Cy-Fair Edition | April 2025

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Cy-Fair Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 8 APRIL 11MAY 12, 2025

Inflation, learning loss linger post- pandemic

INSIDE

Rising costs Instructional costs in Cy-Fair ISD are up by $990 per student since 2018-19, a ecting day-to-day operations. The district has seen the following expense increases since 2019:

Technology 52% Construction 25%

General insurance 141%

Health insurance 28%

Transportation 21%

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, CYFAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Cy-Fair ISD’s annual Da Vinci Day program on Feb. 15 invited HORIZONS gifted and talented students to participate in engineering and technology activities, including a robotic pet vet project.

COURTESY CYFAIR ISD

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Find out what to expect as Via 313 brings Detroit-style pizza to Cypress (Page 6)

Real estate: See where new apartments are planned for your area (Page 25)

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About Community Impact

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.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Ryan Reynolds Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Kevin Vu Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters

Angie Thomas General Manager athomas@ communityimpact.com

Danica Lloyd Senior Editor dlloyd@ communityimpact.com

Account Executive Rebecca Robertson Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Quality Desk Editor Sierra Rozen

Jason Culpepper Houston Market President jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

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APRIL IS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH KEEPING CHILDREN ON THE SPECTRUM SAFE DURING EMERGENCIES

Preparation is key to keeping autistic children safe. Take these steps to be ready:

Being proactive saves lives. Scan here for more safety tips & resources

CONNECT WITH US! @CYFAIRFD . #CYFAIRHD Keep critical info handy – Medical details & emergency contacts Secure your home – Reinforce doors/windows, consider GPS tracking Prepare for first responders – Introduce your child to EMS & firefighters Use medical alert ID – Wearable bracelets or cards provide key info Have a calm-down kit – Sensory-friendly items can ease stress

WWW.CYFAIRFD.ORG

CYFAIR EDITION

Impacts

5 Thunapaha Restaurant & Grocery The business oers Sri Lankan dishes and products. • Opened Jan. 31 • 13337 Jones Road, Houston • Facebook: Thunapaha Ceylon Spices 6 Drunk Taco Tacos, cocktails and more are on the menu. • Opened Feb. 11 • 10609 Grant Road, Ste. A, Houston • Instagram: drunktacohouston 7 EōS Fitness The 40,000-square-foot gym is open 24/7 and oers group classes, personal trainers and more. • Opened Feb. 27 • 22314 FM 529, Ste. 100, Cypress • www.eositness.com 8 Second Cycle The community donation center accepts gently used clothing and household items. • Opened March 8 • 28902 Hwy. 290, Cypress • www.secondcycle.com 9 Skyland Learning University The center oers curriculum for infants through age 5, and before- and after-school care for ages 6-12. • Opened March 31 • 15221 FM 529, Houston • www.skylanduniversity.com 10 Memorial Hermann- GoHealth Urgent Care The clinic treats patients 6 months old and up for non- life-threatening conditions. • Opened Feb. 24 • 20115 Bridgeland Creek Parkway, Ste. D2-201, Cypress • www.gohealthuc.com/memorialhermann

SPRING CYPRESS RD.

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L O U E T T

VINTAGE PRESERVE PKWY.

99 TOLL

HOUSE & HAHL RD.

WILLOWBROOK MALL

290

PRAIRIE REFUGE CR.

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BRIDGELAND CREEK PKWY.

A L

FRY RD.

GREENHOUSE RD.

L O

529

MAP NOT TO SCALE

3 Yamato Japanese Steak House Hibachi, sushi and ramen are on the menu. • Opened Jan. 10 • 17021 FM 529, Houston • www.yamatohouston.kwickmenu.com

Now open

1 The Farmer’s Counter Season’s Harvest owners Beket and Joanne Gri th have expanded with a second location to oer counter service for grab-and-go food. • Opened March 5 • 17110 House & Hahl Road, Ste. D, Cypress • www.seasonsharvest.farm 2 The Blue Rooster Irish Pub & Grill The bar oers pool tables and indoor and outdoor seating. Menu items include burgers and sh and chips. • Opened Feb. 10 • 19817 Hwy. 290, Houston • www.bluerooster.pub

4 Fika The coee shop opened at the former location of Cafe Marrese. It serves sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, burgers and rice bowls. • Opened March 1 • 11729 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. A, Tomball • Facebook: Fika

11 MD Cypress Dr. Jonathan Tran oers pain management, sports

New Pro Shop- Hitting Bays • Full Service Restaurant & Bar Snack Bar & Large Outdoor Decks

Seats up to 200 – Grooms Room & Brides Room Large Covered Outdoor Patio for up to 100 • Full Service Catering Kitchen

BEAUTIFUL NEW CLUBHOUSE & CONVENTION CENTER

Book your Golf Tournament or Special Event! Contact: Jennifer Johnson for Golf Tournament: jjohnson@jerseyvillagetx.com • 713-466-2173 Contact: Issac Recinos for Special Events: irecinos@jerseyvillagetx.com • 713-466-2189

8502 Rio Grande | Jersey Village, TX 77040 713-896-0900 | www.jerseymeadow.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

16 Krazie Kutz The hair care operator is opening at Cypress Village Station. • Opening this summer • 25210 Hwy. 290, Cypress 17 Vintage North Davis Development o cials conrmed the apartment complex is under construction in the Vintage Park area. • Opening in August 2026 • 14701 Vintage Preserve Parkway, Houston • www.davisdevelopment.com

medicine and orthopedic services. • Opened Feb. 10 • 7012 Barker Cypress Road, Houston • www.mdcypress.com

Coming soon

In Season Landscaping The Jersey Village-based business oers commercial and residential landscaping across the region. • Opened Jan. 3 • Facebook: In Season Landscaping

Coming soon

12 Mambo Seafood Opening at a former TGI Friday’s, the restaurant serves fried seafood platters, seafood boils, fried rice and cold

Relocations

22 Via 313 Via 313 oers Detroit-style deep-dish pizzas. Specialty pizzas include The Detroiter, with smoked pepperoni under the cheese and natural casing pepperoni on top; and The Cadillac, with prosciutto, gorgonzola, parmesan, g preserves and balsamic glaze. Via 313 sells gluten-free crust, dairy-free cheese and vegetarian options. Other items include thin-crust pizza, salad and dessert. • Opening this summer • 20725 Tuckerton Road, Ste. 100, Cypress • www.via313.com

18 Ogi Coee, Gelato & Bakeshop The coee and dessert shop recently moved from its previous location o Hwy. 6 and FM 529 in Coppereld. • Relocated Feb. 17 • 12828 Jones Road, Ste. 110, Cypress • www.ogitaste.com 19 Heritage Presbyterian Church The church moved from rented space at The Heritage Lodge in Towne Lake to its new campus. • Opened in early March

seafood bar items. • Opening in 2025

• 7728 FM 1960 W., Houston • www.mamboseafood.com

13 Biryani Bliss The restaurant will oer authentic Indian, Pakistani and

Sri Lankan cuisine. • Opening date TBD • 8020 Fry Road, Ste. 110, Cypress • www.biryaniblisstx.com

• 14139 Huffmeister Road, Cypress • www.heritagepresbyterian.org

14 Kids R Kids Learning Academy The 25,000-square-foot location will serve infants as young as 6 weeks old, toddlers and preschoolers. A before- and after-school program will be available for children through fth grade. • Opening in late May • 18630 Prairie Refuge Crossing, Cypress • www.kidsrkidsbridgeland.com 15 Bob Hope School The charter school is opening for the 2025-26 school year at the current Cypress Christian School campus, CEO and superintendent Bobby Lopez said. • Opening in August • 11123 Cypress N. Houston Road, Houston • www.bobhopeschool.org

Closings

In the news

23 The Door Store Owner Ron Hathaway conrmed the showroom will close and operate as an online retailer moving forward. • Closing April 30

20 Little Explorers Lab Sarah Wexler celebrated the rst anniversary of the

Montessori-inspired studio in March. • 11242 FM 1960 W., Ste. 105, Houston • www.littleexplorerslab.com

• 10706 Grant Road, Houston • www.thedoorstore.online

21 Señor Tequila Mexican Bar & Grill Pichurro’s Mexican Grill rebranded and expanded its menu in early March. • 12215 Grant Road, Ste. E, Cypress • Facebook: Señor Tequila Mexican Bar & Grill

24 Forever 21 Forever 21 declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. • Closing date TBD • Willowbrook Mall, 7925 FM 1960 W., Houston • www.forever21.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY RYAN REYNOLDS

Cy-Fair Fire Department embraces technology to serve community As technological advancements continue to reshape emergency services, Cy-Fair Fire Depart- ment ocials are exploring tools to enhance com- munication, streamline dispatch operations and support real-time decision-making in the eld. Community Impact sat down with department leaders Assistant Chief of Administration Mike Clements and Assistant Chief of EMS Justin Reed in March to learn more about the department’s technology use. How does the Cy-Fair Fire Department approach the use of technology? MC: I think as an industry sometimes we’re slow, but I think we’re pretty progressive in testing out stu. ... We’ve got to test it and really make sure it works because you don’t want the rst time we’re using tech to be on a family’s worst day. ... That’s probably why we might be, as an industry, a little bit slower to adoption, but I think we try and do what we can to be on the front end of things. What are some recent innovations the Cy-Fair Fire Department has been testing out? MC: I think one of the big things is we just n- ished using a program that essentially took all our run data and then the population census data, and it helped use predictive analytics to help us nd the best station locations for all the new stations that we’ve been planning for in the last three or four years, and so that program really helps us to project growth and to say, “Hey, this is exactly where we need to build,” ... so we can provide the best service to the community. How does the Cy-Fair Fire Department utilize drones and articial intelligence? JR: It’s kind of hard to coordinate resources [during a wildre]. ... We had a large re on the north side of our territory, and we deployed our drone to essentially track resources and ensure that they didn’t get overrun by the re. ... Where it goes from here has many possibilities, from drone delivery of blood products and drone delivery of [debrillators] to just situation awareness. How fast can we nd a wreck on the freeway? MC: Another thing that we do that probably most people don’t know is we’ve got a new system that, when [our dispatcher is] talking to you on the phone, AI is using that and producing written text on the screen so they’re hearing and seeing what

Mike Clements

Justin Reed

PHOTOS COURTESY CYFAIR FIRE DEPARTMENT

you’re saying. So they don’t have to ask you twice about anything, and that’s a pretty cool deal to use the speech-to-text feature on the dispatch side. How does the Cy-Fair Fire Department go about acquiring and introducing new technology? MC: We might beta test with one or two units to see if it works, but also provide them the redun- dant current technology we use. JR: We could sit here in the oce and test tech all day long, ... and it may work ne ... when you’re calm, you’re not under pressure, you’re able to sort of rationalize and think things through. But [when] you put it into sort of a chaotic environ- ment that our crews operate in, you have to make sure that ... it actually applies to what they’re doing, and it enhances it. How does the Cy-Fair Fire Department identify needs where technology can improve eciency? MC: If we see something that’s an emerging trend in the industry, we’re going to be on top of it. ... [With electric vehicle res], essentially, the technology got ahead of where the suppression eorts are and where the industry is, and so the whole industry is trying to just battle with electric vehicle res, and so we know that’s an emerging problem. There’s some technology we’ve gotten to help us with that, but we’re on the hunt. JR: One of the opportunities that we had was aviation manufacturing. ... In EMS, your career only lasts as long as your back does. So, how could we actually make it a safer, better environment for them to work in? We reached out to a local

engineering school [for help testing exoskeletons]. ... How can we actually prove the data so the manufacturers can make a better product that is specically formulated to us? How does the Cy-Fair Fire Department see technology evolving in the next ve to 10 years? MC: One of the things that we’re watching and testing is satellite internet connectivity. When the derecho storm came through and knocked out a bunch of cell towers, nobody in the community could get cellphone service. ... We purchased some satellite receivers, and we’re starting to really look at satellite connectivity, Wi-Fi, calling and stu like that over satellite. JR: One that I’m huge on is ... autonomous driving vehicles. ... It opens up [the opportunity to add] an additional person to the patient experience during transport. ... Then, other ways that we can essentially make a seamless reporting structure from when you call 911, all the way until you’re discharged from the hospital. What’s the opportunity there for a single record to follow along with you? ... There’s another opportunity that exists, ... [to bridge] gaps and connect a lot of this data that’s already here.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.

CYFAIR EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE

Harris County seeks 5 additional district courts Harris County moved forward with a request to Texas lawmakers to create ve additional civil district courts by 2027 to address the county’s longstanding court case backlog. Commissioners voted 3-1 in favor of the res- olution during a Feb. 27 Commissioners Court meeting. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis dissented while Judge Lina Hidalgo abstained from the vote. State Rep. Mano DeAyala, RHouston, led House Bill 3600 on March 3, which would create three new judicial districts in Harris County on Oct. 1 and two additional judicial districts on Oct. 1, 2026. These courts would all focus on civil matters, according to the legislation. How it works Should the additional courts receive legislative approval, county ocials said they would plan to

More Harris County news 3 stories we’re following online

“We can’t continue to advertise that Harris County is an economic beacon without investing in a robust justice system where disputes are resolved timely and thoughtfully.” LAUREN REEDER, HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, 234TH CIVIL COURT

1 County raises minimum wage Harris County voted 3-1 on March 27 to raise its minimum wage to at least $20 an hour for employees and contractors starting in May and July, respectively. Texas Labor Union President Elsa Flores said she’s proud of the county for raising worker wages from $15 an hour. 2 Downtown building renamed after Sylvester Turner Commissioners voted March 27 to rename Lamar Plaza in honor of the late former Houston mayor and U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner. They also approved a resolution honoring the legacy of Turner, who died March 5. 3 County to appoint new attorney Commissioners will appoint a new county attorney after Christian Menefee resigned March 17 with his announcement to run for the District 18 U.S. House position, formerly held by Turner.

keep the courts located in the judicial complex in Downtown Houston. Additional courts are estimated to cost the county at least $2.5 million-$3.5 million for each court, Engineering Department Executive Director Milton Rahman said. Looking back Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said county ocials worked with state legislators in 2023 to secure six additional criminal district courts and a probate court to address the court backlog. While the 2025 motion called for nine additional courts, only ve were approved.

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Election

BY RYAN REYNOLDS

Voter Guide

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 21: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 22: First day of early voting April 29: Last of of early voting May 3: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail

Jersey Village residents can cast their ballots at Jersey Village City Hall, 16327 Lakeview Drive, Jersey Village, during early voting and on election day. For more information about the election, visit www.jerseyvillagetx.com/page/city.elections.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to www.harrisvotes.com for information on uncontested races.

KEY : *Incumbent

Jersey Village City Council, Place 2

What is your top priority for Jersey Village if elected? My top priority is keeping Jersey Village safe, vibrant and thriving. I’ll work with the city to support public safety, enhance community events and ensure smart growth—so families, businesses and residents can continue making great memories here for years to come.

How will you ensure transparency and accountability in City Council decisions? Transparency isn’t just about posting information— it’s about ensuring residents can nd it, understand it and be part of the conversation. While the city shares updates online and in the Jersey Village Star, I’ll go further by engaging with residents. Accountability means explaining my votes and being open to feedback.

Eric Henao Occupation & experience:

Four-year resident; marketing specialist; planning & zoning and comprehensive plan update committees; JV CERT www.facebook.com/erichenaoforjv

Planning for the required improvement or replacement of critical infrastructure (roads, water/ sewer and municipal facilities); supporting the city’s exceptional police, re and [emergency medical services]; providing residents with the most desired community amenities; and pursuing a measured approach to spending and borrowing, to avoid burdening taxpayers.

By consistently being available to answer residents’ questions concerning the decision-making process and the reasons for council decisions. Information exchanged or considered by council (e.g. during workshops) is not necessarily discussed during council meetings. Evidence of all matters and opinions considered should be highlighted during those meetings.

Simon Hughes Occupation & experience: resident for 18 years; 35 years as an attorney with corporate and litigation experience www.simonhughes.org

Jersey Village City Council, Place 3

What is your top priority for Jersey Village if elected? My top priority is to ensure that the residents of Jersey Village are provided with thoughtfully designed public spaces that prioritize healthy living and a sense of community. Jersey Village is a multigenerational community; we should provide amenities that reect that environment by providing for all ages.

How will you ensure transparency and accountability in City Council decisions? I would ensure honest and forthright communication with a focus on citizen engagement, as well as accountability measures such as open access to government records.

Rachel Beazley Occupation & experience: Parks and recreation committee member, Jersey Village Young Triathlon coordinator, homemaker Facebook: Rachel Beazley for JV City Council Michelle Mitcham* Occupation & experience: Four-year council member; mayor pro tem; owner of Launch Pediatrics and Senate Avenue Brewing Co. www.facebook.com/michelleforjv

My top priority is preserving Jersey Village’s small- town charm while supporting responsible growth. I’ll maintain our strong community values, enhance local businesses, improve infrastructure and plan for sustainable development. Ensuring Jersey Village remains a welcoming, vibrant place to live is essential to maintaining our high quality of life.

Transparency is key for me. I maintain regular meetings with the city manager and have strong relationships with core sta members. I stay accessible to the community, providing updates on decisions. After meetings, I engage with attendees to listen to concerns and ensure decision making is clear and accountable.

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.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY RYAN REYNOLDS

New report tracks Cy-Fair ISD graduation rates in real time

Cy-Fair ISD is using a new report to track high school

better evaluate students’ needs. In a nutshell Cole said high school principals and coordinating counselors collaborated with administrators and sta to develop a strategic plan to raise graduation rates. The district aims to increase its four- year graduation rate from 92.3% to 95.9% by 2029, targeting a 1% yearly improvement. “A lot of times, public schools have to deal with data after the fact, and you can’t go back and x things,” CFISD board member Christine Kalmbach said at the March 3 meeting.

PLAN & REGISTER FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR!

graduation rates in real time and oering targeted support for those who are not on track. On-track students are active seniors who have passed the required ve end-of-course exams, district ocials said. Previously, the school district relied on the Texas Academic Performance Reports, which are published each January and include data from two years prior. Christina Cole, CFISD’s chief ocer for school leadership, said the new report improves data accuracy and allows the district to

Beginning April 14 , you will be able to enroll for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 & Summer 2026

Keeping kids on track For the 10% of students who were not on track to graduate as of Jan. 27, CFISD provides:

Tutorials before and after school and on Saturdays

Plans to recover from excessive absences

Digital credit recovery

Interventions during the school day

Academic conferences with parents

Plans for individual grade placement committee

SOURCE: CYFAIR ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Cy-Fair ISD’s board of trust- ees unanimously approved 70 campuses to be open for student transfers in the 2025-26 school year during a March 3 meeting—the most ever for CFISD. This includes 46 elementary schools, 17 middle schools and seven high schools. Record 70 campuses open for transfers

The overview Students are assigned to schools based on their primary residence, but the district oers transfer options for those who wish to attend a dierent school. CFISD Director of General Administration Scott Tucker said the open campus recommendations were based on enrollment projections, historical data, trends and demographic information. CFISD students and children of district employees wishing to transfer can apply through June 30.

LoneStar.edu/FullYearSchedule SCAN OR VISIT

CYFAIR EDITION

Transportation

BY MELISSA ENAJE & DANICA LLOYD

Harris County Precincts 3 and 4 are working to expand sidewalk access in Cy-Fair. In a nutshell Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones kicked o a $20 million initiative last March called Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4, aiming to improve access to schools, health care providers, businesses and parks, and close gaps between existing sidewalks. More than 50 miles of sidewalks have been com- pleted since, including 14.1 miles in Cy-Fair ISD. Precinct 4 ocials developed a data-driven sidewalk gap analysis that identied vulnerable sidewalks across 406 square miles. “We prioritized gaps that were close to schools, places of worship and economic centers because, literally, we believe that sidewalks are safety and sidewalks are connection … to educational opportunity and economic opportunity,” Briones said at a March 31 press conference. Remember this? More CFISD students are walking to and from school after the district eliminated 79 bus routes ahead of the 2024-25 school year, leading to a nearly 20% decrease in student ridership year over year, Community Impact previously reported. “As we all know, this school year, we faced a lot of challenges. Budget cuts meant we had fewer buses, which would ultimately lead to more students hav- ing to walk to school without a safe or reliable path,” New sidewalks in progress, recently completed

Schools near sidewalk projects

Completed

Proposed

Under construction

1 CFISD Alternative Learning Center 2 Cypress Lakes High School 3 Cypress Ridge High School 4 Hoover Elementary School 5 Jowell Elementary School 6 Kahla Middle School 7 McFee Elementary School 8 Postma Elementary School 9 Sheridan Elementary School 10 Thornton Middle School 11 Watkins Middle School

HUFFMEISTER RD.

290

1960

GREENHOUSE RD.

99 TOLL

529

REBEL YELL DR.

YORKSHIREWOODS LN.

L I T T L E Y O R K R D

YORKTOWN CROSSING PKWY.

KIETH HARROW BLVD.

ADDICKS SATSUMA RD.

NOTE: THIS LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCTS 3 AND 4COMMUNITY IMPACT

schools and Alternative Learning Center West • West Little York Road connecting to Kahla Middle School • Greenhouse Road connecting to Sheridan and McFee elementary schools, Thornton Middle School, Cypress Lakes High School • Kieth Harrow Boulevard from Hwy. 6 to Cairn- leigh Drive • Timber Creek Place Lane from Addicks-Satsuma Road to Berkshire Manor Lane Additionally, Precinct 3 expects to wrap up sidewalks along Humeister Road from Fleur de Lis Boulevard to Cypress Corner Lane in the third quarter. A project to construct sidewalks along North Eldridge Parkway from FM 529 to West Road is in the design phase as of press time.

Cypress Lakes High School student Sirron Norris said. “But instead of doing nothing, our school and community came together to nd a solution.” The projects While additional sidewalks are coming soon near Hemmenway Elementary School, Hopper Middle School and Cypress Springs High School, these sidewalk connections have been completed through Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4: • Greenhouse Road connecting to Postma Elementary School • Longenbaugh Drive between Weekley Park and Fry Road • West Little York Road and Greenhouse Road connecting to Jowell and Hoover elementary

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Dining

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Aguachile verde and other homemade sh dishes are on the menu.

COURTESY BLUE HARBOR SEAFOOD & MARISCOS

The Adame family owns and operates Blue Harbor Seafood & Mariscos, which is known for fried seafood.

COURTESY BLUE HARBOR SEAFOOD & MARISCOS

Blue Harbor specializes in homemade seafood With roots tracing back to Guadalajara, Mexico, Georgina Adame said she and her husband Mario Adame moved to the U.S. in 2002. After years in the restaurant industry, their son Junior Adame opened Blue Harbor Seafood & Mariscos in November 2023.

Adame said she practically raised her son in the restaurant. Years later, the Adame family ventured to the Cy-Fair area to open their own restaurant, Blue Harbor Seafood & Mariscos. On the menu The Adame family specializes in fried seafood, hushpuppies and gumbo. Recipes are crafted by Junior Adame’s sister and restaurant chef, Angela Adame. Crowd favorites include the crab-stued jumbo shrimp, seafood cocktails and fried seafood platters. Looking ahead, Georgina Adame said she hopes to grow Blue Harbor’s clientele to continue operating her family’s legacy.

The eatery is located on FM 1960 in Cy-Fair.

JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“We started from the ground and worked our- selves up into the industry,” Georgina Adame said. “I started working as a hostess knowing two single phrases: ‘How many?’ and ‘Follow me.” A family aair Mario Adame started working in the restaurant industry in 1990 and worked his way up from a busboy to a restaurant manager in Georgia. As a server with a language barrier, Georgina

1960

STEEPLETOP DR.

11037 FM 1960, Ste. A1, Houston Facebook: Blue Harbor Seafood & Mariscos

CYFAIR EDITION

Ination, learning loss linger post-pandemic From the cover

The action taken

What’s happening

CFISD is advocating for additional funding by engaging with local legislators during the 89th legislative session, which began Jan. 14. District ocials said the lack of funding has led CFISD to establish legislative priorities such as: • Changing the state’s funding formula for the local optional homestead exemption as CFISD’s 20% property tax break results in $91 million in lost property tax revenue annually • An increase in the safety and security allotment • An increase in the special education allotment and the transition to an intensity-based funding formula, which would set student allotments based on required services • An increase in the transportation allotment, which has remained unchanged since the 1980s “We want to concentrate on things like aca- demics. We want to have tutoring programs for our kids, … but it’s going to be very dicult to do when we have to cut other things in the district in order to just make ends meet,” Killian said.

Public schools in Texas receive a base $6,160 per student annually, but this rate hasn’t been increased since 2019, CFISD Chief Financial Ocer Karen Smith said. She said she believes legislators should increase the basic allotment by $1,300 to bring the district’s funding back to where it was in 2019. House Bill 2 proposes a $220 boost to base school funding, changes to special education funding and more. The proposal would invest nearly $7.6 billion in public education, Community Impact previously reported. Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said this would be “a larger investment for Texas public schools and our education system than any other legislation we’ve led in the history of the state.” Chronic absenteeism in CFISD grew from 5.5% in 2019-20 to 22% in 2021-22 also impacting school funding as well as academics and student engagement, ocials said.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education nationwide, and ve years later, Cy-Fair ISD is still grappling with the long-term eects of supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and 20% ination from 2019 to August 2024, district ocials said. Despite rising ination, CFISD Superintendent Doug Killian said public schools haven’t received additional state funding since 2019. “We’re going to have to make hard choices if we don’t get enough money to pay for that ination,” Killian said Feb. 6. To oset the scal year 2024-25 shortfall, CFISD cut $58.7 million from the budget, including librarian sta, support sta and bus routes. While district ocials said schools are scrambling statewide to absorb the costs, the Texas Legislature is reviewing several bills this session that could potentially increase state funding for public schools.

Cy-Fair ISD per-pupil spending, 201819 vs. 202324 +60%

Spending breakdown, 202425

+40%

0% +20% +40% -20% -40%

Cy-Fair ISD spending

State funding

+28%

+18%

Safety

$49.5M

$2.4M

-8%

Special education

$99.4M

$577.6M

-56%

-60%

Transportation

Food services

Instruction

General administration

Instructional sta support services

Pupil support services

Student transportation

$8M

$38M

SOURCE: CYFAIR ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY¤COMMUNITY IMPACT

Measuring the impact

CFISD’s STAAR passage rate changes in percentage points, 2019 vs. 2024 Reading Math -20 -30 -10 0 +10

close gaps while keeping pace with new curricu- lum requirements,” Goree said in an email. At the high school level, Goree said academic recovery continues, with performance in biology and U.S. history returning to pre-pandemic levels and English II exceeding pre-pandemic passage rates. Algebra I and English I continue to make progress toward pre-pandemic levels, Goree said. In response to learning loss, Goree said CFISD has invested in professional development, intro- duced student support programs such as free math and reading summer camps, implemented full-day pre-K, and extended the school day by 15 minutes.

While the district continues to exceed the state average in most subjects and grade levels of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readi- ness, CFISD saw lower math passage rates on the 2023-24 STAAR for every grade level compared to 2018-2019, according to Texas Education Agency federal report cards. CFISD Chief Academic Ocer Tonya Goree attributed this decline to lingering gaps from the pandemic, the shift to online learning and changes in the STAAR test format. “Foundational math concepts were disrupted during virtual learning, making it challenging to

3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade 7th grade 8th grade

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY RYAN REYNOLDS

What’s being done

What they’re saying

Looking ahead

Teacher experience data from the TEA shows district educators who are new to the eld increased by 4.4 percentage points since 2019. CFISD ocials said recruitment eorts include: • Recruiting at Texas university programs • Implementing paid-teacher residencies • Hosting targeted events for certied teachers • Providing internship opportunities • Oering a teaching and training program for high school students

“We’re doing a lot more with less, and we really need ... our Legislature to realize that we need more money. If you go through every year cutting, people start leaving a school district. … I really fear for the

Key bills Cy-Fair ISD is monitoring

House Bill 2 Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado Increases basic allotment, transitions special education funding to an intensity-based formula, creates new allotments for ne arts and property insurance, and establishes a grant program that o ers additional funding HB 3 Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado Creates an educational savings account program that allocates state funding for students attending private schools or homeschool

future if we don’t get more funding.” DOUG KILLIAN, CFISD SUPERINTENDENT

Changes in educator experience

152% increase in teachers with emergency or provisional credentials since the pandemic 7.6% of educators were new to the eld in 2024—up from 3.3% in 2019 177 more teachers not teaching in the subject or eld for which the teacher is certied or licensed since the pandemic

“I’m thankful that my school districts, like Cy-Fair, … prioritize this tax relief [via the local optional homestead exemption]

for their residents at the expense of raising additional tax revenue.” STATE REP. LACEY HULL, R HOUSTON

HB 8 Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University

Reduces the maximum compressed tax rate by an additional $0.0331 for the 2025-26 school year, lowering the amount of property tax revenue available for public school districts Senate Bill 4 with Senate Joint Resolution 2 Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston Would allow voters to approve increasing the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, providing homeowners with tax relief while the state makes up the di erence in public school funding Committee Substitute SB 26 Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe Establishes a teacher retention allotment based on district size and teacher experience and increases the amount for each designation in the Teacher Incentive Allotment; provides tuition-free pre-K, liability insurance for classroom teachers and a grant program that o ers additional funding

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT

Taking a step back

“When UPS and Amazon had to increase driver pay because people were purchasing online, they were able to pass on this price increase to the consumer. … We are absorbing the cost with no

Traci Schluter, CFISD director of psychological services, said that immediately post-pandemic, students, sta and families in the school district experienced the same negative eects as the rest of the nation. “CFISD is fortunate to have a wide range of mental health resources available to students who are experiencing challenges,” Schluter said in an email statement. Mental health resources • Guidance and counseling support, and school psychologists at every campus • School-based social workers who directly address mental health needs and connect families with community resources • Mental health intervention team supports campuses and procedures when working with high-risk mental health concerns • Free employee assistance program and wellness counseling program for sta • Self-care, personal management and stress relief workshops

increases in revenue.” KAREN SMITH, CFISD CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

“We’re doing everything we can to plug holes on a ship, but we can’t do that indenitely … These numbers do paint a picture of a school district that needs help.”

SB 260 Sen. Joan Human, R-Houston

Doubles the school safety allotment from $10 to $20 per student based on average daily attendance and for each campus from $15,000 to $30,000

JUSTIN RAY, CFISD BOARD SECRETARY

SOURCE: CYFAIR ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT

CY FAIR EDITION

Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

VFW Red and White Gala Support veteran suicide prevention at the VFW Post 8905 Red and White Gala featuring a spaghetti dinner, a comedy show and a DJ. • April 25, 6 p.m. • $10 (advanced tickets), $15 (at the door) • 21902 Hwy. 290, Cypress • www.vfw8905.org ‘SpongeBob the Musical’ Playhouse 1960 presents “SpongeBob the Musical,” a youth edition musical about the animated series. • April 26-27, May 3-4, 3 p.m.; April 26, May 3, 7 p.m. • $12 (student admission), $15 (adult admission)

Christ the Redeemer spring festival Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church’s spring festival will feature carnival games, rides, entertainment, silent and live auctions, a rae, dancing, a ea market and festival food vendors. • May 3, 5-10 p.m.; May 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 11507 Huffmeister Road, Houston • www.ctrcc.com Youth Duathlon Jersey Village hosts its annual youth competition that combines biking and running for ages 7-15. • May 4, 8 a.m.-noon • $30 per participant • Clark Henry Park, 7804 Equador St., Jersey Village • www.jerseyvillagetx.com Bloom Fest Enjoy live music, crafts, vendors and a farmers market at the Living Legacy Center’s Bloom Fest. • May 10, 10 a.m.-noon • Free (admission) • 12527 Cypress N. Houston Road, Cypress • www.livinglegacycenter.com

April

Comicon Comicon at Traders Village will feature several voice actor performances including Christina Kelly, Adam Gibbs and Molly Searcy. • April 12-13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 7979 N. Eldridge Parkway, Houston • www.tradersvillage.com Blood drive Join the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center at The Boardwalk at Towne Lake. Every donation saves three lives, and donors will receive a free T-shirt and an IHOP short stack voucher. • April 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free • 9955 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress • www.boardwalktl.com O’Hara Homes spring festival This fth-annual event features a market, food trucks, face painting and an egg hunt. • April 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 15855 Mueschke Road, Cypress • www.oharare.com

• 6814 Gant Road, Houston • www.playhouse1960.com

Peel for a Purpose crawsh festival The fth annual crawsh festival beneting Boots for Troops—an organization supporting active duty military, veterans and spouses—will feature crawsh and live music at Sam Houston Race Park. • April 19, 2-9 p.m. • $10 (children), $30 (general admission), $60 (general admission and all-you-can-eat craw©ish) • 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Houston • www.shrp.com

May

‘The Odd Couple: Female Version’ Watch a female version of the classic play “The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon at the Stageworks Theatre. • May 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 7:30 p.m.; May 4, 11, 18, 3 p.m. • $26-$38.75 (admission)

Nature Fest Join Bridgeland for the 17th annual Nature Fest featuring family-friendly activities, a petting zoo, food trucks and wildlife education at Oak Meadow Park. Corbin Maxey headlines this year’s lineup.

• April 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 7600 House & Hahl Road, Cypress • www.bridgeland.com

• 10760 Grant Road, Houston • www.stageworkshouston.org

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