Pearland - Friendswood - Manvel | April 2026

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Pearland Friendswood Manvel Edition VOLUME 12, ISSUE 5 APRIL 10MAY 11, 2026

Back to the ballot Friendswood ISD is proposing an $81.5 million bond package split into four propositions, marking its second attempt to address aging facility replacements, limited student program capacity, and safety, security and technology updates across the district. If approved, the district’s tax rate is projected to increase by $0.0349 per $100 valuation of property value. For a home valued at $500,000, this would be $125.64 annually.

INSIDE

Also in this issue

Impacts Page 7 Check out a new boutique bakery that opened in Pearland

Election

Page 11

See who’s on the ballot for the local May 2 election

FHS junior Kathryn (Pearl) Johnston guides two goats through a fenced pen at FISD’s agricultural barn. (Courtesy Friendswood ISD)

Business Page 28 Learn about a locally owned training center in Pearland

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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION

Impacts

PEARLAND PKWY.

MCHARD RD.

288

Pearland

521

SMITH RANCH RD.

W. BROADWAY ST.

EASTFIELD DR.

WALNUT ST.

518

Friendswood

MAGNOLIA PKWY.

S. POND DR.

GLENWEST DR.

BAILEY AVE.

MCKEEVER RD.

288

BAY AREA BLVD.

PEARLAND SITES RD.

2351

SIERRA VISTA BLVD.

Manvel

tests for patients with various diseases, including skin, eye and gastrointestinal cancers. • Opened March 24 • 1500 W. Parkwood Ave., Friendswood • www.castlebiosciences.com 7 Mind Body Optimization The clinics are designed to treat the whole person through a combination of advanced diagnostics and personalized care plans. • Opened March 2 • 1416 E. Broadway St., Ste. 120, Pearland • mindbodyo.com/pearland-therapy/ 8 Casa Matcha The matcha bar oers a variety of matcha lattes and cold brew options as well as baked goods including croissants, muns and cake pops. • Opened March 14 • 1616 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood • Facebook: Casa Matcha

• Opened in March • 12880 Beamer Road, Ste. M, Houston • gitapitahtx.com

Now open

1 Meet Dumpling & Noodle The restaurant serves casual Chinese and Asian-style comfort food, centered around dumplings and noodles. • Opened March 1

4 Shipley Do-Nuts Shipley’s oers over 60 varieties of doughnuts and kolaches, including avors such as plain glazed, strawberry iced and cinnamon sugar, among others. • Opened Feb. 28 • 2002 Meridiana Parkway, Rosharon • www.shipleydonuts.com 5 Chair King Backyard Store The retailer sells outdoor furniture like daybeds, sofas, dining sets, re pits and garden accessories. • Opened March 5 • 2608 Smith Ranch Road, Pearland • www.chairking.com 6 Castle Biosciences The business oers molecular prognostic and diagnostic

• 19026 Gulf Freeway, Friendswood • www.meetdumplingnoodle.com

2 The Rooster Gastro Pub & Grill The brunch spot oers chicken and waes, pancakes, French toast, omelets and breakfast tacos, among other items. • Opened March 20

• 7129 Broadway St., Pearland • www.theroosterpearland.com

3 Gita Pita Mediterranean Grill The fast-casual Mediterranean spot serves shawarma, gyros and falafel.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

9 Pearland Flower Shop The local orist shop oers fresh bouquets and arrangements, which can include roses, tulips, lilies, orchids, hydrangeas and peonies for dierent occasions. • Opened Dec. 14 • 1631 N. Main St., Pearland • www.pearlandflowershop.com Assisted Living Locators The nationwide senior placement service, which does not have a brick and mortar location, oers personalized senior care assessments evaluating physical, cognitive and lifestyle needs, among other services in the Southeast Houston area. • Opened Jan. 26 • sehouston.assistedlivinglocators.com

13 Wellby Financial The credit union will oer a full range of everyday banking, lending and nancial planning services. • 17214 Hwy. 6, Manvel • www.wellbyinancial.com 14 White Water Express The express car wash oers services for quick exterior cleaning of vehicles with multiple wash packages with extra features, such as tire shine, rain repellent and polish. • 17230 Hwy. 6, Manvel • www.whitewatercw.com

Now open

Relocations

18 Sweet Bee Bakehouse The boutique bakery serves fresh, handmade pastries such as croissants, danishes and tarts, along with cookies and custom cakes, all made from scratch daily. • Opened March 19 • 2540 E. Broadway St., Ste. A, Pearland • https://sweetbeebakehouse.com/

15 Flyxsole Sneakers & Streetwear The shoe store sells a selection of sneakers, streetwear clothing and oers a buy, sell, trade system for footwear. • Relocated in November • 1853 Pearland Parkway, Ste. 119, Pearland • Instagram: @flyxsole 16 Foxtail Boutique The store sells women’s clothing, and relocated to Friendswood in mid-March after operating on Main Street in Pearland for over ve years. • Relocated March 21 • 313 S. Friendswood Drive, Ste. 101, Friendswood • foxtailboutiquexo.com 17 Kung Fu Tea The shop serves a wide selection of beverages, including milk teas, lemonades, matcha drinks, espresso options, as well as slushes and fruit punches. • Relocated March 23 • 11200 Broadway St., Ste. 1380, Pearland • www.kungfutea.com

Coming soon

10 Face Foundrié The studio will oer a variety of professional skincare treatments, including facials, dermaplaning, chemical peels, facial cupping and gua sha massage. • Opening in early June • 11302 Broadway St., Ste. 106, Pearland • www.facefoundrie.com 11 P. Terry’s The restaurant oers a menu of 100% black angus beef burgers, fresh cut fries, hand-spun milkshakes and homemade baked goods.

cocktails and Mexican-inspired cuisine in the evening. • Opened March 2 • 223 Westheimer Road, Houston • Instagram: @bar_xolo

• Opening at the end of 2027 • 18611 Eastield Drive, Webster • www.pterrys.com

Closings

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

19 Oh My Tea! The franchise operates three locations across the South Houston area and oers a range of milk teas, coees and snacks, including specialty hot dogs, fruit bowls

12 Frenchy’s Chicken The Houston-based restaurant serves a range of New Orleans-inspired dishes, including chicken, shrimp, boudin, collard greens and dirty rice, along with desserts such as peach cobbler and sweet potato pie. • 3171 Meridiana Parkway, Rosharon • www.frenchyschicken.com

Worth the trip

and macarons. • Closed Jan. 18 • 1909 N. Main St., Pearland • www.ohmyteausa.com

Bar Xolo Founded by Mexico City natives, Bar Xolo serves coee and pastries throughout the day until 2 p.m., and

PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION

BRAZORIA COUNTY, TX • 2025 PROPERTY TAX DATA REPORT • PAID FOR BY OWNWELL

67% of Brazoria County residential properties didn’t protest their 2025 property taxes.

33%

67%

Protested 1

Didn’t Protest 1

43,556

90,072

residential properties

$34.6M total missed potential savings

$17.5M total realized savings in 2025

Protestors won 82% of the time in Brazoria County¹

WHY CHOOSE OWNWELL² 93% 19% 8,425 of Brazoria County residential protested properties chose Ownwell in 2025

IMPORTANT DATES

deadline for current & retroactive homestead exemption applications April 30, 2026 May 15, 2026

Brazoria County 2025 win rate

Brazoria County properties represented by Ownwell in 2025

property tax protest deadline

$744 average annual property tax savings for Ownwell clients in 2025

PROTEST YOUR 2026 PROPERTY TAXES

or visit Ownwell.com/impact to get started today. Enter an address and see how much you’re overpaying →

25%

of your tax bill savings only. No savings? No fee. Guaranteed.

¹ ownwell.com/results/texas-protest-vs-non-protest • ² ownwell.com/results/texas-property-tax-protest-results-agent-performance

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY RACHEL LELAND & CATHERINE WHITE

Pearland residents raise early voting concerns Residents’ concerns at Pearland City Council’s March 16 meeting prompted the city to commit to ask Brazoria County for data on voter turnout from previous elections where the voting window was extended and discuss the possibility of expanding that window for future elections at a December joint election planning meeting. The breakdown The city contracts with Brazoria County to conduct elections under a joint election services agreement, meaning Pearland cannot unilaterally extend early voting hours at just its own locations, city attorney Lawrence Provins said at the meeting. If Pearland expanded voting hours without the rest of the county, the county could decline to run Pearland’s election, forcing the city to self-adminis- ter the election at a higher cost, Provins said.

Manvel seeks state anti-terrorism grant Manvel City Council will apply for $250,000-350,000 of funding through the State Homeland Security Program’s LETPA, or Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities, which is designed to help cities respond to threats of terrorism. What you need to know The grant supports the acquisition of protective equipment, tactical response tools and communications training for first responders, according to the Texas Gover- nor’s Public Safety Office grant website. Regional security assessments by the Houston Galveston Area Council identified ongoing capability gaps in first responder preparedness and response to complex coordinated attacks, according to city documents.

Early voting turnouts Galveston County Brazoria County

Registered voters

November 2025 election

52.2%

47% March 2026 primary election

66.3% 66.5%

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Quote of note Mayor Kevin Cole said that in previous elections, the window to vote early had been wider, and he supported asking the county for clarity on why the hours changed this year. “I think certainly, the weekends should be a no-brainer where it can go 7 [a.m.] to 7 [p.m.] and then Monday, Tuesday be 7 to 7,” Cole said at the meeting. “That seems to be the way it has been for many years.”

PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 20: First day of early voting and last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 28: Last day of early voting May 2: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 4 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Brazoria, Harris and Galveston County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting. On Election Day, polling locations may be countywide; voters should check their county’s website for specific locations. Visit www.brazoriacountyclerktx.gov, harrisvotes.com or galvestonvotes.org.

Only contested races are included. For the full list of candidates, visit www.brazoriacountyclerktx.gov, harrisvotes.org or galvestonvotes.org.

KEY : *Incumbent

Pearland ISD, school board position 2 Kristofer Schoeffler* Azania Salazar Friendswood ISD bond Proposition A, $26M Infrastructure and lifecycle replacements Proposition B, $40.625M Westwood Elementary replacement campus Proposition C, $12.9M Career and Agricultural Science additions Proposition D, $2M Technology upgrades

Manvel Manvel city council, position 5 Jason Albert Juston “JT” Thomson Alvin ISD Alvin ISD, school board position 6 Faynetta “Fay” Burrle Fernando Hinojosa Alvin ISD, school board position 7 Gabriel “Gabe” Garza* Cortney Morris T’Liza M. Kiel Pearland ISD Pearland ISD, school board position 1

Each member elected in the general election will serve a three-year term from May 2026 to May 2029.

Sample ballot

Pearland Pearland mayor

Quentin Wiltz Tony Carbone Pearland city council, position 3

Toshila McLean Mona Chavarria*

Friendswood Friendswood city council, position 2 Sally Branson* Shawna Talton Friendswood city council, position 5 Joe Matranga* Randy Hale

Rich Bradley Toni Carter* Chris Counts

SOURCES: CITIES OF PEARLAND, FRIENDSWOOD AND MANVEL/ALVIN, FRIENDSWOOD AND PEARLAND ISDS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION

Election

What motivated you to run for Manvel City Council?

What would be your top priorities over the next three years?

Manvel City Council, Position 5

I was born here. I’ve watched Manvel grow from the inside, not from the outside looking in. I’m running because I care about protecting the kind of town I grew up in while making sure we grow the right way.

First, protect homeowners from carrying the cost of growth. Second, make sure infrastructure keeps pace before expansion. And third, keep city government transparent and straightforward so that residents and those investing in Manvel understand what decisions are being made and why.

Juston “JT” Thomson Occupation & experience: Majority member of Thomson Enterprises Construction, operating in Manvel since 1987, established in 1969.

www.jtformanvel.com

Candidate did not answer by press time

Jason Albert Candidate did not answer by press time

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.

Less than 50 days till hurricane season

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY RACHEL LELAND

KEY: *Incumbent

Pearland mayor

What will your biggest priority be if elected?

What changes, if any, would you like to see to the city’s budget? The budget process needs to be brought to residents, not the other way around. I will keep Pearland residents directly in the loop through community town halls and progress reports, while prioritizing sustainable economic growth and smart infrastructure development in my policy.

My biggest priority will be representing every resident of Pearland. Having lived in both East (10y) and West (10y) Pearland, I realize our needs are dierent, but our aspirations are the same. That perspective allows for intentional decision-making that will build better communities and a better Pearland.

Quentin Wiltz Occupation & experience: nance and operations professional; corporate nancial planning & analysis, enterprise project management, P&L and accounts ... www.wiltzformayor.com Tony Carbone Occupation & experience: owner, Carbone & Allison, LLP; certied public accountant; Pearland City Council member (13 years); three- time Mayor… www.carboneformayor.com

My top priorities will be public safety, keeping Pearland aordable, investing in infrastructure and ood mitigation and managing our growth responsibly so we protect the quality of life residents value.

Residents are feeling real economic pressure. The city’s budget should stay focused on core services —public safety, roads, drainage and infrastructure —while spending taxpayer dollars responsibly. When possible, I support maintaining the no-new-revenue tax rate and increasing the homestead exemption to help keep Pearland aordable for families.

Pearland City Council, position 3

What will your biggest priority be if elected?

What changes, if any, would you like to see to the city’s budget?

My top priority is strengthening infrastructure while maintaining responsible nancial management. Residents deserve safe roads, reliable drainage, and transparent government. I will focus on practical solutions that improve daily quality of life while protecting taxpayer dollars and keeping Pearland a safe, family-focused community.

Pearland’s budget should prioritize core services —public safety, infrastructure, and drainage—while maintaining scal responsibility and stable tax rates. I support transparent spending, regular program reviews, and strategic investments that support growth without increasing the nancial burden on residents.

Toshila McLean Occupation & experience:

Impactful, intentional leadership focused on people rst budgeting, data-driven decision making and community engagement.

We have aging infrastructure. We should be investing $5.9M in roads, but we are currently investing only $2.8M. This must increase, along with drainage improvements.

I would like to explore the no-new revenue rate budget, as long as it does not impact on essential services such ROADS (infrastructure).

Mona Chavarria* Occupation & experience: business owner; leadership, scal management, budgeting and oversight, nonprot, government accounting... Facebook: Mona Chavarria For Pearland City Council Position 3

Our schools and our students are so much more than one test on a single day. Let’s Measure What Matters in our Texas public schools.

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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION

Election

Pearland ISD position 1

KEY: *Incumbent

Toni Carter* Occupation & experience:

Chris Counts Occupation & experience: Contractor for centerpoint in damage prevention at WSB

Rich Bradley Occupation & experience:

Homemaker, stay-at-home mom; former building materials industry worker; PISD volunteer … Facebook: Toni Carter, PISD Trustee, Position 1

Emergency physician, serves on District Educational Improvement Council, band dad Facebook: Rich Bradley for Pearland ISD Board of Trustees Position #1

What motivated you to run for the board of trustees?

When I initially ran in 2020, my motivation was to give back to the district that had served my own sons so well. I also sought to foster a better relationship between the district and the community. Today, I am running because, with our change in leadership, I have seen ...

I wanted to run for the board, because I see a lot of social media, I have experienced this as well, lack of communication between teachers and parents. I have also seen an increase in complaints about bullying without any repercussions to the bully. I also would like to see ...

I’m running for the board of trustees because I believe we all share a responsibility to serve our community. My motivation comes from a lifelong sense of duty to give back. This role allows me to contribute my experience in a way that strengthens our community, state and nation.

If elected, what will be your top priorities for the district over the next three years?

To continue to find and address our weak spots, especially in special education. To maintain a balanced budget in the face of declining enrollment and state rate compression. To continue to advocate for public education and our district specifically at the state level to ensure the sustainability of free, quality …

Build bridges between parents and teachers. Eliminate bullying. Everyone should feel safe.

If elected, my priorities are clear: supporting every student to achieve their full potential, ensuring responsible stewardship of district and taxpayer resources, and strengthening campus safety. My experience as an emergency physician, firefighter and emergency management professional guides my commitment to a safe, effective and student‑focused district.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CATHERINE WHITE

Pearland ISD position 2

What motivated you to run for the board of trustees?

If elected, what will be your top priorities for the district over the next three years? Over the next three years, I will prioritize stability, transparency, and student-centered leadership. I’ll strengthen special education through compliance, staffing and family trust, support and retain educators amid rising mandates, build community trust through transparency and ensure responsible financial governance while advocating fiercely for students and teachers.

I ran last year, my purpose hasn’t changed: advocating for equitable resources, protecting public education, and decisions centered on students. As a district employee and parent of three who’s navigated the [admission, review, dismissal] process for nine years, I understand both policy and personal impact. I will show up and advocate unapologetically.

Azania Salazar Occupation & experience: PISD substitute teacher; former full-time district employee; parent of three, active PTA ... Facebook: Azania Salazar for PISD Board of Trustees - Position 2

I have six children on five campuses across all four grade bands in Pearland ISD. Volunteering with the school district seemed only natural. As a trustee, I ensure that every child has access to a safe, world-class education in Pearland schools. As a taxpayer, fiscal responsibility is also paramount.

Having revised our district’s strategic plan, my priorities mirror those of the district: safety, achievement, communication/transparency and fiscal responsibility. Additionally, my personal goal is to make sure that students are mastering the basics in a neutral classroom environment using time-tested methods so that our children will thrive, not just …

Kristofer Schoeffler* Occupation & experience: I am a veterinarian (read: professional problem solver). I have served as a trustee for the past 6 years. www.ElectKris.com

PEARLAND - FRIENDSWOOD - MANVEL EDITION

Election

BY CATHERINE WHITE

Alvin ISD board of trustees Position 6

Alvin ISD board of trustees Position 7

How would you prioritize facility planning to accommodate enrollment growth? Facility planning decisions should be data-driven, forward-thinking and community-informed. Enrollment trends should be analyzed to prevent overcrowding; schools should be designed to best support the learning needs of all enrolled students. Transparency is key. When we build, expand or renovate, the community/taxpayers should understand the precise benets to students.

What motivated you to run for the board of trustees?

T’Liza M. Kiel Occupation & experience: non- prot leadership www.tlizaforalvinisd.com

Courtney Morris Occupation & experience: operations manager cmorris10210@hotmail.com

Gabe Garza* Occupation & experience: senior sales executive Facebook: Gabe Garza - Alvin ISD School Board Trustee - Position 7

As the parent of a former Alvin ISD 504-Student, I became very involved in my daughter’s education. My daughter, as well as my experience, leadership, and desire to be involved in the community collectively motivated me to run and help ensure the best education for every Alvin ISD student.

Faynetta “Fay” Burrle Occupation & experience: business owner Facebook: Faynetta ‘Fay’ Burrle for Alvin ISD Board Trustee Position 6

Service has shaped my life-from the military, to over a decade in nonprot leadership and strategic project management, to being a parent raising children in Alvin ISD. I’m a parent in this district. My spouse works in this district. I see rsthand how decisions impact families, classrooms, and educators… What motivated you to run for the board of trustees?

The district’s transfer policy [and] the dierences in processes and curriculum among dierent elementary school campuses.

I ran to serve. As a husband, father, and community member, I believe strong schools strengthen families, community, and our future. In hospitality, you learn that service and relationships matter, that mindset guides my leadership. I serve with a servant’s heart, grounded in faith, teamwork, and stewardship.

Facility planning must be proactive and data-driven. I’d use enrollment projections, capacity reports and boundary impacts to prioritize needs. First: relieve overcrowding and address safety. Next: design exible spaces that support academics, CTE and ne arts. Every project should include community input and long-term operating cost planning.

I’m running because Alvin ISD shaped my life, and I’m committed to giving back with steady leadership. As a former Alvin ISD teacher, STEM advocate, and community volunteer, I want to keep students rst, support educators, and ensure decisions are transparent, practical, and focused on results.

Fernando Hinojosa Occupation & experience: engineer, education non-prot leader, volunteer reghter, Alvin ISD parent www.FernandoForAlvinISD.com

How would you prioritize facility planning to accommodate enrollment growth?

Growth must be proactive and strategic—not reactive. With my background in project management and systems development, I understand phased planning, budget forecasting, and long-term resource allocation. Facility decisions should be driven by enrollment ,data, address overcrowding rst, ensure older campuses are not neglected, align facilities with academic ...

The rst priority is planning for increased enrollment at the elementary level. The elementary level has consistently had the highest level of growth. The planning process should also involve minimizing disruption to students who would need to transfer to newer campuses.

Alvin ISD has been proactive in planning for growth, delivering new campuses responsibly and often under budget. That foundation matters. We must continue using enrollment data, long-range planning and community input to build where growth is occurring, ensuring students have great learning environments while remaining scally responsible.

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PEARLAND 10555 Pearland Pkwy (713) 987-9205

ALMEDA 11130 Gulf Fwy (713) 910-3941

FRIENDSWOOD 3126 FM 528 (281) 648-5473

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY RACHEL LELAND

KEY: *Incumbent

Friendswood City Council, position 2

Would you support the city going for a bond to address the city’s recreational needs? Bond elections are an example of our democratic process, allowing citizens to vote for or against a tax increase. A committee of citizen volunteers were tasked to explore placing a bond on the November 2026 ballot. Receipt of their recommendations would be necessary for me to make an informed decision.

What will your biggest priority be if elected?

My top priority has been and will remain public safety. Making sure our emergency services personnel, PD, EMS and re have what they need in workforce and equipment to continue to keep our community one of the safest in the state.

Sally Branson* Occupation & experience: Partner, local nancial services rm, active volunteer, serving on Planning & Zoning (3 years) and City Council (9 years) www.sally4council.com Shawna Talton Occupation & experience: Homemaker. Former owner/ operator of Talton Imaging (cardiac sonography), special education inclusion advocate www.voteshawnatalton.com

My biggest priority will be ensuring that every part of our community feels represented and heard. I believe there are residents who desire and deserve stronger representation from every corner of our community, including those in Harris County.

I would be open to considering a bond if it is clearly itemized and transparent so residents understand exactly what they are voting on. Any proposal should be scally responsible and ultimately left to the voters to decide.

Friendswood City Council, position 5

Would you support the city going for a bond to address the city’s recreational needs? Any bond proposal must be clearly dened, scally responsible and supported by residents. I would evaluate specic projects, long-term costs and community input before making a decision. Investments in recreation should address demonstrated needs while protecting taxpayers and maintaining a strong nancial position.

What will your biggest priority be if elected?

Public safety and responsible long-term planning to maintain strong police, re and emergency services, address trac congestion through data- driven solutions, and ensure reliable infrastructure. My focus is preserving Friendswood’s sense of community and small-town feel while preparing our city for the future in a thoughtful, transparent and scally responsible way. Challenging the status-quo matters. Friendswood is a great place to live and raise a family, yet many residents, including myself, are concerned about our direction. I’m pro-business, and growth is ne, but only the right kind of growth will preserve the Friendswood we love and choose to remain in.

Joe Matranga* Occupation & experience: Retired executive, FHS & Texas A&M Graduate, proven leader, City Council – 1 Term, active volunteer www.joematranga.com Randy Hale Occupation & experience: Retired. 45+ years in sales and management helping people get answers, nd solutions and solve problems. Facebook: Randy Hale for Friendswood City Council Pos. 5

It depends on the need and who benets from it. I will do my research and oer insights. More important than how I view going into such debt is how the taxpayers feel about it. Put the propositions on standalone bond issues in unbiased language. Let the voters decide.

PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION

Back to the ballot From the cover

Cost to the taxpayers

The overview

the full scope of approved projects to streamline the financing process, reduce the uncertainty that can come with phased issuances,” Chief Financial Officer Amber Petree said. Technology purchases will be financed no more than 10 years to align with the faster replacement cycle, Petree said.

The district carries $30,874 in tax-supported debt per student, which is higher than Pearland ISD at $18,446, but lower than Clear Creek ISD at $31,325 and Alvin ISD at $37,935. If approved, the cost to homeowners would depend on property value and repayment terms. “The current plan is to issue the bonds all at once rather than in multiple phases ... to allow

The $81.5 million bond on the May 2 ballot includes four propositions, allowing voters to approve or reject them individually. • Proposition A addresses facility upgrades, including hot water pumps, foundation repairs and fire alarm systems. It also funds land acquisition, conversion of spaces into science labs at Windsong Elementary and Bales Intermediate, and 10 bus replacements to meet state requirements. • Proposition B proposes rebuilding Westwood Elementary to address aging facility concerns. The conceptual location would expand drop-off and pick-up areas and relocate the playground away from traffic on 506 W. Edgewood Drive, Friendswood. • Proposition C plans for renovations to the existing agricultural building, including an expansion of 6,400 square feet for agriculture science and 9,600 square feet for welding and mechanics labs. Other additions include 150 pens, a show arena, wash areas and expanded parking. • Proposition D funds technology replacements, including student data and financial systems, student devices and routine lifecycle updates for projectors, interactive panels and TVs.

Annual bill

Monthly Increase

Estimated FISD tax increase

$250 $300 $350 $200 $150 $100 $50

If the bond passes, FISD’s tax rate is estimated to increase by $0.0349 per $100 valuation of a home, bringing the district’s property tax rate to $1.0649.

$300K

$400K $500K

$700K $600K $800K $900K $1M

Home value

SOURCE: FRIENDSWOOD ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What they’re saying

Prop. B Prop. A Prop. C Prop. D

Bond cost

“I support the needs of our school district and think this bond proposal

“Never trust any politician who wants to add more debt to your community without any plan to ever get you out of debt.” MICHAEL GRABOWSKI, FRIENDSWOOD RESIDENT Against

For

is well-reasoned. The district clearly heard some of the concerns regarding cost, prioritization and transparency.” HILLARY CARUSO, FRIENDSWOOD RESIDENT

$40.625M

$26M $12.9M $2M

SOURCE: FRIENDSWOOD ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CATHERINE WHITE

What to expect

What’s changed

Historical and proposed tax rates

District officials note that school funding is largely tied to student enrollment, and with FISD experiencing relatively stagnant growth over the past five years, additional funding comes from the general fund, with over 80% allocated to employee salaries. “FISD has had one bond in the last 18 years,” Roher said. “As the critical infrastructure continues to age, the manner in which essential projects are funded becomes a significant challenge.” District officials emphasized that the bond reflects a balance between maintaining aging facilities and minimizing the financial impact on taxpayers, while voters ultimately will decide the outcome. Early voting runs from April 20-28, ahead of the May 2 election, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. If the bond passes, the district plans to: • Establish a bond oversight committee to provide updates for construction • Send regular updates, photos and drone footage of major projects If the bond fails, the district may experience: • Potential delays or prioritization of repairs and upgrades • Potential funding for projects through the general fund

The current bond package removes several projects from FISD’s 2025 bond proposal, which voters rejected in November, including athletic facility upgrades, inclusive playgrounds and a replacement campus for both Westwood and Bales. “The items from the 2025 bond continue to be important items in the long-range facility plan, but the current climate and economy required rethinking the path toward continuing to provide facilities for the learners in FISD and learning from the input of the community members and listening to what was shared,” FISD Superinten- dent Thad Roher said. The 2025 proposal was projected to increase

Tax rate Failed 2025 bond Proposed 2026 bond

$1.5

$1.387

$1.19

$1.2

$1.06

$0.9

2016 2019 2022 2025 2026

SOURCE: FRIENDSWOOD ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

the rate by $0.16 per $100 valuation of a home, costing $576 annually for a $500,000 home.

What’s new

Survey results

In a survey the district put out related to the bond, respondents indicated greater support for a future bond if major projects were split into separate propositions and the overall tax impact was reduced. The district worked with Huckabee Architectural Firm to review bond options, using resident feed- back to ensure the proposal was clear to residents while addressing the district’s needs, Huckabee representative Timothy Barnes said. “Based on feedback received through the community survey, the [district] identified two primary parameters for the bond proposal: limiting the total bond amount to under $90 million and lessening the tax impact,” Barnes said.

FISD survey respondents indicated which projects they would like to see on a future bond proposal.

Safety and security updates

275

Priority 1 maintenance

239

Transportation: Buses

174 Agricultural Science Center 166 Westwood and Bales replacement 164 District technology 141

SOURCE: FRIENDSWOOD ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY HALEY VELASCO

extra right-turn lanes in both directions. Update: The project is under construction, but utility conicts have slowed progress. Work resumed at the end of March, followed by pedestrian improvements, signal installation and pavement markings. • Timeline: slated completion by June • Cost: $1.8 million • Funding source: city bonds

288

MCHARD RD.

HUGHES RANCH RD.

Pearland

SMITH RANCH RD.

Completed projects

W. BROADWAY ST.

WALNUT ST.

3 Smith Ranch Road expansion Project: The road will be transformed from a 2-lane asphalt into divided 4-lane with raised medians, concrete curb and gutter, storm sewer, shared use path, streetlights, landscaping and irrigation. Update: The project was completed in March and all lanes are open for trac. • Timeline: completedin March • Cost: $13.7 million • Funding sources: city bonds and Houston-Galveston Area Council

MAGNOLIA PKWY.

BAILEY AVE.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Timeline: wrapping in April • Cost: $18.46 million • Funding source: city bonds 2 Pearland Parkway and Broadway Street intersection improvements Project: This project will recongure the Broadway and Pearland Parkway intersection to handle increased trac by adding dual northbound left-turn lanes and

Ongoing projects

1 Bailey Road expansion Project: This project will widen the current lane conguration to the ultimate width and improve trac reliability along the corridor. • Update: The project reac hed substantial completion in March and will fully wrap in April.

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PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION

Education

BY CATHERINE WHITE

Alvin ISD will not meet state bus requirement Alvin ISD’s board of trustees approved a reso- lution at its March 17 meeting stating the district does not have the nancial capacity to meet state requirements to retrot or replace school buses without three-point seat belts by September 2029. Cost to the district Under Senate Bill 546, passed by the 89th Texas Legislature, all school buses operated by Texas districts must be equipped with three-point seat belts for every rider by Sept. 1, 2029. With replacement costs estimated at $165,000 per bus, the projected expenses include $627,116 to retrot 21 International buses and $12 million to replace 73 Blue Bird buses, according to district documents. After reviewing costs alongside current and projected budget constraints, capital planning obligations and operational priorities, ocials

PISD partners with ADAPT program Pearland ISD board of trustees approved a partnership at its March 17 meeting with ADAPT, or Alcohol and Drug Abuse Preven- tion and Treatment, programs to support substance abuse prevention eorts for students across the district. Zooming in The ADAPT program, which comes at no cost to the district, provides services for students, including presentations, group activities and outreach events focused on substance abuse prevention and support, according to district documents. The services will be delivered by trained sta that are required to complete back- ground checks and ngerprinting, according to district documents.

Senate Bill 546 cost

$12.045M: Blue Bird buses $425,487.73: International 77-passenger buses $201,629.04: International 36-passenger special needs buses $12.6M: Total

SOURCE: ALVIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

determined that replacing all 94 noncompliant buses, at an estimated cost of $12.6 million, would not be feasible by 2029, according to district

documents. What’s next

The district will incorporate compliance-related costs into long-range planning, explore funding sources and grants, and consider phased replace- ment strategies for progress toward meeting state requirements, according to district documents.

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