Cypress Edition | October 2023

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Cypress Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 2 OCT. 6 NOV. 1, 2023

2023 Voter Guide

From left, Trustees Julie Hinaman, Debbie Blackshear and Lucas Scanlon participate in a board meeting Sept. 11. Residents can soon expect to see a few new faces on the Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees as four of the seven positions are up for election Nov. 7.

TONY BULLARDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Cy-Fair ISD board election to determine future district priorities

platforms in 2021 unseated longtime incumbents, but most prior races were uncontested and nonpar- tisan, based on previous reporting by Community Impact .

aecting the state’s third-largest district, its $1.2 billion budget and nearly 119,000 students. Despite Texas school boards being nonpartisan, elections have become more political in recent years. Three candidates who ran on political

BY DAVE MANNING

Eleven candidates are running for four open seats on the Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees this November. Over the next four years, the winners will decide on issues such as teacher pay and bond elections,

CONTINUED ON 18

Also in this issue

Impacts: Utah-based soda shop opens in Cypress (Page 6)

Election: Sampleballot, candidate Q&As (Pages 819)

Events: Live music performances by local artists (Page 27)

Business: Stone Cold Meats butcher shop gives back (Page 31)

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

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Impacts

4 Chick-l-A Franchisee David Oakes opened a new location of the fast-food chicken chain. This location has multiple drive- thru lanes, outdoor seating and carryout. • Opened Aug. 23 • 10802 Fry Road, Cypress • www.chick-il-a.com 5 Brooklyn Pizzeria The menu includes pizza by the slice, lasagna, manicotti, baked ziti and spaghetti with meatballs, and all the sauces are made in-house. • Opened Aug. 22 • 8020 Fry Road, Cypress • www.bkpizzeria.com 6 Joe’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza This location oers traditional Italian dishes, such as pizza, calzones, lasagna, manicotti and ravioli. Other menu items include specialty dishes, such as veal, beef, chicken, shrimp and lobster. • Opened in August • 13203 Jones Road, Cypress • https://order.toasttab.com/online/ joes-italian-jones-road 7 Social House A new location of this business opened in the Willowbrook area this summer. The lounge oers a full bar, food, hookah, and live music and other events. • Opened in July • 17776 Hwy. 249, Ste. 18, Houston • www.instagram.com/socialhousenorth 8 Whataburger The menu includes burgers, chicken, fries, salads and shakes. Breakfast is available daily from 11 p.m.-11 a.m. • Opened in August

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oers one- to three-bedroom units ranging from $1,299-$2,224 per month. • Opened Sept. 16

Now open

1 Salt & Sugar Gastro Bar The new restaurant’s menu is inspired by Italian and French cuisine, owner Lina Maria Correa said. Pastas, crepes, risotto, steak, paninis and desserts are available. • Opened Aug. 28

• 21447 FM 529, Cypress • www.skyviewflats.com

3 Quench It! Soda Customers can add syrups, fruit, ice cream and candies to sodas. This location of the Utah-based business is owned by Michael Leinweber and Trevor Cardon. • Opened Sept. 30 • 8020 Fry Road, Ste. 100, Cypress • www.quenchitsoda.com

• 11030 FM 1960, Houston • www.whataburger.com

• 16010 West Road, Houston • www.saltandsugarhtx.com

9 Healthy Delights The new eatery serves breakfast options, including bagels and omelets, as well as custom salads and rice bowls, crepes, wraps, and smoothies.

2 Skyview Flats A 312-unit apartment complex zoned to Cy-Fair ISD

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BY DANICA LLOYD & DAVE MANNING

• Opened in mid-August • 9818 Fry Road, Ste. 130, Cypress • www.healthydelightsfood.com

Now open

10 Red Owl Boxing The gym opened this summer in Cy-Fair, oering training classes for all ages and skill sets as well as live amateur boxing events. • Opened June 17 • 12539 Perry Road, Houston • www.redowlboxing.com 11 Scenthound The business provides routine care and grooming for dogs, including blow-outs and haircuts. • Opened June 2 • 12361 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 400, Cypress • www.scenthound.com 12 Equine Sports Medicine The business specializes in £eld medicine for horses and is now seeing patients at The Oaks Veterinary Clinic as well as on-site at client locations. • Opened in June

17 Kilwins Eric and Arielle Owens opened a new location of the franchise this summer, oering ice cream, chocolates, fudge, brittle, caramel apples and other sweet treats. With an open kitchen, the store allows space for customers to watch the treats being made. • Opened Sept. 14 • 9945 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 126, Cypress • www.kilwins.com/cypress

15 Bad Ass Coee of Hawaii The coee shop has cafe seating and a drive-thru, serving Hawaiian coees as well as food served on King’s Hawaiian sweet bread, blended drinks, lattes, cold brews and teas. The Cypress location is the £rst for owners Heath Rushing and Kyle Price, health care executives who signed a 10-unit development agreement with the company. • Opened in September • 12904 Fry Road, Ste. 400, Cypress • www.badasscoffee.com

• 16615 Mueschke Road, Cypress • www.equinesportsmedicine.com

13 Revenge Tattoo Studio The studio oers patrons custom and existing tattoo

artwork and designs. • Opened this summer

16 Dutch Bros Coee The drive-thru coee franchise has an extensive menu featuring hot drinks, cold brew, cocoas, smoothies, teas and quick bites. • Opening by the end of 2023 • 12901 FM 1960, Houston • www.dutchbros.com Chevron O¥cials purchased 77 acres of land in Bridgeland Central, a mixed-use project near the Grand Parkway, according to a news release. Daniel Abate, Chevron’s head of corporate real estate, said plans include a research and development campus. • Opening TBD

• Address TBD • www.chevron.com

• 12914 Malcomson Road, Cypress • www.revengetattoostudio.com

Expansions

Coming soon

18 Kelsey-Seybold Cypress Clinic O¥cials announced plans to renovate and expand by adding a 120,000-square-foot building with space for up to 40 providers in comprehensive adult and pediatric primary care as well as expanded specialty care. Upon completion, it will be renamed Northwest Campus. • Opening fall 2024

14 Prologis Legacy Ranch A new 350-acre industrial project will attract businesses from the northwest region, oering easy access to the Houston metro area, as well as Dallas and Austin, developers said in a news release. • Opening TBD • Southwest corner of Hwy. 290 and Fry Road • www.prologis.com

• 19926 Hwy. 290, Houston • www.kelsey-seybold.com

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CYPRESS EDITION

Election

BY DANICA LLOYD

Voter Guide

2023

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

*INCUMBENT

Position 3 Leslie Martone Michelle Fennick

Dates to know

Sample ballot

Oct. 10: Voter registration deadline Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees Position 1 Todd LeCompte Tonia Jaeggi Cleveland Lane Jr. Position 2

Justin Ray Position 4 Frances Ramirez Romero Christine Kalmbach

Other elections There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments, a tax rate election for Harris County Emergency Services District No. 13, and a $2.5 billion Harris Health System bond on the ballot as well. Learn more on Pages 9-11.

Julie Hinaman* Ayse Indemaio George Edwards Jr.

Where to vote

Harris County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.harrisvotes.com for polling locations.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT

CY-FAIR AFT IS PROUD TO ENDORSE:

Frances Ramirez Romero

Julie Hinaman

Tonia Jaeggi

Leslie Martone

For Cy-Fair ISD School Board POSITION 2 POSITION 3 POSITION 4

POSITION 1

MAKE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE EARLY VOTING: OCT. 23 - NOV. 3 ELECTION DAY: NOV. 7

Proven servant leaders for CFISD Supportive of pay raises for CFISD employees Consensus-builders Bipartisan in their support of our schools Deeply involved in our CFISD schools

Go to: www.votetexas.gov/voting/where.html to find your nearest polling location.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 14 state propositions on the Nov. ballot

Texas voters will nd 14 propositions to amend the state constitution on the Nov. 7 ballot. Community Impact spoke with Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, to break down each proposition. Constitutional amendment elections give Texans “a window into the policy process” and a “chance to participate” in state aairs, Rottinghaus said.

Proposition 10

Proposition 5

SJR 87 What it’s asking: Proposition 10 would prevent medical and biomedical manufacturers from paying taxes on their tangible personal property, which the majority of businesses are currently taxed on. O¡cials said this exemption would strengthen Texas’ medical industry.

HJR 3 What it’s asking: The state’s National Research University Fund would be replaced with the Texas University Fund. Four universities—Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and Texas State University—would qualify for the research endowment. Roughly $273 million would be set aside for 2024-25.

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE¨ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Proposition 1

House Joint Resolution 126 What it’s asking: This proposition aims to increase landowners’ rights to regulate what happens on their property and limit state or federal interference.

Proposition 11

Proposition 6

SJR 32 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the El Paso County Conservation and Reclamation District. Various counties and regions in Texas have similar districts, which tax local residents to support the creation and development of water services and other facilities.

SJR 75 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to establish the Texas Water Fund, which would support new and existing water projects across the state. The Texas Water Development Board would oversee the new fund.

Proposition 2

Senate Joint Resolution 64 What it’s asking: City and county governments would be allowed to oer a property tax exemption to child care facilities. Rottinghaus said this would reduce property tax burdens on child care organizations, which many families rely on.

Proposition 7

Proposition 12

SJR 93 What it’s asking: This proposition would establish the Texas Energy Fund, which would nance the construction, maintenance and operation of electric facilities to ensure the state power grid remains reliable. The Public Utility Commission of Texas would oversee the new fund.

HJR 134 What it’s asking: This proposition would eliminate the Galveston County Treasurer’s O¡ce. If approved, other county o¡cials would take over the duties of the treasurer. All Texas voters can vote on the proposition, but it only takes eect if a majority of Galveston County voters authorize it.

Proposition 3

HJR 132 What it’s asking: This proposition asks voters to prevent a wealth tax, which is based on a person or entity’s assets, from being imposed in the future. Texas does not currently have any form of wealth taxes.

Proposition 8

Proposition 13

HJR 125 What it’s asking: Proposition 8 asks voters to authorize the creation of the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which would help expand high-speed internet access statewide. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts would oversee the new fund.

HJR 107 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to raise the mandatory retirement period from 70-75 years old to 75-79 years old for justices and judges on appellate, district and criminal district courts.

Proposition 4

HJR 2, from the second special session What it’s asking: Voters can decide to authorize a $100,000 property tax exemption for Texans’ primary homes; establish a temporary 20% limit on annual value increases for nonhomestead properties worth $5 million or less; require members of appraisal boards in counties of over 75,000 people to serve staggered four-year terms; and prevent funds allocated for property tax relief from going against the state’s constitutional spending limit.

Proposition 9

Proposition 14

HJR 2, from the regular session What it’s asking: Voters can approve a cost-of- living adjustment for many former teachers. To combat ination, teachers who retired before 2001 would get a 6% adjustment, those who retired between 2001-13 would get a 4% adjustment, and those who retired between 2013-20 would get a 2% adjustment.

SJR 74 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the Texas Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which would support the creation and improvement of state parks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would oversee the new fund.

CYPRESS EDITION

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Election

BY MELISSA ENAJE & DANICA LLOYD

$2.5B health care bond on November ballots In November, Harris County voters will decide whether to fund a $2.5 billion expansion of the Harris Health System over the next 10 years in a move that could expand health care access for more than 1 million uninsured residents. If approved by voters, the bond is estimated to raise monthly property taxes by less than $6 after 10 years for the owner of a home valued at $300,000, according to Harris County budget oce projections. Additional investments are also expected to come from grants, philanthropy and operational cost savings. The details If approved, the bond funding would allow HHS to: • Replace and renovate Lyndon B. Johnson Hos- pital in northeast Houston with a new hospital adjacent to the existing hospital for a total

Harris County ESD 13 holds tax rate election Harris County Emergency Services District No. 13, which supports operations at the Cypress Creek Fire Department, is holding a tax rate election this November. Voters will decide if the district will maintain its tax rate of $0.091852 per $100 valuation or if the tax rate will be lowered due to legislative mandates that limit annual revenue growth for taxing entities to 3.5%, CCFD Chief Richard Lieder said. By the numbers • If approved, the average homeowner would spend $24 more in property taxes per year, and the district would receive $705,000 in additional revenue. • If the tax rate election fails, the new rate would be $0.085 per $100 valuation.

Uninsured populations As of 2021, Texas had the highest rate of uninsured people in the country.

Uninsured rate

10%

20%

30%

21.8%

Harris County

18%

Texas

8.8%

National

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAUCOMMUNITY IMPACT

capacity of at least 600 beds at both hospitals • Extend the lifespan and capacity of Ben Taub Hospital in the Texas Medical Center • Create new community clinics in precincts 2, 3 and 4 The projected tax rate impact is $0.02 or less, which won’t be fully realized until the entire $2.5 billion has been accessed in about a decade. HHS President and CEO Dr. Esmaeil Porsa said he believes the need is urgent as hospitals have failing infrastructure.

@ALL4CFISD #ALL4CFISD

Together, let's elevate Cypress-Fairbanks ISD to new heights, ensuring ALL students receive an exceptional education and every member of our community has a voice in shaping our district's future. Vote for Tonia Jaeggi, Julie Hinaman, Leslie Martone, & Frances Ramirez Romero for CFISD Trustees and let's create a brighter future together!

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CYPRESS EDITION

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Election

BY DANICA LLOYD

Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees, Position 1

Why are you running for the Cy-Fair ISD board, and why are you the best candidate?

What are the biggest issues Cy-Fair ISD is facing? How would you address them?

I’m running for CFISD trustee to be a voice for the students and teachers of our school district. I have over 20 years experience in building small businesses and teams from scratch. Having the heart of a teacher along with my ability to connect with community members from dierent backgrounds makes me the best candidate.

We need to get back to basics. I understand that CFISD has dealt with numerous obstacles and distractions the past few years but having just 59% of our third-graders currently reading at grade level is not acceptable. I will seek counsel from current and retired teachers to oer solutions to increase reading comprehension and test scores for our students.

Todd LeCompte Occupation: business owner

Relevant experience : over 20 years experience building and maintaining successful companies www.toddlecompte.com

As a product of Cy-Fair ISD and a current parent, I have volunteered in over 30 schools, logging 5,000+ hours. I’ve served on district committees, attended board meetings for four years, and possess extensive knowledge of the district. This background makes me the ideal candidate for Position 1.

A major focus of mine will be prioritizing teacher recruitment, retention and satisfaction. By advocating for higher pay and reduced workloads, we can maintain Cy-Fair ISD’s reputation as a destination district. To ensure eective strategies, I would engage teachers in a collaborative Teacher Task Force, as they possess valuable insights on what would attract and retain talented educators in our district.

Tonia Jaeggi Occupation: Realtor

Relevant experience : Community Leadership Committee and other committees, mentor, volunteer, Cy- Fair Educational Foundation trustee www.all4csd.com

I am running because I want to contribute to advancing education in CFISD as school board trustee Position 1. My educational, professional and volunteering experiences will contribute to the enhancement of the school district. I have taught, trained and mentored future STEM teachers, health care professionals and researchers. I will be eective in maintaining “Opportunity for All.”

The most signicant issue that our district faces is teacher recruitment, retention and funding to meet the growth of our district. I will work with policymakers, administrators, legislators and the community to recruit eective teachers and attain the necessary funding to accommodate the growing, diverse Cy-Fair student body.

Cleveland Lane Jr. Occupation: faculty in higher ed Relevant experience : working with large budgets, facility development, diverse communities, curriculum development, K-12 teachers www.votedrlaneforcyfair.com

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 60 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.

CYPRESS EDITION

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Election

BY DANICA LLOYD

*INCUMBENT

Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees, Position 2

Why are you running for the Cy-Fair ISD board, and why are you the best candidate?

What are the biggest issues Cy-Fair ISD is facing? How would you address them?

I believe all students deserve access to an exceptional education within our local public schools. My focus is on ensuring the district ful lls its mission of educating students. My motivation is to serve … with intelligence, integrity and compassion. If I am re-elected, I will be the most senior member of the board and will use my experience to govern eectively and honorably.

Lack of adequate state funding, recruitment and retention of teachers, and school safety/mental health are the three biggest issues facing CFISD. All these issues impact student achievement. As a board member, I will continue advocating for public school funding, changes in legislation impacting teachers and student safety/mental health, and stronger partnerships with parents.

Julie Hinaman* Relevant experience: CFISD trustee and board vice president, former Community Leadership Committee chair, 2019 Long Range Planning Committee co-chair, CFISD volunteer www.all4c sd.com

I have been very eective at making positive changes in Cy-Fair ISD at the state and local level. I want to put parents in control of what is appropriate in schools. I have been doing it as a concerned mom for the last 2.5 years. See my website, www.texasmessengers.com, for how I protected CFISD’s children at school.

(1) Safety—Explore all options to comply with [House Bill] 3 (armed guards at schools). Continue to meet with Texas legislators inside and outside the district to help pass legislation. I was recently credited for my work showing data mining of mental health surveys to help pass [House Bill] 18. (2) Teacher Retention—I want to listen to feedback and take action to help.

Ayse Indemaio Occupation: former risk management professional, stay-at- home mom Relevant experience: bringing info to legislators, nancial reporting www.ayseindemaioforc sd.com

I am running to help refocus CFISD on the academic preparation of students. As a former CFISD board member, I strongly believe that every student should be able to read for comprehension by the end of third grade. I am a CPA and the only candidate with a nancial background. I am an Army veteran and a retiree from ExxonMobil.

The large number of students not reading on grade level, and securing adequate funding from the state to ensure school programs are resourced and staed eectively [are the biggest issues].

George Edwards Jr. Occupation: retired CPA

Relevant experience: Army veteran; former CFISD trustee; former chair, Energy Capital Credit Union; chair, Leadership Houston Class XXI www.edwardsforc sd.com

CYPRESS EDITION

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Election

BY DANICA LLOYD

Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees, Position 3

Why are you running for the Cy-Fair ISD board, and why are you the best candidate?

What are the biggest issues Cy-Fair ISD is facing? How would you address them?

I am running for school board to continue the legacy of excellence in our school district. I want to keep our student achievement top of mind as we come out of a global pandemic, retain quality teachers and keep our parents involved at all levels.

The funding formula for school districts is outdated and needs to be xed to fund our public education. … I want to explore ways to keep our teachers in CFISD and to continue to foster an environment for education, innovation and growth for our students. I [would form] a task force of teachers to hear their concerns and nd a solution.

Leslie Martone Occupation: president of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce Relevant experience: CFISD graduate and parent, certied in organizational management www.all4csd.com Michelle Fennick Occupation: educational consultant Relevant experience: I’ve engaged with educators, collaborated with the community and eectively managed large education budgets. www.about.me/votefordrmichelle Justin Ray Occupation: business development Relevant experience: former mayor of Jersey Village, Cy-Fair Education Foundation volunteer and school volunteer www.justinrayfortexas.com

I’m running for the Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees to leverage my 30-plus years of experience in education and budget management. As the best candidate, I’ll advocate for equity, teacher support and innovation.

Cy-Fair ISD faces challenges in teacher retention, technology integration and student safety. My plan includes mentorship programs, AI training and enhanced security measures to address these issues.

I am running to protect and preserve this great school district that my kids are currently enrolled in and that I am a proud graduate of. My years as the mayor of Jersey Village give me key insight in how to implement bold initiatives, deliberate within an elected body and work collaboratively with sta to provide services to a constituency.

The biggest issue Cy-Fair ISD faces is increased competition from other educational options for families. To strengthen its value proposition to district parents, CFISD needs to recommit to improved student academic outcomes, resisting the politicization of curriculum, school safety for both students and teachers, and scal responsibility.

Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees, Position 4

Why are you running for the Cy-Fair ISD board, and why are you the best candidate?

What are the biggest issues Cy-Fair ISD is facing? How would you address them?

I am running to ensure a high-quality education to all students at all our campuses, a safe and welcoming environment for students and sta, and a continued high-achieving, A-rated school district. Expanding on the “Opportunity for All” model that provides all students access to the same educational opportunities at every campus is how I see Cy-Fair ISD maintaining its excellence. …

(1) The need for more parental involvement in students’ education and (2) student discipline at school. I want parents to know their involvement in their child’s education is something that has always been encouraged and even codied in statute. … I would also like to incorporate more access to counseling services as a preemptive measure to decreasing the number of serious discipline issues. …

Frances Ramirez Romero Occupation: homemaker/volunteer Relevant experience: former legislative staer, former CFISD teacher, CFISD parent/volunteer, multiple boards and committees www.all4csd.com Christine Kalmbach Occupation: self-employed, Realtor Relevant experience: 42 years Cy- Fair resident, 26-plus years CFISD volunteer plus multiple boards, small-business owner. www.christineforcsd.org

I am motivated by a desire to serve my community and restore Cy-Fair ISD’s excellent education. Having attended Cy-Fair ISD schools, as well as my children, I have seen the level of education that the district is capable of and how far it has fallen. As a Realtor and 42-year resident of the area, I know what my fellow community members and parents want. …

Our district’s purpose is to prepare every student with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to create a bright, successful future. … My top priority is improving student outcomes by returning to the basics and ensuring that teachers have the necessary resources to set our children up for success. School safety is critical for our students’ well-being and their academic success. …

CYPRESS EDITION

From the cover

Cy-Fair ISD board election to determine future district priorities

In a nutshell

political parties in a way never seen before,” he said. Issues covered at recent CFISD candidate forums include parental rights, school safety, mental health, diversity and inclusion, student discipline, teacher retention and pay, standardized test scores, state funding, library books, school choice, and unity on the board. See candidate Q&As on Pages 13-17.

interest from the Texas Legislature to adequately fund the state’s public school system. Board President Tom Jackson, who is not seeking re-election, said he saw this shift begin at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “When the pandemic hit and the ensuing but predictable social unrest, trustees became bueted by political pressures from both

politicized in part because of issues dealing with ... gender equity, critical race theory and eorts ... to return to a more traditional educational content,” said Bob Stein, a political science professor at Rice University. Stein said the increased politicization of school boards has included calls for review and banning of library materials, bills in support of vouchers, and little

There will be 11 candidates on the ballot Nov. 7 competing for one of four open seats on the Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees. Local experts said school board races have become more competitive and politicized in recent years. “Of course, as we all know, they’re [supposed to be] nonpartisan elections, but they have become

Meet the board

Position 1 Tom Jackson • Board president; board member since 2015 • Not seeking re-election

Position 2 Julie Hinaman • Board vice president;

Position 3 Gilbert Sarabia • Board secretary; board member since 2019 • Not seeking re-election

Position 4 Debbie Blackshear • Board member since 2015 • Not seeking re-election

Natalie Blasingame • Board member since 2021 • Will be up for re-election in 2025 Position 5

Scott Henry • Board member since 2021 • Will be up for re-election in 2025 Position 6

Lucas Scanlon • Board member since 2021 • Will be up for re-election in 2025 Position 7

board member since 2019

• Seeking

re-election

SOURCE: CY FAIR ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT

Looking back

Voter turnout trends

Cy-Fair ISD school board election turnout Countywide turnout for state and national races

increase the vote,” Lobberecht said. “Our goal has been not just register- ing people, but to get them ... to the polls.” Regarding recent trends in school board elections, Lobberecht said she believes the biggest change in the intensity and focus on school board elections has been how much money it now requires to run school board campaigns. “It really started in the last two years. That’s when you really saw outside underwriting of campaigns, but it’s also [part of] a national campaign that’s going on. If you look at the best way to change the direction of things, it starts in the local elections,” Lobberecht said.

Local school board races have his- torically been marked by low voter turnout, and fewer votes means the value of each ballot cast increases. The Harris County Clerk’s Oce reports countywide voter turnout since 2015 was as high as 68.14% in national and state races, but only 4.44%-16.41% of registered voters in CFISD voted in their school board races during that time. Marlene Lobberecht heads the Cy-Fair chapter of the League of Women Voters, a nonprot spread- ing the message that “democracy is not a spectator sport” by informing the public about candidates and registering voters. “We’ve worked really hard to

100%

80%

68.14%

61.33%

52.86%

60%

43.54%

40%

16.41%

13.46%

20%

11.04%

4.44%

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Year (November election)

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DAVE MANNING CONTRIBUTIONS BY DANICA LLOYD

Put in perspective

While school board trustees have multiple duties in the oversight of school districts and they share a complementary role with the superintendent, the responsibility for the implementation and execution of board policy belongs solely to the superintendent and his administration, according to the Texas Association of School Boards. Board members can pass policy by a majority vote but are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the district.

A trustee’s role

Adopting goals and monitoring success; adopting policies and reviewing for eectiveness Hiring and evaluating the superintendent with input from the community Adopting a budget, setting a tax rate and relaying the nancial needs of the district to state legislators Communicating and engaging with the community to build a consensus for district policymaking

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What they’re saying

“Elections closer to where we live have a greater impact on our lives. I encourage you to research the candidates and express your constitutional right to vote for the person you choose.” MARK HENRY, CYFAIR ISD SUPERINTENDENT

“Most new trustees feel that they have been given a mandate from the voters to eectuate change and be bold. CFISD succeeds because it uses an incremental approach. Programs are in place to serve a need, and the district is good about changing course when expectations are not reached.” TOM JACKSON, CYFAIR ISD BOARD PRESIDENT

What’s next

Oct. 10: voter registration deadline Oct. 17: CFISD board candidate forum, 7-9 p.m. at the Berry Center Oct. 23-Nov. 3: early voting in Harris County Nov. 7: Election Day

While Texas does not have online voter registration, the state allows voter registration information updates, such as name and address changes, to be made online. Conrm your voter registration status and learn more about how to register to vote at www.harrisvotes.com.

CYPRESS EDITION

Real estate

Number of homes sold

August 2022

August 2023

Residential market data

23 18 30 22

83 78 117 89

-21.7%

-6.02%

77040

77095

The number of homes sold in August dropped in six of Cy-Fair’s seven ZIP codes compared to August 2022, and the median price of homes sold increased in ve ZIP codes.

-26.67%

-23.93%

77064

77429

31 12

178 240

99 TOLL

-61.29%

+34.83%

77065

77433

249

290

1960

48 39

-18.75%

77070

529

Median home sales price

2022

2023

2022

2023

77040

77095

+23.5%

+1.21%

$315,000

$349,900

$255,000

$345,700

77040 77064 77429 77095

77065 77433

77070

77064

77429

+4%

-1.37%

$286,000

$360,000

$275,000

$365,000

77065

77433

+8.3%

-10.31%

$287,000

$435,000

$265,000

$485,000

NEIGHBORHOOD DATA PROVIDED BY BOUTWELL PROPERTIES 17506 BOBCAT TRAIL, CYPRESS. 2813058533. OFFICETHEBOUTWELLTEAM.COM

77070

+6.02%

$318,000

$299,950

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14007 Telge Rd, Cypress, Texas 77429 (281) 256-8310

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Halloween Safety

• When choosing a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so he or she can see out. • Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume. • Use a battery-operated candle or glow-stick in jack-o-lanterns. • Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes. • Make sure all smoke alarms in the home are working. • Tell children to stay away from open flames including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. • Have adults around at all times.

CONNECT WITH US!

@CYFAIRFD • #CYFAIRFD

WWW.CYFAIRFD.ORG

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Occupancy vs. vacancy

Occupancy rate

Vacancy rate

Commercial market data

Construction of commercial real estate space in Cy-Fair has slowed in the o ce, retail and industrial sectors compared to this time last year.

23.7%

4.6%

4.5%

7.8%

9.6%

18.2%

O ce

Retail

Industrial

Under construction in the Cy-Fair area

Square feet

Buildings

Q3 2022

As of Sept. 15

Q3 2022

As of Sept. 15

81.8%

76.3%

95.4%

95.5%

92.2%

90.4%

525,569

498,700

Q3 2023

As of Sept. 15

Q3 2023

As of Sept. 15

422,513

168,097

Rental rates (per square foot)

2,170,352

1,200,411

Featured project

Q3 2020

$19.23

$23.25

$8.39

Industrial

Q3 2021

$17.34

$22.38

$8.83

Q3 2022

$17.14

$21.96

$10.80

As of Sept. 15

$15.37

$21.71

$10.74

Houston Point 290 9210 Hwy. 6 N., Houston • Leasing company: JLL • Square feet: up to 383,076 • Number of buildings: 3 • Percent leased: 0%

CICERORD.

SOURCE: CALDWELL COMPANIES’ ANALYSIS OF COSTAR GROUP INC. DATA 9955 BARKER CYPRESS ROAD, SUITE 250, CYPRESS, TX 77433 COLLEGE STATION HOUSTON THE WOODLANDS ALTHOUGH EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE TIMELINESS AND ACCURACY OF THIS REAL ESTATE DATA, COMMUNITY IMPACT AND CALDWELL COS. ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.

CYPRESS EDITION

Government

Transportation

BY MELISSA ENAJE

BY DANICA LLOYD & HANNAH NORTON

State approves $14.2B for future Houston-area road projects Texas State Highway Fund, the Texas Mobility Fund, tax revenue and federal sources, accord- ing to TxDOT Media Relations Director Adam Hammons. 2024 UTP Houston-area projects include:

2 Harris County courts to study eviction diversion Two Harris County courts are aiming to ll two new full-time positions by the end of October focused on nding new ways, under Texas law, to strengthen eviction diversion eorts and improve

Harris County ocials adopt $2.7B budget Harris County will be operating scal year 2023-24 on a $2.7 billion budget, a $500 million increase from last year’s budget, after commissioners unanimously approved the amount on Sept. 19. Digging deeper According to ocials, the budget includes the most signi cant investment in public safety in the county’s history. • $119 million will go toward law enforcement • $5 million to provide body-worn cameras to jail sta • $7.8 million in additional jail medical costs Other countywide funding includes $128 million for Harris County Flood Control District and $888 million for Harris Health.

Harris County eviction lings Since funding for county and city rental pandemic protections ended in 2022, eviction rates in Harris County have skyrocketed.

The state of Texas will invest $142 billion in transportation projects focused on safety improve- ments, congestion, connectivity and road preser- vation over the next 10 years. “This plan will not only connect Texans from every corner of our state; it will also bolster our economic growth and ensure Texans and busi- nesses continue to thrive for generations to come,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Aug. 17 news release. The overview The Texas Department of Transportation’s 10-year plan, known as the Uni ed Transporta- tion Program, is updated annually and includes funding for initiatives across the state. The Texas Transportation Commission unan- imously approved $100 billion for the 2024 UTP during its Aug. 16 meeting—a $15 billion increase over the $85 billion 2023 UTP. The other $42 billion, which will fund develop- ment and routine maintenance, comes from the

80K 60K 40K 20K 0 100K

80K

“This plan will help the lives of all Texans for years to come as we work to move people and goods safely and eciently in our rural, urban and metropolitan areas,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in the release. “TxDOT is already putting these resources to work with a record number of projects aimed at improving safety and saving lives on our roadways.” The 2024 UTP includes $14.2 billion in projects for the Houston region. By the numbers The Texas A&M Transportation Institute reported over the next 10 years, the 2024 UTP will: • Create 70,500 new jobs. • Add $18.8 billion to the state economy annually.

• $4.42B for the North Houston Highway Improvement Plan, which will improve I-45 from Beltway 8 to I-10 W. and reroute I-45 through Houston along I-10 and Hwy. 59 • $1.14B for the I-10 W. Inner Katy project to add four nontolled managed lanes between downtown Houston and Loop 610 in Houston • $730.6M to add two managed lanes and two general-purpose lanes, and extend frontage roads for the I-10 W. project from FM 359 to Mason Road • $555M for the I-10 bridge replacement at the San Jacinto River • $343.5M for a new location roadway on Hwy. 35 from I-45 to Dixie Drive • $150M to improve trafic and safety along Hwy. 105 from the Grimes County to the San Jacinto and Liberty County lines

housing stability. What happened

Funding for the new positions was awarded in September by the National Center for State Courts’ Eviction Diversion Initiative to Justice of the Peace courtrooms covering Harris County Precinct 1-2— represented by Judge Steve Duble—and Precinct 2-2, represented by Judge Dolores Lozano. The joint application by the two judges was one of 10 to be approved nationally for the funding. The courts cover northwest and far southeast Houston. Why it matters Since January 2023, more than 57,800 eviction

*2023 DATA IS AS OF SEPT. 20

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURTS, JANUARY ADVISORSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

cases have been led in Harris County, totaling more than $131 million in claims, according to consulting rm January Advisors. As of September, the county was on track to return to prepandemic historical averages for evictions. The approach With this grant, Duble said the two courts could connect people with social and legal services.

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CYPRESS ROSEHILL 14315 Cypress Rosehill (281) 373-2999

SPRING CYPRESS 22508 Hwy 249 (281) 379-7383 BARKER CYPRESS 17996 FM 529 (281) 656-4200

HUFFMEISTER 8945 Hwy 6 N (281) 859-5879

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