Plano North | May 2023

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PLANO NORTH EDITION

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 9 MAY 20JUNE 16, 2023

HIGHTECH REVOLUTION

Jeremiah’s bringing frozen treats to Plano

Attend the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson”

Plano-based Doosan Robotics develops collaborative robots, which are meant to work alongside humans. (Courtesy Doosan Robotics)

Booming industry According to gures from labor analytics company Lightcast, Plano saw the most growth in tech job postings in the U.S. between April 2019-April 2020. Those gures have held steady.

Unique tech jobs listed in Plano

108K unique tech jobs listed in Plano FROM 2019 TO 2022 20th U.S. city by tech job postings 2022

Plano ISD looking to expand career programs

2017

15,672

28,626

2019

7,197 Collin County

27,484

2021

employers posting tech jobs 2023

SOURCES: TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION, LIGHTCAST, DICE COMMUNITY IMPACT

2023

(Through April) 7,513 (Through April)

Electric vehicles, robots highlight tech industry boom in Plano

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

jobs as of the end of 2022. “We’ve seen a real uptick of inter- est in tech here in Plano over the last few years,” Plano Director of Eco- nomic Development Doug McDonald said. “I think that in Plano, we’re pro- viding the quality of life that these companies are looking for.” Some of that growth can be attributed to the expanding footprint of international companies such as Samsung, Doosan Robotics and SK Signet—which opened an elec- tric vehicle charger manufacturing

facility in Plano earlier this year. McDonald, Mayor John Muns, and other city sta and ocials took a trip to South Korea and Japan in April to visit with some foreign companies that have a strong presence in the city. Muns said building relationships with companies can lead to future growth, but the additional jobs are the most signicant outcome from the recent tech industry boom. The SK manufacturing facility will look to

Noe B. Music Studio keeps drumming along

While much of the world stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pla- no’s tech industry continued moving forward. Plano was the country’s fast- est-growing city for tech jobs from April 2019-April 2020, according to data from labor analytics company Lightcast. The growth hasn’t been as rapid since, but the city’s tech industry has continued to ourish in recent years. The Lightcast data listed Plano as a top 20 city for tech

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CONTINUED ON 18

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PLANO NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023

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THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 30 localized editions across Texas to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes. GRAPHIC DESIGNER David Bravo Moreno ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Tay Pavey, Scott Fritsche METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Leanne Libby MANAGING EDITOR William C. Wadsack MANAGING COPY EDITOR Beth Marshall ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Chelsea Peters CONTACT US 7460 Warren Parkway, Ste. 160 Frisco, TX 75034 • 2146189001 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES plnnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING plnads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron MARKET TEAM EDITOR Michael Crouchley REPORTER Teri Webster

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM MICHAEL: As the metroplex has continued to grow, Plano has started to become a hub for tech companies. With several large tech companies—including a pair of electric vehicle charging companies—expanding their footprints in the area, Plano was one of the fastest growing cities for tech jobs in the country over the last few years. That’s not even mentioning the countless tech startups that have made Plano their home. Check out our front-page story to read more about the growth that has made Plano a top 20 “tech hub” in the United States. Also turn to Page 17 to see a roundup all of the local election results from May 6. Plano City Council, the Plano ISD board of trustees and the Collin College board of trustees make decisions that directly eect Plano residents, so make sure to learn about all of the new and familiar faces serving the community. Michael Crouchley, EDITOR

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PLANO NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023

NORTH IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

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according to a spokesperson for the com- pany. Hotworx oers virtually instructed heat, infrared energy and exercise work- outs, which include a 30-minute isometric workout or a 15-minute high-intensity interval training session. The gym features an infrared sauna and other workout equipment. Members have 24/7 unlim- ited access to infrared tness training. Additionally, an app can help members book sessions, track calories and compete with other members. 469-868-2900. https://bit.ly/41R1eB1 4 Crumbl Cookies opened in its second Plano location May 11, with a grand opening event on May 12. The new shop is located in the Kroger shopping center at 7000 Independence Parkway, Ste. 104C. Crumbl oers a rotating menu of cookie avors that changes weekly. Crumbl has one other Plano location on West Park Boulevard. 469-795-8008. 15THST.

according to an email announcement from the retailer. The centers will oer patients medical appointments, dental services and mental health care. According to Walmart ocials, the goal of the centers is to pro- vide a high level of care through “accessi- ble, convenient and aordable health care” in one convenient location. The Plano loca- tion will be adjacent to the Walmart Super- center at 6001 N. Central Expressway. Two locations will be opening in Fort Worth along with locations in Garland and North Richland Hills. www.walmarthealth.com 6 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is set to open in Plano this year. The frozen treats shop will be located at 7801 Alma Drive, and Jeremiah’s website lists the location as “coming soon.” Construction on the new shop was set to begin April 1 and is expect- ed to be complete on June 1, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation listing. Jeremiah’s oers a variety of avored frozen treats, including gelati, Italian ice and soft-serve ice cream. https://jeremiahsice.com 7 Nashville-based shaved ice shop Cotton & Snow is set to open this summer in Plano, according to a news release from the company. The new location will be lo- cated in the Legacy West Food Hall, 7800 1 4 T H ST.

NOW OPEN 1 MW Builders , a national commercial construction company, has a new location at 5633 Spring Creek Parkway, Ste. 200, Plano. MW Builders held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting April 6, according to an announcement. The national commercial construction company provides services, such as preconstruction, design-build, general construction and construction management, according to its website. 469-808-7510. www.mwbuilders.com 2 The Bamboo House opened in April at 2301 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 195, in Plano, according to a spokesperson for the company. The restaurant has chefs who specialize in “a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines,” according to its website. Among the oerings are dishes featuring beef, chicken and duck along with live crab and lobster, and specialty noodles, such as stir-fried handmade noodles. Appetizers include egg rolls, a Chinese-style shredded potato salad and more. 214-501-3958. https://bamboohousedallas.com 3 Fitness studio Hotworx opened in Pla- no on May 16 at 7965 Custer Road, Ste. 114, P L A N O P K W Y . DNT TOLL

Walmart Health

COURTESY WALMART

Windrose Ave. Cotton & Snow serves spe- cialty alcoholic and nonalcoholic shaved ice along with 50 avors of cotton candy and ice cream. www.cottonandsnow.com 8 Craft & Vine Taproom and Eatery is holding a grand opening for its new Plano location on May 22, according to a spokesperson for the company. The new location will be located at 5800 Legacy Drive, Ste. C1, in the Shops at Legacy. The restaurant serves American cuisine alongside an extensive beer and wine menu. Craft & Vine has one exist- ing location at 310 S. Oak St., Ste. 300. https://craftandvine.restaurant 9 Construction is set to begin July 31 on a new Kroger Marketplace store in north Plano, according to a ling with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The new grocery store will be located at the corner of SH 121 and Coit Road. The new location will be located across from the existing Kroger store at 9700 Coit Road. There are no updates for the existing store, Kroger spokesperson

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www.crumblcookies.com COMING SOON

5 Five new Walmart Health locations are coming to Dallas-Fort Worth in 2024, including one in Plano, a move expected to create 150 health care jobs in the area,

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A new biergarten patio was added at Bavarian Grill in Plano earlier this year. TERI WEBSTER¨COMMUNITY IMPACT

John Votava said in an email. Construc- tion on the new store is set to nish May 27, 2024. Kroger’s Marketplace format provides multi-department stores, oering expanded general merchandise—including outdoor living, electronics, home goods, apparel and toys—along with full-service grocery and pharmacy. www.kroger.com 10 A monthly farmers market will be re- turning to The Boardwalk at Granite Park in Plano on May 21, according to a news release. The Boardwalk at Granite Park will host the free event from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on every third Sunday of the month through Dec. 17. The market will allow patrons to browse vendor tents selling a variety of handmade and fresh goods. The Boardwalk is located at 5800 SH 121. www.boardwalkgranitepark.com RENOVATIONS Plano ISD elementary schools will receive doors that provide better security in the classroom. Starting in the summer, this safety and security project is designed to enclose all open-concept classroom layouts with a wall and door, according to district ocials. The construction project will be enacted at 44 elementary schools throughout the district. www.pisd.edu The new patio oers around 80 seats and features large trees, bushes and other greenery, according to owner Juergen Mahneke. Leashed, friendly dogs are also welcome on the patio, Mahneke said. The restaurant, located at 3425 Premier Drive, has served authentic Bavarian food, beer, wein—German for wine—and schnapps for the past 30 years in Plano. Dozens of dierent types of German beer are available, and each one FEATURED IMPACT RENOVATIONS A new biergarten patio was added to Bavarian Grill in Plano in early April, according to a spokesperson for the restaurant.

is served in the proper glassware, Mahneke said. Mahneke added that the sausages and schnitzel are the restaurant’s most popular dishes. 972-881-0705. www.bavariangrill.com

W. Parker Rd.

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Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

COURTESY JEREMIAH’S ITALIAN ICE

PROUDLY SERVING NORTH TEXAS SINCE 1961.

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Kroger Marketplace

COURTESY KROGER CO.

PLANO NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023

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Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding LEGACYDR.

co-owner Cally Escobar. The truck is located at 811 E. 15th St., in front of the Ye Olde Butcher parking lot. Escobear Shaved Ice serves 20 avors of shaved ice with various toppings as well as frozen lemonade. The truck is open from 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays through the end of May and will be open from 3-8 p.m. through- out the summer. Escobear’s truck also features at various events and can be booked for private parties. 469-490-1022. www.escobearshavedice.com 5 Nancy Lieberman Charities held a ribbon-cutting event to unveil the new Dream Court at Willow Creek Park in Plano on April 26. The outdoor basketball court located at 2101 Jupiter Road is free to use and provides “a safe place for youth to play” according to a press release. Lieberman, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, started The Dream Court initiative in 2010 and has established over 100 courts in the U.S., including other courts in Dallas and McKinney. https://nancyliebermancharities.org 6 Alchemy 43 opened its newest studio in Plano on May 5 at 1900 Preston Road, Ste. 203, a spokesperson for the company stated in an email. As a medical aesthet- ics brand, Alchemy 43 oers cosmetic injectables and microtreatments, such as lip enhancements, contouring, wrinkle reduction, laser skin resurfacing, well- ness shots and facial “power peels.” www.alchemy43.com

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NOW OPEN 1 Seapot Plano held a grand opening event March 4 at 1900 N. Central Parkway, Plano. The hot pot and barbecue restau- rant features personal pots and a continu- ously moving conveyor belt of all-you-can- eat food. Among the oerings are meat, veggies and live seafood. 469-858-9683. https://seapotplano.com 2 Yogurtland opened April 23 at 1900 Preston Road, Ste. 108, Plano, according to a spokesperson for the

company. Yogurtland oers various avors to choose from, such as pistachio, toasted coconut, and cookies and cream. Yogurtland has more than 250 locations in the U.S. and around the globe, ac- cording to its website. 469-298-3133. https://yogurtland.com 3 Activate Games held a grand open- ing event for its new Plano location at 5013 W. Plano Parkway on April 19-20. Ac- tivate oers a variety of high-tech games that blend digital and physical activities. A visit can last 75 minutes with games taking

up to three minutes each. Scores for the games are tracked by a digital wristband. The business also hosts birthday parties, corporate events, eld trips and more. Activate has eight existing or planned locations in the U.S., including one coming soon to Houston, according to the com- pany’s website. Owner Bryce Anderson is also the founder of Breakout Games, which has a Plano location.469-209-6545. https://activate.games/dallas 4 Escobear Shaved Ice opened a food truck in Plano on May 2, according to

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COURTESY ACTIVATE DALLAS

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COMING SOON 7 Haraz Coee House is set to open a new location in Plano later this year, according to a spokesperson for the company. The coee shop will be located at 4341 14th St., Ste. 300. Haraz serves authentic Yemeni-style coee, and all of the coee is grown in the Yemeni village Haraz, according to the compa- ny’s website. Haraz Coee House started in Michigan and has seven locations nationwide, including one in Sugar Land. https://harazcoeehouse.com 8 Rise Soué is set to open a Plano location this summer, according to a spokesperson for the company. The sou¤e shop will open a restaurant in the former TGI Friday’s at 2444 Preston Road, Ste. 100. Construction is set to nish Aug. 20, according to a ling with the Texas De-

partment of Licensing and Regulation. Rise oers a variety of savory and sweet souf- es as other French dishes. The restaurant has locations in Dallas and Fort Worth with another planned for The Woodlands. The Plano restaurant does not yet have a phone number. https://risesou¤e.com NEW OWNERSHIP 9 Movement Climbing, Yoga and Fitness has purchased four Summit Gyms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Movement bought Summit’s Grapevine, Plano, Denton and Fort Worth locations, according to a press release from the company. The Dallas gym, located at 9201 Forest Lane, was not part of the purchase, and its last day of opera- tion was April 30. The Plano gym is located at 525 Talbert Drive. 469-941-5100. https://movementgyms.com

COURTESY THE MOVIE INSTITUTE The Movie Institute is set to open a new studio in the Shops at Willow Bend. FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN

Duncan said the aim of The Movie Institute is to help kids develop life and leadership skills through the lens of motion media. 469-367-0100. https://movieinstitute.org

Collin County-based nonprot The Movie Institute is set to open a new studio in Plano, according to founder Keith Duncan. The new space is located in the Shops at Willow Bend, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Ste. B214, and Duncan expects the studio to be up and running in late fall. The Movie Institute hosts a summer camp, workshops, and an after-school program that teaches children about lmmaking and lm acting.

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PLANO NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023

TODO LIST

May & June events

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JUNE 22

BE PART OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST SWIM LESSON OAK POINT RECREATION CENTER

Take part in what is being called “The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson 2023” at Oak Point Recreation Center. The lesson is a global drowning prevention event launched by the World Waterpark Association. The pool will be open to people of all ages and is part of the World’s Largest Swim Lesson taking place at pools across the country. 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. 6000 Jupiter Road, Plano. www.wlsl.org

COURTESY CITY OF PLANO

musicians. Attendees are invited to bring their own blanket or folding chairs. Leashed dogs will be welcome. 7 p.m. Free. Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St. bit.ly/3LkCsCQ 10 RUN A RACE The Run Project is hosting its watermelon themed 10K, 5K or “fun run” race called the Melon Dash. Free watermelon will be available for all runners, and the events after- party will feature live music. There will also be an award ceremony and children’s activities. 6:15 a.m. $57 (10K), $42 (5K), $32 (fun run). Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 2081 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. bit.ly/3LX6VHf 11 LISTEN TO A SUMMER FUN CONCERT Kids can join in on making music, dancing and playing during a summer beach party with a trio from the Plano Symphony Orchestra. They will also have the chance to learn more about instruments and the orchestra. The concert is titled “Summer Fun Up Late.” 3 p.m. $12-$15. Willow Bend Center For The Arts, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Ste. B216. bit.ly/3VoAWUU 16 THROUGH 25 ENJOY A PERFORMANCE OF THE SHOW ‘GREASE’ “Grease: The Musical” will be presented at North Texas Performing Arts. The musical highlights the story of Rydell High’s senior class of 1959 with characters that include the “Burger Palace Boys” and their “Pink Ladies.” Times vary. $20-$30. Willow Bend Center of the Arts, 6121 W. Park Blvd., Ste. B216. 972-422-2575. bit.ly/3nk0iXe 21 THROUGH 25 TAKE A TUMBLER Cup-making crafters can join together, and spend a weekend learning new techniques and testing products at TumblerCon 2023. 4 p.m. $25 (general admission). Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway. www.tumblercon.com

COMPILED BY TERI WEBSTER MAY 28 PAINT A PET Pipe and Palette will host a class where artists will be on hand to help attendees paint a picture of their pet. Alcohol consumption will be allowed, and attendees can bring a snack along with their favorite drink. The class will provide all painting supplies, aprons, instruction and a take-home canvas. Attendees will need to bring a photo of their pet and are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to nd their seat. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 4:45-6 p.m. $40-$50. Pipe and Palette, 6121 W. Park Blvd, Plano. 972-482-0755. bit.ly/40XEsGG 29 GET CREATIVE Free art and drama camps are designed as a way for kids to tap into their artistic air. The program is funded through the city of Plano and is in partnership with Unique Pieces. Starting on May 29 the camp will feature a theme called “Fairytale Adventures” and will center on wizards, dragons, fairies, trolls, princesses, knights and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 1400 Summit Ave., Ste. E, Plano. bit.ly/40V34jx JUNE 03 CELEBRATE PLANO’S 150TH BIRTHDAY Plano will be honoring the city’s milestone birthday with its 150th Birthday Bash. The party will be themed around Plano’s heritage and community. The event will include decorations, food, drinks and live entertainment. 4-8 p.m. Free. Downtown Plano Arts District, 1021 E. 15th St., Plano. bit.ly/3VlDV08 05 TAKE IN SOME MUSIC The Plano Community Band will host the rst of its annual free summer concerts. The Plano Community Band is made up of around 70 volunteer

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Find more or submit Plano events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

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4 Hedgcoxe Road pavement and sidewalk repairs Crews are making pavement and sidewalk repairs on Hedgcoxe Road from Custer Road to Legacy Drive in both directions. One lane will remain closed to trac at all times, with a second lane closed daily between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Timeline: August 2022-August 2023 Cost: $3.3 million

COMPILED BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

ONGOING PROJECTS 1 Los Rios Boulevard improvements The sidewalk and pavements on Los Rios Boulevard are receiving repairs from 14th Street to Merriman Drive in both directions. One lane will remain closed to trac at all times. Timeline: May-June Cost: $135,000 Funding source: city of Plano 2 Plano Parkway improvements Crews are making pavement and sidewalk repairs on Plano Parkway from Plano’s eastern city limit to US 75 in both direc- tions. One lane will remain closed to trac at all times, with a second lane closed daily between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Timeline: August 2022-November 2023 Cost: $6.47 million Funding source: city of Plano 3 Park Boulevard intersection im- provements The city updated the agreement for this project that includes signal modications, removing road humps, maximizing left- turn lane lengths and adding right-turn lanes on Park Boulevard from Coit Road to Jupiter Road. Dual left-turn lanes will be installed at A Coit Road, B Custer Road, C Alma Drive, D K Avenue and E Jupiter Road. Funding will be immediately be used for construction ex- penditures, as the project is already under contract. Work is expected to be complet- ed this summer. Timeline: June 2022-summer 2023 Cost: $2.78 million Funding sources: city of Plano, Regional Toll Revenue, Collin County

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Funding source: city of Plano 5 Shiloh Road expansion

Crews are expanding Shiloh Road from 14th Street to Park Boulevard. The roadway will expand to two lanes in both directions due to trac volume. Along with the widening of the road, crews are set to replace water lines, put in signal improvements, and add new bike lanes, sidewalks and trail con- nections. The channel structure under the two bridges crossing a tributary of Rowlett Creek has also been expanded to mitigate ooding and drainage concerns. Timeline: May 2022-February 2024 Cost: $13.8 million Funding sources: Collin County bond, city of Plano bond COMPLETED PROJECTS 6 Plano Parkway at Independence Parkway intersection improvements A project to improve this intersection wid- ened the road, improved signals, updated pedestrian facilities and added full-trac capacity to all four approaches at this intersection, including dual left-turn lanes and dedicated right-turn-only lanes. The completion date for the project was moved back from January to April due to minor weather delays. Timeline: August 2022-April 2023 Cost: $1.8 million Funding source: city of Plano

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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF APRIL 26. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT PLNNEWS¢COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

PLANO NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023

EDUCATION

Plano ISD looking at expansion of career and technology programs

BY TERI WEBSTER

that learning really occurs.” One example would be the dis- trict’s professional communications program, which includes developing and expanding a student’s writing, reading, editing, speaking and listening skills. It also covers soft- ware applications and manipulating computer graphics. The committee recommended the expansion of the automotive; audio/

The Plano ISD career and technical education advisory committee pre- sented recommendations that would include expanding several programs as well as expanding classes for middle school students. Karen Buechman, PISD career and technical education director, pre- sented the committee’s recommen- dations to the school board on May

Culinary Arts is one of the programs Plano ISD may look to expand. (Courtesy Plano ISD)

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

The Plano ISD career and technical education advisory committee made recommendations on which programs to expand, add and remove.

2. The committee was tasked with exploring possible middle school pro- grams and making sure programs align with industry-based certi cations. One of the

visual technology and culinary arts programs. It also recommended the addition of stand- alone law and legal studies; construc- tion management; cybersecurity; emergency services; advanced manufac- turing and welding programs.

WHEN WE WALK AWAY FROM OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE, WE

Recommendations to add

Recommendations to expand

Automotive

Welding

Arts and audio visual

Law and legal studies

WANT KIDS TO HAVE THE TIME TO EXPLORE,” BUECHMAN, CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR.

Construction management

Culinary arts

Cybersecurity

Recommendations to remove

recommendations was to give middle school students options to explore career-focused programs. “When we walk away from our middle school experience, we want kids to have the time to explore,” Buechman said. “They need time to gure out what they want to do. It should be career-focused, and it should be all-inclusive.” Part of that initiative would include oering principles—or level one— courses to middle schoolers. “It would allow students, by the time they get to senior high, they can go out and partner with our commu- nity businesses and industries, and have work-based learning opportuni- ties,” Buechman said. “That’s where

Emergency service

Agribusiness

Advanced manufacturing

Early learning

Several of the programs could be expanded due to feedback from students and industry partners, Buechman said. The automotive program would allow students to start working on cars earlier, as Buechman said industry partners were looking to hire students who started “turning a wrench” before 11th grade. The culinary program is currently oered at only one school in the district and could also expand due to strong interest from students and industry partners. The expanded audio/visual technology program would include

SOURCE PLANO ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT

a broader curriculum, while the cybersecurity program would prepare students for the workforce. The committee also recommended removing the agribusiness program, due to a lack of student interest. Additionally, the early learning pro- gram would be retired because that information is included in the teacher training program. The district is continuing to study new state requirements for indus- try-based certi cations. Looking forward, the committee is

hoping to enhance marketing in the 2023-24 school year to help families determine the best programs for their kids. “We want to make sure that we’re continuing to oer programs of study that hit the high-wage and high-de- mand industries,” Buechman said. Sta would also provide feedback on the expansion of programs at cam- puses or at the Career and Technical Education Center. “There is still a lot of work to be done,” Buechman said.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

AT THE CAPITOL

News from the 88th legislative session

HIGHLIGHTS House Bill 3266 Rep. Mihaela Plesa, D-Plano, co-authored a bill relating to the prosecution of the criminal oense of the possession, manufacture, transport, repair or sale of certain devices intended to modify handguns. The bill was received by the Senate on May 12. House Bill 3591 Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, co-authored a bill relating to the allocation of low-income housing tax credits. The bill passed a house vote on May 12 and will go to the Senate. House Bill 3159 Rep. Je Leach, R-McKinney, co-authored a bill relating to the regulation of sports wagering, requiring occupational permits, authorizing fees, imposing a tax, decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events, creating criminal oenses and providing administrative penalties. The bill was received by the Senate on May 12. NUMBER TO KNOW That’s how much the Texas Senate has set aside to expand access to mental health services and construct new mental health facilities across Texas. $2.3B

House passes bills to improve teacher retention and increase school funding

KEEPING STAFF The Texas Teacher Vacancy Task Force issued a report in February. House Bills 11 and 100, which passed April 27 in the Texas House, respond to the task force’s recommendations:

BY HANNAH NORTON

The minimum salary for a beginning Texas teacher is $33,660 for the 2022- 23 school year, according to the Texas Education Agency. HB 100 also adjusts the basic allotment—or how much state money schools receive per student—by $140 over the next two school years. The basic allotment is set at $6,160. It would go up to $6,250 during the 2023- 24 school year and $6,300 in 2024-25. The Texas Education Agency in March 2022 reported teacher depar- ture rates to be 11.57%. That rate is the highest it’s been since the agency started collecting data beginning in the 2007-08 school year. “House Bill 100 is a historic bill that is infusing an estimated $4.5 billion into public education while making policy shifts that will support critical increases in teacher pay and greater predictability,” King said. Both bills are now headed to the Texas Senate.

In an attempt to reduce the high rate of turnover among public and charter school sta , the Texas House passed two bills April 27 that are aimed at increasing school funding and provid- ing more support for teachers. House Bill 11, by Rep. Harold Dutton, D Houston, would provide additional funding for teacher residency and mentorship programs, which help aspiring and early-career teachers. The proposal also increases the Teacher Incentive Allotment, a program designed in 2019 to give “outstanding” teachers added pay. “This bill ultimately provides ... an opportunity for all of our schools—all ve and a half million students in Texas to get a better quality educa- tion,” Dutton said. HB 100, by Rep. Ken King, R Ca- nadian, would raise the minimum salaries for teachers, librarians, nurses and counselors based on experience.

Raise overall teacher compensation

Give teachers additional benets and support

Increase help for special education teachers

Improve training for aspiring teachers

Expand teacher mentor- ship programs

Increase access to high- quality teaching materials

Extend teacher planning periods

Provide additional sup- port for sta

SOURCE: TEXAS TEACHER VACANCY TASK FORCE AND TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINECOMMUNITY IMPACT

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PLANO

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PLANO NORTH EDITION • MAY 2023

CITY & SCHOOLS

News from Plano, Plano ISD & Collin College

Plan to bring housing, retail, hotel to south Plano gets denied

PLANO A plan to redevelop the site of a vacant Fry’s Electronics building with was denied by the Plano Plan- ning and Zoning Commission during its May 1 meeting. The site just north of the Rich- ardson border would have been developed with a combination of residential, o ce and hotel uses The overview: The 19.1-acre plot of land at the southwest corner of Plano Parkway and Executive Drive would have been developed with the following uses: • 501 mid-rise residential units • 33 single-family residence attached units • 123,600 square feet of o ce space • 100 hotel rooms With a 4-3 vote on each, the commission denied both a request by Onalp Property Owner to rezone the property and the concept plan.

Concerns were raised that the project did not fully align with Plano’s Com- prehensive Plan along with environ- mental concerns related to noise. What they’re saying: Bryon Wolf, partner at Bay West Development, said the project would help in the city’s goal of redeveloping the US 75 corridor. “What we’re trying to do is to simply ll in the gap in the center of this neighborhood,” Wolf said. He also noted the site is sur- rounded by large o ce buildings, retail and an apartment complex. Commissioner Michael Bronsky said he thinks the project does not “look at the long-term vision for our community.” “I think there are plenty of reasons that this does not t for the city of Plano,” he said. Planning and Zoning Commission

A proposed development at the former Fry’s Electronics was denied during the Plano Planning and Zoning Commission’s May 1 meeting. (Michael Crouchley/Community Impact)

Chair David Downs said he believes the surrounding retail would benet from the project because the residential aspect would bring more people to the area. “I see lots of good opportunities with this, personally,” he said, adding that he sees it as a good t for the entire corner. What’s next?: The city’s zoning process allows an applicant 30 days to appeal a denial.

PLANO PKWY.

PGBT TOLL

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COMPILED BY TERI WEBSTER

Plano City Council meets at 7 p.m. on May 22 and June 12. Meetings are held at 1520 K Ave., Plano, and can be streamed online. 972-941-7000. www.plano.gov Plano ISD board of trustees meets at 6 p.m. on June 20 at the PISD Administration Center, 2700 W. 15th St., Plano. 469-752-8100. www.pisd.edu MEETINGS WE COVER PLANO An interim ban on short- term rentals was approved May 8 with a 7-1 vote by Plano City Council. Council members also voted 6-2 to table a short-term rentals registration ordinance until June 26. The additional time will allow for the study and assessment of the potential impact of pending state legislation related to short-term rentals. Mayor Pro Tem Kayci Prince voted against the interim ban. HIGHLIGHTS COLLIN COLLEGE The Collin College board of trustees decided to reduce resident tax rates to the college at an April 28 meeting. A new tax exemption rate will be making its way to qualifying Collin County residents, according to a May 1 news release.

Collin College increasing medical degrees COLLIN COLLEGE Increased student interest in health sciences programs has led to the planned expansion of medical-related course oerings this fall. The medical assisting advanced practice program will be adding a location at Collin College’s Plano Campus that will allow both dual-credit and general population students access to enroll. The medical assisting program is oered at other Collin College cam- puses and at the Health Sciences Academy in Plano ISD. Also in the fall, the diagnostic sonography program will add a cardiac track for students interested cardiovascular sonography at the McKinney campus. At the Frisco campus, the new physical therapist assistant pro- gram will admit its rst cohort of

Rising costs expected to impact Plano ISD PLANO ISD Increasing costs in utility rates, insurance, security and other areas are expected to cost the district an additional $6 million under its scal year 2023-24 budget. The gures were presented by Johnny Hill, Deputy Superintendent for Business & Employee Services during an April 18 budget presenta- tion for the school board. Figures presented at the meeting centered on departmental budgets. By the numbers: Included were the following amounts for projected increases: • Utilities: $2.06 million • Insurance (property, vehicle, and cyber): $1.44 million • Custodial: $875,249 • Various technology contracts: $861,839 • Contracted security: $559,405 • Transportation fuel: $245,777 Market trends are driving the increases in cost, Hill said.

Collin College is expanding its medical course options.(Courtesy Collin College)

students. Additionally, the surgical assisting program will add a new 12-student cohort. Collin College o cials also announced more students will be accepted into the associate degree in nursing and licensed vocational nursing to registered nurse pro- grams this fall. The associate degree in nursing program will increase from 90 students to 120 students, while the licensed vocational nursing to registered nurse program is slated to increase from 50 to 90 students per year.

PLANO 5930 West Park Blvd (972) 250-0500

ALLEN 1839 N Central Expressway (972) 908-3488

EAST PLANO 3404 N Central Expressway (972) 423-6688

COIT ROAD 1453 Coit Rd (972) 867-2821

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