., Schertz • https://bit.ly/kickcancerpeprally
February
The One with All the Lattes There will be specialty drinks and a watch party inspired by the television show “Friends.” • Feb. 18-22, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Frenchie Coffee Roasters, 200 Pfeil Road, Cibolo • Facebook: Frenchie Coffee Roasters Nature Scavenger Hunt Local master naturalists will take participants on a guided tour. • Feb. 22, 3:30-4:30 p.m. • Free • Crescent Bend Nature Park, 12780 Schaefer Road, Schertz • https://bit.ly/4qZmvFl
Vinyl Record Show of San Antonio The event will feature regional record and vinyl collector vendors. Children 13 and under are free. • March 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (general admission), 8 a.m. (doors open for early bird admission) • $10 (general admission), $15 (early bird admission) • Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz • www.vinylrecordshow.com
Sip Social’s BBQ Cook-Off There will be samples, live music and a kids area.
• March 7, 4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 232 Brite Road, Ste. 125, Cibolo • Facebook: Sip Social
Monster’s Vale: Park Days Head to this day of medieval live action role play for players of all experience and skill levels. Events include educational games and three full combat competitions. • March 14, noon-3 p.m. • Free (participation) • Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St., Schertz • Facebook: Amtgard CK: Monster’s Vale
Just Between Friends San Antonio Northeast The event will feature items for infants and children. • March 19-21, Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., (early access), 5-8 p.m. (general access); Friday 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. • Free (online ticket), $3 at the door for those above 3 years of age • Retama Park, 1 Retama Parkway, Selma • https://nesanantonio.jbfsale.com
March
Kick Cancer Pep Rally & 5K Race in a 5K or fun run. • March 7, 7:30 a.m. • $35 (5K registration), $20 (1K fun run registration, ages 3-14)
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