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Richardson Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 SEPT. 27 OCT. 25, 2024
2024 Education Edition
Richardson ISD teacher Joshua Garay teaches a class of sixth graders at the new Forest Meadow Middle School.
COURTESY RICHARDSON ISD RISD debuts middle school model, eyes future transitions
around the state use the middle school model. “The middle school model has so many bene ts to students in so many di erent ways, not just academ- ically, but socially, emotionally [and] organization- ally,” Forest Meadow Principal Susan Burt said.
For the rst time in RISD, sixth-grade students will now attend school with seventh- and eighth-grade students. Superintendent Tabitha Branum said there are plans to renovate or rebuild the remaining six junior high campuses as middle schools. Branum added that around 95% of districts
BY CONNOR PITTMAN
After several years of planning, Richardson ISD has opened Forest Meadow and Lake Highlands, its rst new middle schools in a long-term transition e ort to renovate junior high schools into a new campus model.
CONTINUED ON 16
Also in this issue
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Impacts: Civil Pour to bring a new location to Richardson—learn more about its co ee, tea, beer and other o erings (Page 6)
Government: Council aiming for higher bike- friendly status—read more about what it means for the city (Page 10)
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RICHARDSON EDITION
Impacts
• 400 N. Greenville Ave., Ste. 16, Richardson • www.shooloongkan.us
PLANO PKWY.
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78 7 Claw Zania The store sells toys, anime figurines, trading cards and more. It will also feature a claw machine arcade. • Opening TBD • 1362 E. Belt Line Road, Richardson • Instagram: Claw Zania 8 Crescent Coffee House The menu for the coffee shop will include a selection of teas, coffees and matcha. The coffee shop will also incorporate a monthly specialty drink. • Opening in mid-September • 1551 E. Spring Valley Road, Richardson • Instagram: Crescent Coffee House 5 Banh Mi Boys The eatery’s menu features sandwiches, fries, rice, noodles, spring rolls, wings and salads. • Opening in October • 3421 E. Renner Road, Ste. 106, Plano • www.bmbsandwiches.com 6 Civil Pour The company’s second location is within the Promenade North Shopping Center. The menu includes a selection of coffees, teas, craft beers, sandwiches and sweets, according to the website. • Opening mid-October • 800 N. Coit Road, Ste. 2550, Richardson • www.civilpour.com 9 Sazon De Loa The restaurant on the border of Plano and Richardson will also offer a variety of seafood dishes that have Latin influences, such as grilled tuna fish featuring a port wine sauce and trout almondine served with saffron sauce. • Opening in October • 3421 E. Renner Road, Ste. 113, Plano • www.sazondeloa.com
5 9 10
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• www.hibbett.com
Now open
3 Kalos & Muse The business offers salon services such as manicures and pedicures and features a small cafe that sells cocktails, wine, coffee, tea and more. • Opened Aug. 23 • 101 S. Coit Road, Ste. 20, Richardson • www.kalosmuse.com 4 Shoo Loong Kan The restaurant’s menu is based around hot pots, which start with a broth and allow diners to add other items a la carte. Customers can choose from different seafood, meat and vegetable options, according to the website. • Opened Sept. 10
1 Antique Table Cafe The restaurant is located within Cottonwood Market Antique Mall in the Dal Rich Town Square shopping center. It serves appetizers, salads and sandwiches. • Opened Aug. 1 • 101 S. Coit Road, Ste. 50, Richardson • www.antiquetablecafe.com 2 Hibbett Sports Customers can purchase shoes, athletic shorts and more in different sizes, according to the company’s website. • Opened Aug. 2 • 800 N. Coit Road, Ste. 2500, Richardson
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY
10 We’re Dough Bakery The eatery’s menu features manoush—a Lebanese flat bread, saaj—a Lebanese thin bread, vegetable plates, kaak—a Lebanese street bread and more. • Opening in December • 3421 E. Renner Road, Ste. 107, Plano • www.we-re-dough.com
13 Restore Hyper Wellness The facility offered several services such as cryotherapy, infrared therapy, compression, IV drops and more. According to a sign on the storefront’s door, Restore’s Murphy, Dallas and Plano locations remain open. • Closed in May • 212 W. Campbell Road, Richardson • www.restore.com Restaurant Bar in January, but rebranded in March. The restaurant served authentic Mexican cuisine, including pozole and huarache. The owners also operate Taqueria Tepito, which remains open and is located in Richardson at 3601 N. Jupiter Road, Ste. 100. • Closed early August • 401 W. President George Bush Highway, Ste. 119, Richardson • Instagram: Pambazo Restaurant Bar 14 Pambazo Restaurant Bar The restaurant’s owners initially opened as Tepito 15 Wingbucket The restaurant served fried chicken, wings and tenders in a variety of flavors. The restaurant’s locations in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas remain open. • Closed in August • 101 S. Coit Road, Ste. 10, Richardson • www.wingbucket.com
Coming soon
In the news
11 Pure Barre Owner Andy Apple said in an email she took over the business in May. Pure Barre offers music-driven workout classes that improve strength and flexibility, according to the company’s website. • 322 W. Campbell Road, Richardson • www.purebarre.com
16 CityVet The Dallas-based company provides services including veterinary care, boarding, bathing and grooming. The Richardson location is the first CityVet in the city. Per the website, there are over 35 clinics, which are owned by veterinarians, across Texas and other states. • Opened Aug. 26 • 2050 E. President George Bush Highway, Richardson • www.cityvet.com
Closings
12 Ace’s Sports Hanger The restaurant’s menu included a selection of beers, wings, burgers and more. The business also hosted live music, karaoke and more, according to its social media. • 1250 State St., Ste. 800, Richardson • Facebook: Ace’s Sports Hangar
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RICHARDSON EDITION
Government
Richardson partnership aims to attract international companies Following an economic development trip to India earlier this year, Richardson officials unveiled a partnership that will bring around 10 companies to the Innovation Quarter Headquar- ters, which is located at 1302 E. Collins Blvd. Officials announced the partnership with Startup Runway, a company that assists in facilitating new companies’ relocation to the United States for the first time, at an event within the IQHQ Aug. 27. One goal of the partnership is to create a premier technology hub within Richard- son, City Manager Don Magner said. “We believe that by providing support to these companies in their early days of their U.S. launch, that we will create connections and relationships with them that will result in them locating here
City’s comprehensive plan in final stages Consultants working on the updates to Richardson’s comprehensive plan provided an overview of the most recent public feedback ahead of the draft plan becoming available in October. The overview Various members of the community supported incorporating “missing middle housing,” such as duplexes or townhomes within future land use districts, said Mark Bowers, an urban design and practice plan- ning builder at Kimley-Horn and Associates. Much of the recent work has centered around feedback on various place types in the community, such as neighborhoods or community commercial centers, and how different types of housing can be incorpo- rated as the city redevelops.
Richardson and Startup Runway o cials held a ribbon- cutting ceremony on Aug. 27.
CONNOR PITTMAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
permanently and growing their U.S. expansion right here in Richardson,” Magner said. What you need to know As part of the partnership, the city is providing a one-year rent and utility abatement to Startup Runway, according to a news release. The city is also providing necessary furniture, office space and necessary improvements within a 3,300-square-foot area. Mahesh Nandyala, CEO of Startup Runway, said the companies moving into the IQHQ are proven companies with successful products in India.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY & CONNOR PITTMAN
Richardson names pair of new officials Chris Shacklett as he is set to become Richardson’s next director of economic development while Nicholas Kohel will take over as the city’s director of the Department of Engineering and Capital Projects. What you need to know Shacklett will oversee the city’s Eco- nomic Development Department, which primarily focuses on attracting and retaining businesses in Richardson. The department was created in 2022 as the city shifted its economic development strategy, per the news release. Kohel will be responsible for administer- ing Engineering and Capital Projects current and future bond programs, acquiring right- of-way and easements, overseeing the city’s drainage utility program and more.
$406 million budget includes lower tax rate Richardson City Council adopted a budget of over $400 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which includes increased utility rates and a decreased property tax rate. City Manager Don Magner said the adopted tax rate is the lowest since 2005. In a nutshell The over $406 million budget for 2024-25
Adopted tax rate per $100 value, FY ‘21-25
Maintenance and operations rate Interest and sinking rate
$0.38124 $0.24392
2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
$0.23795
$0.37721
$0.34316 $0.34316
$0.21779 $0.21779 $0.21779
comes in over $7 million, or 1.8%, higher than the approved 2023-24 budget, which was around $399 million. Included in the 2024-25 budget is an appropriation of $180.3 million for the general fund, which is 1.2%, or around $2.2 million, higher than the approved 2023-24 budget. According to the budget presentation, the proposed tax rate for the 2024-25 fiscal year is $0.54218 per $100 of assessed value, which is $0.01877 lower than the current rate of $0.56095 per $100 of assessed value.
$0.32439
SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Digging deeper Within the budget, there are appropriations for an up to 3% merit-based pay increase for staff, with further step increases planned for some police and fire personnel.
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RICHARDSON EDITION
Government
BY CONNOR PITTMAN
City o cials strive to be a silver status bike-friendly city
Richardson o cials have drafted and imple- mented policies over the last 18 months focused on upgrading the city’s bicycle-friendly status from bronze to silver. To gauge residents’ opinions on experiences and perceptions of riding a bicycle in Richardson, a national advocacy organization, The League of American Bicyclists, has launched a community survey, according to a news release. “It’s an important piece [of the city’s application for silver status] so that we can prove to the bike friendly reviewers that we do this,” City Manager Don Magner said. Two-minute impact City o cials could use survey information to prioritize necessary bicycle and pedestrian improvements to infrastructure, Magner said. Richardson City Council adopted an active trans- portation plan in February 2023. Since the plan was adopted, council members have approved several initiatives, including: • Formalizing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee • Adopting a complete streets policy • Creating a bicycle parking ordinance for new or substantial redevelopment The League of American Bicyclists breaks down bicycle-friendly communities from bronze to plat- inum status, according to its website. Silver status cities typically have certain amounts of bicycle lanes, a bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee and more, according to data from the organization. Why it matters According to the city website, there are over 26
The 5 E’s The League of American Bicyclists requires a community to show success in the following ve categories in order to qualify as “bicycle-friendly.”
Engineering: Creating safe and convenient places to ride and park Education: Giving people of all ages and abilities the skills and con dence to ride Encouragement: Creating a strong bike culture that welcomes and celebrates bicycling Evaluation & Planning: Planning for bicycling as a safe and viable transportation option Equity & Inclusion: Ensuring that all e orts to create a bicycle-friendly community are inclusive of all residents
Richardson is upgrading safety and accessibility measures for bikers across the city.
SOURCE: THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
The city has held bronze status since 2015. “In a way, it’s continuing an internal tradition of just always being ahead of the curve when it comes to transportation and being committed to alterna- tive modes of transportation,” Corcoran said. Looking ahead The results of the city’s silver status application are expected in December, after the application was led in June. The community survey will be open online through Oct. 15 and is available in English and Spanish. City o cials are also planning to fund an Amer- ican with Disabilities Act Transition Plan—the city’s rst—through the 2024-25 budget.
miles of dedicated bicycle lanes in Richardson and more than 100 miles of pedestrian trails. Council member Joe Corcoran said the city must continue investing in pedestrian infrastructure as it matures. “The longer we wait, the harder it’s going to be to really have a city that is connected in this diverse, vibrant way,” Corcoran said. “It’s important now because it syncs up with a lot of our redevelopment goals and initiatives such as CityLine, stu around the Arapaho Station, which is soon to be coming, and a lot of our work around Belt Line [Road] and Main Street in the Core District.” If the city receives silver status, it would become the rst to do so in North Texas, city o cials said.
Sain Catholic is one of o schools in ICLE school Catholic C is one of o schools in ICLE school
WHY A CATHOLIC CLASSICAL EDUCATION? Encouraging children to seek truth, goodness and beauty in all things will ultimately lead them to walk with Christ. At SPCCS, our fundamental tenets are faith, wisdom and virtue; the devel- opment of these tenets in our students helps build a foundation in Christ while providing them an enriching education. a classical curriculum includes the liberal arts, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy, and Latin. a classical curriculum includes the liberal arts, grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy, and Latin. see beautiful works of art on the walls, the great books on our shelves, and thriving gardens outside our windows. The Catholic Classical student is curious, asks questions, and approaches the exciting journey of learning with a sense of wonder. In addition to the pursuit of goodness, truth and beauty, exciting journey of learning with a sense of wonder. In addition to the pursuit of goodness, truth and beauty, see beautiful works of art on the walls, the great books on our shelves, and thriving gardens outside our windows. The Catholic Classical student is curious, asks questions, and approaches the
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election Voter Guide
BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY
2024
Dates to know
Where to vote
Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)
Collin County and Dallas County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting and on Election Day. Visit www.collincountytx.gov/ elections/polling-locations for polling locations in Collin County. Visit www.dallascountyvotes.org for polling locations in Dallas County.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 D Chika Anyiam R Lee Finley L Stephan Kinsella Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge D Holly Taylor R David Schenck Texas Supreme Court Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Weems L Matthew Sercely Texas Supreme Court Place 6 R Jane Bland* D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L David Roberson Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals Chief Justice D Staci Williams R J.J. Koch Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals Place 2 D Robbie Partida-Kipness* R Jessica Lewis Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals Place 5 D Erin Nowell* R Cynthia Barbare Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals Place 9 D Tina Yoo Clinton R Matthew Kolodoski Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals Place 10 D Amanda Reichek* R Earl Jackson
Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals Place 11 D Kim Cooks R Gino Rossini Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals Place 12 D Ken Molberg* R Mike Lee Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals Place 13
Sample ballot
Federal elections U.S. President D Kamala D. Harris L Chase Oliver G Jill Stein R Donald Trump U.S. Senator D Colin Allred
R Emily Miskel* D Tonya Parker
Local elections Texas 14th District Court
L Ted Brown R Ted Cruz* U.S. House Texas District 32 D Julie Johnson
D Eric Vaughn Moyé* R Leah Feldhendler Texas 162nd District Court R Ashley Wysocki* D Kim Bailey Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector D Stephanie Cooksey R Scott Grigg Collin County Constable Precinct 3 R Sammy Knapp* D Cesar Avila
R Darrell Day L Kevin Hale
State elections Texas Railroad Commission
R Christi Craddick* D Katherine Culbert G Eddie Espinoza L Lynn Dunlap Texas State Board of Education District 12 R Pam Little* D George King Texas House of Representatives District 112 R Angie Chen Button* D Averie Bishop Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 D Nancy Mulder R Gina Parker L Mark Ash
SOURCES: COLLIN COUNTY, DALLAS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
11
RICHARDSON EDITION
Education
BY CONNOR PITTMAN
Education Edition
2024
Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition! This guide features the latest updates and resources about local K-12 public school options in your community, ranging from new campuses to budget details to bond elections. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—show them your gratitude by supporting them. In this year’s public education edition, you can nd the continuation of our front-page story from Reporter Connor Pittman on Richardson ISD’s switch to a middle school model, which the district says will increase opportunities for students. Our special section also includes some highlights from the grand opening event for Lake Highlands Middle School, a roundup of how Richardson ISD students fared on the STAAR exams and several more stories that a ect local students and families.
What's inside
Lake Highlands Middle School holds ribbon cutting (Page 13)
Tracy Ruckel General Manager truckel@ communityimpact.com
Richardson ISD STAAR scores mostly in line with state averages (Page 14)
Plano ISD ne arts center lawsuit nearing settlement agreement (Page 15)
For relevant news and daily updates subscribe to our free email newsletter!
Richardson ISD expands Yondr cellphone pouch program
The number of campuses in Richardson ISD utilizing Yondr cellphone pouches has grown to eight for the 2023-24 school year. The district’s three other high schools, Berkner, J.J. Pearce and Richardson, joined Lake Highlands High School in requiring students to check in cellphones at the start of the school day. Four other junior high schools, Forest Meadow, Lake Highlands, Apollo and Liberty, also participate in the program. The big picture Campuses like Richardson High School recognize how it helps support improved learning envi- ronments for students, Superintendent Tabitha Branum said. She added that the program has support at all levels of the district, from trustees to teachers. Branum added that the district has reclaimed around 40 minutes in a day in instructional time, or about 10 minutes per class period.
"We’re just trying to remove those distractions and those things that keep us away from the work of why we’re all here, which is to help grow our learning environment." TABITHA BRANUM, RISD SUPERINTENDENT
Richardson ISD students can unlock their Yondr pouches and access their cellphones at the end of the school day.
COURTESY RICHARDSON ISD
“We’re just trying to remove those distractions and those things that keep us away from the work of why we’re all here, which is to help grow our learning environment,” Branum said. The approach The district allows campuses interested in imple- menting the cellphone pouch program to opt in prior to the start of each school year, Branum said. Richardson High School Principal Chris Choat said that teachers on campus handed out Yondr
pouches on the third day of school and provided instructions on the process. At Richardson High, sta man all four entrances and oversee the daily check-in and unlocking process. The takeaway Choat said he has heard positive feedback from teachers, including that students are more engaged and that there is more time for instruction. District o cials said they also spend less time having to resolve potential disciplinary issues. COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
12
Education
BY CONNOR PITTMAN
New Richardson ISD school opens One of Richardson ISD’s two new middle schools, Lake Highlands Middle School, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this month. The ceremony was held at the new school Sept. 5 and included remarks from district officials. The school, located at 10301 Walnut Hill Lane in Dallas, is RISD’s first purpose-built middle school. What you need to know Students walked in Aug. 13, RISD’s first day of school. The campus is part of a larger shift to a middle school model within RISD that will group sixth- through eighth-grade students in the same building. What’s next? District officials plan to transition RISD’s remaining junior high schools to middle schools.
1
2
PHOTOS BY CONNOR PITTMAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT
1 Richardson ISD staff and trustees cut the ribbon at a ceremony for Lake Highlands Middle School Sept. 5. 2 Lake Highlands Middle School Principal Nick Rustin addresses members of the public at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 3 Following the ribbon-cutting, members of the pub- lic were able to interact with local vendors inside Lake Highlands Middle School.
3
Learn More
13
RICHARDSON EDITION
Education
BY CONNOR PITTMAN
Richardson ISD grade 3 8 STAAR scores mostly in line with state averages
Plano ISD trustees approve settlement
RISD adopts new code of civility
Passing score changes, 2023 vs. 2024 Richardson ISD State average
-20 -10
0 +10 +20
A settlement agreement could signal the end of a lawsuit over the Robby & Lynore Robinson Fine Arts Center in Plano. What happened In approving the terms of a settlement agree- ment, legal proceedings that began in February 2022 over the $67.5 million ne arts center located at 1800 Alma Drive could end. District o cials said the details of the settlement are subject to a con dentiality agreement. At the meeting, Johnny Hill, PISD’s deputy super- intendent for business and employment services, said the district’s administration recommended approval of the settlement agreement. McCarthy Building Companies, the construction manager at-risk for the ne arts center, had sought $11.45 million in damages for alleged breach of contract. The lawsuit claims the company was
Richardson ISD approved a new code of civility during its Aug. 8 meeting. The new code of civility is included as part of the regular updates to the district’s code of conduct. In a nutshell This year’s changes to the code of conduct included three focus areas: • Code of civility, which emphasizes kind- ness to peers and others, and peaceful and responsible con ict resolution • Changes to the appeals process for disci- plinary action • An emphasis on the consequences of vio- lent acts, gang-related activities and ghts
3rd grade
Aside from seventh grade math scores who scored 15% compared to 53% statewide, Rich- ardson ISD students performed close to the state averages on the STAAR but lower than 2023, according to results released in June. The overview Students took a redesigned STAAR for the second straight year, which is conducted online. The new test is intended to more closely resemble what is taught in classrooms. According to a news release from the Texas Education Agency, scores in math and science assessments for third through eighth grade were lower than those from the spring 2023. Scores for the STAAR are broken into four levels. Scores above the “did not meet” grade level are considered passing.
The speci cs Richardson ISD students scored close to the state averages for reading across the board. Except for fourth grade reading, all scores were down slightly compared to 2023. Math scores were slightly lower than 2023 results. Sixth grade math scores were the only set above the state average. Richardson ISD fth and eighth grade students scored close to the state averages for the science assessment. Richardson ISD students scored above the state average for the eighth grade social studies STAAR. What else? Parents can visit the TEA’s website to access their child’s STAAR scores.
4th grade
5th grade
Plano ISD trustees approved a settlement agreement for the lawsuit at the Aug. 20 meeting.
6th grade
7th grade
MICHAEL CROUCHLEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
8th grade
not paid for the entire balance of the project and change orders for the ne arts center, as previously reported by Community Impact . How we got here The ne arts center was included in PISD’s $481 million 2016 bond program and hosts sev- eral events for students and outside artists. The 82,000-square-foot facility opened after several delays in July 2023 and includes a visual arts gallery, 1,500-seat performance hall and a black-box theater.
3rd grade
4th grade
5th grade
6th grade
7th grade
8th grade
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
DALLAS 9500 North Central Expressway (214) 369-2800 ADDISON 15055 Inwood Road (972) 239-5891
RISD debuts middle school model, eyes future transitions From the cover
Diving deeper
What’s happening
Branum added that district officials will monitor the transition and glean both successes and neces- sary changes when future transitions occur, likely as part of the district’s next bond cycle. “We’re going to be studying this [and] learning,” Branum said. “Ms. Hayes and our [operations] team have already been reflecting on … ‘What might we do different? How might we strengthen what we do?’” For the transitions, RISD officials do not antic- ipate needing additional staff. Rather, staff will move from elementary to middle school campuses. “It’s really a saving on the staff side of not hav- ing to have extra staff to make those moves when they can all stay at the campus and cover the same amount of kids,” Hayes said. Additionally, students will have more athletic opportunities at middle schools, and district staff will monitor academic progress as they transition, said Jennie Bates, area superintendent of the Lake Highlands High School Learning Community.
virtually or get them on a bus, take them somewhere [or] have a parent transport them,” Branum said. “Now, they have an opportunity to take all levels of math sitting right there at the middle school.” Sandra Hayes, assistant superintendent of district operations, said she and other district officials are eager to move forward with future middle school conversions at RISD’s remaining six junior high schools after renovating Forest Meadow and rebuilding Lake Highlands campuses for the middle school model. “We have a plan, and we’re ready to move forward as soon as the community agrees with the funding,” Hayes said.
Over 800 new middle schoolers were welcomed to the halls of Forest Meadow and Lake Highlands campuses on Aug. 13, the first day of classes. The opening of the first two middle schools is the culmination of a strategic plan to reconfigure grades within RISD, which was adopted in 2021. The transition of sixth-grade students to middle school one year earlier will expose them to broader academic and extracurricular activities, Branum said. The consolidation of sixth graders also makes it easier for students who may be enrolled in more advanced classes. “If you have a sixth grader who’s needing algebra one, we have to either try to do it
Richardson ISD year-over-year enrollment for grades K-8 Richardson ISD has seen year-over-year growth in first and fourth through sixth grades despite consistent enrollment decline. The district is working to optimize its facilities based on student demand.
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
3,000
Easier coordination among teachers for student learning plans Better and more appropriate student access to fine arts and athletics programs Fine arts staff turnover rates due to travel requirements between campuses Why it’s changing District staff have been analyzing a potential transition since 2018 due to several factors: The prevalence of a middle school model in roughly 95% of Texas school districts
2,750
2,500
0
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, RICHARDSON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY CONNOR PITTMAN
The impact
What’s next?
The transition allows the district to meet an increasing demand for pre-K education, which is mandated by the state. “Now that the Lake Highlands area [schools] opened up, we were able to put some of our pre-K [students] back in their home school area so they don’t have to ride a bus,” Hayes added. With sixth-grade students moving onto middle schools for the first time, Burt said staff have focused on transitioning these students from iPads to Chromebooks and teaching necessary skills like note taking. “We’re able to start that at a younger age, which I am hopeful will provide additional success as they move into seventh and eighth grade,” Burt said. RISD’s sixth-grade teachers can also more readily access other middle school instructors as they lay out plans for student growth. “They can talk about where our kids are coming in and where we want them to be when they leave,” Burt said.
To cover the cost of the conversion for future middle schools, RISD trustees could call a bond election, district officials said. Once approved, it typically takes two to three years to convert the campuses, Hayes said. The remaining six junior highs are expected to be converted at the same time, provided funding is approved.
814 students impacted by the change
$50.2 million for renovating Forest Meadow Middle School
1,666 pre-K students enrolled for 2023-24, a 6.4% year-over-year increase 10 elementary schools now sending sixth-grade students to middle schools in the Lake Highlands Learning Community $81.2 million for the newly constructed Lake Highlands Middle School
FOREST MEADOW MIDDLE SCHOOL
635
75
LAKE HIGHLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL
WHITEHURST DR.
W A L N U T HI LL L N.
N
SOURCE: RICHARDSON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Preschool - 12 Grade Creative SmartLab Fine Arts: Choir, Orchestra & Band Athletics: Basketball, Soccer & Volleyball Where students become leaders in their school, church and community.
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17
RICHARDSON EDITION
Education
BY DUSTIN BUTLER
Q&A: Education Service Center Region 10 offers training for local schools With the 2024-25 school year beginning, Educa- tion Service Centers across Texas continue to work to provide services for school districts. ESC Region 10 serves more than 130 school districts, including Richardson, Frisco, McKinney, Celina and Prosper ISDs. Rachel Frost is the chief communications officer of ESC Region 10. Frost recently answered questions from Community Impact , explaining the history of and services provided by Education Service Centers in Texas. What is an Education Service Center? The Texas State Legislature established 20 regional Education Service Centers in 1967 to support schools and create innovative solutions. Per state statute, ESCs are focused on improving student achievement, helping school districts
operate more efficiently and economically, and implementing statewide initiatives. How often does Region 10 offer professional development opportunities? Region 10 offers professional development opportunities nearly all day, every day. If you visit either of our buildings, you will find rooms filled with educators actively engaged and learning. We also offer professional development at school districts, online through virtual learning as well as hybrid learning opportunities. Last year, we offered more than 7,000 professional development courses to more than 500,000 attendees for a total of nearly 850,000 total hours of professional development. In the past five years, have you noticed any trends of what school districts are needing? The COVID-19 pandemic, starting in March 2020, dramatically altered the needs of public schools to serve their students. Initially, Region 10 pivoted to support teachers and administrators in transitioning to virtual settings. As we’ve moved beyond the immediate crisis, we’ve seen a trend toward integrating the lessons learned from virtual
COURTESY EDUCATION SERVICE CENTER REGION 10
instruction into traditional teaching models. This hybrid approach has become increasingly prevalent in professional development for educators. Beyond pandemic-related changes, we’ve noticed several other prominent trends in school district needs: Budget management training for district leadership, school safety and security, and teacher recruitment and retention. These trends reflect the evolving challenges facing our school districts. Region 10 continues to adapt our support and resources to meet these changing needs.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY CONNOR PITTMAN
Construction on 3 Richardson roads underway, totaling $9.3M
Repairs on three Richardson roadways are underway and expected to wrap up next year, according to the city’s project map. Construction on West Shore Drive between Arapaho Road and Lakeview Drive and Newberry Drive between West Shore Drive and Brookhurst Drive began this spring. The work on both streets is expected to cost over $6.8 million and will be funded through the 2021 bond. The overview During the reconstruction work on both Newberry and West Shore, water mains and sewer mains will be replaced. Along with the water and sewer infrastructure improvements, necessary storm drain system repairs will take place on West Shore. Between Lakeview and the end of a cul-de-sac, an asphalt overlay along West Shore is planned, according to the project map.
Digging deeper Two further road reconstruction projects costing over $2.5 million in 2021 bond funding are also underway in the city. The 2021 bond included $102 million for street funding. Richardson City Council approved a construc- tion contract for the two roads during the July 8 meeting. A separate segment of Newberry and a portion of Royal Crest Drive will be fully reconstructed. City Manager Don Magner said West Shore is a neighborhood collector street, which provides access between main roadways and neighbor- hood streets. He added that along with repairing main roads in Richardson, city staff emphasize keeping collector streets in good condition. Looking ahead The reconstruction of Newberry between North
WEST SHORE DR.
ARAPAHO RD.
NEWBERRY DR.
ROYAL CREST DR.
75
W. BELT LINE RD.
N
SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Floyd Road and North Lindale Lane and along Royal Crest is scheduled to wrap up around the end of the year. Construction on West Shore and Newberry between West Shore and Brookhurst is expected to be completed next spring, according to the city’s website.
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19
RICHARDSON EDITION
Real estate
Nearly 80 homes were sold and more than 140 new listings were added to the Richardson market during August 2024. Residential market data
Number of homes sold
Average home price in the last 6 months
-4.7%
-42.11%
-16.67%
75080 $476,250
75081 $429,000
August 2023
August 2024
75082 $579,000
75080
75081
75082
PGBT TOLL
75082
75
Median home sales price
75080
75081
December
2023
2024
PGBT TOLL
BELT LINE RD.
$477,250
$450,000
75080
N
N
Homes sold by price point
$426,500
$420,000
75081
August
$550,650
$547,500
75082
1
$1 million+
9
$700,000-$999,999
Average days on the market
Number of new listings
43
$400,000-$699,999
25
+76.5%
+83.33%
+35.29%
+3.6%
+23.08%
+24.14%
$100,000-$399,999
0
<$100,000
MARKET DATA COMPILED BY COLLIN COUNTY AREA REALTORS WWW.CCAR.NET
75080
75081
75082
75080
75081
75082
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20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Events
BY DUSTIN BUTLER
Little Shop of Horrors This comedy horror musical follows a hapless florist who raises a plant that feeds on humans. • Oct. 11-Oct. 27, times vary • $20-$36 • Repertory Company Theatre, 770 N. Coit Road, Richardson • www.rcttheatre.com/shows.html Arapaho Heights 2024 Home Tour The Arapaho Heights neighborhood is hosting a home tour benefiting Richardson ISD’s Arapaho Classical Magnet Elementary School. Several homes will open for visitors to show off the neighborhood. • Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Oct. 20, noon-5 p.m. • $30 • Address TBD • www.ahhometour.com Huffhines Harvest Fest Huffhines Park will host vendors, family activities and live music to celebrate the fall season. • Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Huffhines Park, 1500 Apollo Road, Richardson • www.huffhinesharvestfest.com
October
National Night Out National Night Out is a community building event meant for neighborhoods to get involved in anti-crime programs. • Oct. 1, 6 p.m. • Free • Various neighborhoods throughout Richardson • https://tinyurl.com/5a2udepk RSO Opening Night The Richardson Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with pianist Kenny Broberg and Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. • Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. • $25-$85 • Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson • www.eisemanncenter.com Aida Cuevas Mexican singer and actress Aida Cuevas pays tribute to Mexico’s best selling artist Juan Gabriel. • Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m. • $40-$60 • 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson • www.eisemanncenter.com
Cottonwood Art Festival The semi-annual art festival is returning to Cottonwood Park to showcase several local and national artists. According to the website, the festival will offer plenty of food and drinks. There will also be two stages featuring live music throughout the weekend. • Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Cottonwood Park, 1321 W. Belt Line Road, Richardson • www.cottonwoodartfestival.com
21
RICHARDSON EDITION
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