Tomball - Magnolia Edition | September 2025

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Tomball Magnolia Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 12 OCT. 331, 2025

2025 Voter Guide

Funding growth Magnolia ISD voters to decide on $516.92M bond package in November

BY JULIANNA WASHBURN

Also in this issue

Impacts

Page 6

Learn about Concordia Lutheran High School’s expansion plans

Government

Page 8

Get information from Chris Whittaker, Magnolia’s new city administrator

Magnolia ISD bus driver Elizabeth Lathrop greets students as they board the school bus. Proposition A of the district’s proposed 2025 bond package, which aims to address growth, includes $12.53 million for acquiring school buses. (Courtesy Magnolia ISD)

Education Page 11 Read about the accountability ratings for Tomball, Magnolia ISDs

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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 Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Roo Moody Tomer Ronen Nichaela Shaheen Haley Velasco Kevin Vu Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Jesus Verastegui Ronald Winters Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Product Manager Martha Risinger Quality Desk Editor Sarah Hernandez Houston Market President Jason Culpepper

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April Halpin Account Executive ahalpin@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts

light therapy, infrared sauna and cold plunge. • Opened Aug. 25 • 118 Vintage Park Blvd., Ste. C, Houston • www.alteredstateswellness.com 3 Chick-fil-A The new Magnolia location is now open. Menu items include chicken sandwiches, strips and nuggets. • Opened Sept. 4 • 13950 FM 1488, Magnolia • www.chick-fil-a.com 4 Heal Wellness Lounge The business provides wellness services, including cryotherapy, salt therapy and light therapy. • Opened July 21

MAGNOLIA CIR.

149

ROY ST.

1488

TAMINA RD.

Magnolia

249 TOLL

2978

1774

1488

2978

STAGECOACH RD.

HUFSMITH KUYKENDAHL RD.

• 25131 FM 2978, Ste. C, Tomball • https://healwellnesslounge.com

DECKER PRAIRIE ROSEHILL RD.

5 Smalls Sliders The restaurant offers cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders, fries, shakes and queso. • Opened Sept. 16

Tomball

HUFSMITH- KOHRVILLE RD.

2920

249

• 25549 Hwy. 249, Tomball • www.smallssliders.com

99 TOLL

6 Shipley Do-Nuts The business offers over 30 kinds of fresh donuts. • Opened Sept. 2 • 35502 FM 149, Bldg. D, Ste. 103, Pinehurst • www.shipleydonuts.com Golden Age Honey & Chocolate The Magnolia-based online company offers creamed honey and honey-sweetened chocolates. • Opened June 3 • www.goldenagehoney.com

NORTHPOINTE BLVD.

99 TOLL

2920

MAP NOT TO SCALE

VINTAGE PARK BLVD.

• Opened Aug. 26 • 13109 N. Grand Pkwy W., Tomball • www.bojangles.com

Now open

Coming soon

1 Bojangles The new location will offer made-from-scratch biscuits, hand-breaded boneless chicken and iced tea, officials said.

7 Collective Formerly known as Roll Out Yoga, Collective is the relocated and expanded studio offering yoga.

2 Altered States Wellness The business offers services such as float therapy, red

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• Opening in October • 22525 Hufsmith-Kohrville Road, Ste 1-A, Tomball • www.collectivehouston.com 8 Crush City Sports Complex The all-turf multisport facility is expected to open pending final investment and permitting, founder and managing partner Brian Schoellkopf confirmed. • Expected to open in the fall of 2026 9 JB Sweet Temptations Coffee, Bakery and Cake Design The bakery specializes in custom cake design for weddings, quinceaneras and other special occasions. • Opening date TBD • 126 Roy St., Magnolia • Facebook: JB Sweet Temptations • 19800 Cedar Lane, Tomball • www.crushcitysports.com

location on West Main Street since 1982. • Relocating in November • 823 E. Main St., Tomball • www.worthleys.com

Now open

13 Blading by Bre The salon, which relocated in Tomball, offers hair services, semi-permanent eyebrow makeup such as microblading and scalp pigmentation. • Opened Sept. 1 • 26820 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 101, Tomball • www.bladingbybre.com 14 Five Oceans Acupuncture & Herb The business relocated from 120 Baker Drive to Northpointe Boulevard as part of its expansion. • Relocated Sept. 9 • 11023 Northpointe Blvd., Ste. G, Tomball • www.fiveoceansacu.com

18 Della Casa Pasta The fresh pasta manufacturing company opened up a bake shop and a grab-and-go-only location at its Tomball store, owner and CEO Luisa Obando confirmed. Obando said they added the bakery onto the business in order to meet the needs of their community for fast, high-quality food. The bakery’s focus is breakfast, coffee, light lunches, lunch boxes and snacks. • Opened in early September • 22525 Hufsmith-Kohrville Road, Tomball • www.dellacasapasta.com

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

Expansions

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

15 Concordia Lutheran High School The school’s expansion project will add an indoor athletic complex and include a fine arts renovation. • Expansion anticipated to be completed by early 2027 • 700 E Main St., Tomball • www.clhs-tx.org

10 Chick-fil-A The fast-food restaurant is opening a new location near the intersection of Hwy. 249 and the Grand Parkway, per a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Details are subject to change. • 25527 Tomball Pkwy., Tomball • www.chick-fil-a.com

Space City Weather The daily weather news and forecaster is approaching its 10-year anniversary of providing weather updates with a

In the news

Relocations

celebration planned Oct. 25. • www.spacecityweather.com

16 Sorenson Foot & Ankle The business rebranded and changed its name from Elevate Foot & Ankle in August. • 31332 Nichols Sawmill Road, Ste. B, Magnolia • www.sorensonfootandankle.com 17 Terrarium Plant House A new mural will be painted on the repaired side of the business’s building in downtown Tomball, owner Emily Wetegrove confirmed. • 311 W. Main St., Tomball • https://terrariumplanthouse.com

11 Ceconi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu The business, previously located along FM 1488, is now located along Magnolia Circle. Ceconi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu offers classes for both adults and children. • Relocated in August • 33134 Magnolia Circle, Magnolia • https://ceconibjj.com 12 Worthley’s Home Appliances The family-owned appliance store will move to a new showroom on East Main Street after serving in its

Closings

19 Salad and Go Business officials confirmed via email that the salad chain closed all of its Houston locations by Sept. 19. • Closed Sept. 19 • 13345 FM 1488, Magnolia • www.saladandgo.com

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Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Magnolia City Administrator Chris Whittaker talks priorities Chris Whittaker, Magnolia’s new city admin- istrator, was appointed May 13. In an interview, Whittaker shared his top priorities and vision for balancing modernization, infrastructure and community needs. How do you plan to balance Magnolia’s rapid residential and commercial growth with maintaining infrastructure capacity? That’s a very difficult challenge right now. We’re under a development moratorium as our final infrastructure comes online to have that capacity to open the gates again. Folks have to realize we only control development inside the city. What happens outside the city limits—the state has made it very clear we don’t have a lot of say as a city. We have to look at what the development is. ...

We also have to think five to 10 years out: as devel- opments come online, how do we maintain that infrastructure? Where do we put new buildings to support it? Those are the ... decisions we’re making. What steps is the city taking to ensure long-term water and sewer reliability? We’re creating a five-year and 10-year capital improvement program. Right now, we have our fiscal year 2025-26 budget, but that only covers through next October. What about year two, year three, year four? ... We’ll come back and brief the council with recommendations. ... To fund that, we may need to increase water rates or go out for certificates of obligation. How will you address concerns from residents about the pace of development? We’ve had council meetings where the room was packed. ... We have to listen to people, and some- times they have great ideas. ... There are things we can affect, like code enforcement ... and things we can’t, like TxDOT projects. We just have to have strategic patience, communicate what we can control and take action where possible.

COURTESY CHRIS WHITTAKER

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

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Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Local re departments install Safe Haven boxes Tomball Fire Station No. 5 is now home to Harris County’s rst Safe Haven Baby Box, which was dedicated Sept. 2 in partnership with Tomball Fire Rescue, Harris County Emergency Services District No. 15 and community leaders. Meanwhile, local community leaders dedicated the rst Safe Haven Baby Box in Magnolia at Magnolia Fire Station No. 181 on Sept. 3. Some context Under Texas’ Safe Haven law, parents may legally surrender infants up to 60 days old at des- ignated facilities. The new baby boxes—installed in exterior walls of the re stations—lock automat- ically once a newborn is placed inside and alert sta through interior sensors, per the Safe Haven Baby Box website. Quote of note “This is more than just a piece of equipment installed in the rehouse. It is a symbol of hope, compassion, and of deep commitment to protect- ing those most vulnerable to us,” Tomball Fire Department Chief Joe Sykora said. Harris County judge won’t seek third term Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo formally announced she will not seek reelection for a third term as judge of Texas’ largest county. Hidalgo said in a Sept. 15 news release that she is keeping her promise not to serve more than two terms. “I ran for oce as a change maker to chal- lenge the establishment and bring a fresh perspective to a Harris County government. I never ran for oce to build an empire, which is why I am keeping my promise not to serve more than two terms,” Hidalgo said. Zooming out Hidalgo has served as county judge since 2019 and was reelected after winning the county seat during the November 2022 general election. Her current four-year term ends Dec. 31, 2026.

Montgomery County approves budget Montgomery County commissioners adopted a balanced scal year 2025-26 budget and set a property tax rate of $0.3770 per $100 valuation during a special meeting Sept. 5. As previously reported, the FY 2024-25 approved tax rate was $0.3790 per $100 of home valuation, making the FY 2025-26 tax rate a 0.53% decrease. What you need to know The adopted balanced budget totals $508.1 million with allocations including law enforcement pay parity with the city of Houston and Harris County, additional stang across departments and a contri- bution of nearly $5.4 million to the capital improvement plan, Budget Ocer Amanda Carter said. A last-minute adjustment added $850,000 in expected revenue that had been excluded in earlier drafts. The court opted to use most of the money to lower the rate, with about $74,757 added to contingency, Carter said.

Tomball's Safe Haven Baby Box, dedicated Sept. 2, is located at Fire Station No. 5.

NICHAELA SHAHEENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

1774

BUDDY RILEY BLVD.

1488

Magnolia

249

Tomball

TELGE RD.

Magnolia OKs agreement for project involving Home Depot Magnolia City Council approved a Chapter 380 economic development agreement Sept. 9 with BCS Magnolia Place for a 28-acre project. The details Per city documents, the project will include retail, multifamily and commercial space. Part of the agreement requires BCS Magnolia to provide at least 100,000 square feet for a Home Depot. Under the agreement, the city will reimburse BCS Magnolia through sales tax revenue once the store receives a certicate of occupancy. Payments are capped at $3.2 million or until a 10-year term, whichever comes rst. The sales tax split will give BCS Magnolia 75% of sales tax revenue in the rst ve years, and 50% in years six through 10. Per documents, the city expects the project to

1488

PROPOSED ACADEMY SPORTS

HOME DEPOT

AUTOURBAN COMMERCIAL SEMIURBAN RESIDENTIAL

SOURCE: CITY OF MAGNOLIACOMMUNITY IMPACT

bring new employment opportunities, increase sales and property tax revenue, and establish the area as a regional destination. Also of note The council also approved a rezoning for the tract, which changes the boundary lines to allow multifamily and commercial areas. The change allocates 11.5 acres of semi-urban residential for 300 multifamily units and 16.9 acres of auto-ur- ban commercial. The map of the area includes a proposed Academy Sports + Outdoors store.

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Education

BY HANNAH NORTON & JULIANNA WASHBURN

Tomball, Magnolia ISDs receive TEA accountability ratings

The Texas Education Agency released public school accountability ratings for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years Aug. 15. The ratings follow a legal battle that began nearly two years ago, with school districts suing the TEA due to concern over the ratings system. Tomball ISD received an A for 2023-24 with 91 out of 100 possible points and an A with 92 points for 2024-25, per the TEA. Meanwhile, Magnolia ISD received a B for 2022-23 with 84 points, and a B with 86 points for 2024-25. Texas schools are rated by the TEA on an A-F scale based on three criteria: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps. In an Aug. 18 news release, MISD officials said the district’s rating reflects “strong academic performance across the district.” TISD Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora said in an Aug. 15 news release that TISD’s rating is a reflection of the “dedication and hard work of our incredible students, teachers and campus leaders.” “It’s also a testament to the powerful partnership

Tomball ISD A-F ratings 2023-24 2024-25

Magnolia ISD A-F ratings 2023-24 2024-25

12 10

8 6 4 2 0

D F

Rating

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

A in both 2023-24 and 2024-25. Additionally, while one campus received a C in 2023-24, zero campuses scored a C in 2024-25. For MISD, the number of campuses that earned an A increased. In 2023-24, two campuses received an A versus seven campuses in 2024-25.

we share with our parents, who are our most vital collaborators in education,” Salazar-Zamora said. “These impressive results are a true community effort, and we are immensely proud of everyone involved.” In TISD, the district had 18 campuses receive an

Digging deeper

the 2024 ratings could be released, and the TEA later announced they would be issued alongside the 2025 ratings. “Millions of dollars and thousands of hours of work by teachers, administrators and experts have been invested in creating the A-F ratings system; courts can decide only whether it is legal, not whether it is wise or fair, much less commandeer the job of running it,” Chief Justice Scott Brister wrote in the ruling.

close that campus or appoint a board of managers. State law requires that annual A-F ratings be issued by Aug. 15 of each year; however, the 2024 ratings were blocked for nearly one year after 33 school districts sued the TEA last August, arguing that the agency made it “mathematically impos- sible” for some schools to earn a high score and waited too long to notify districts about changes to the state accountability system. Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals ruled in July that

Elementary and middle school ratings are largely based on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. High school ratings are based on the STAAR and how well students are prepared for success after graduation. Districts and campuses that scored a D or F may receive extra resources and support from the state, per the TEA. Under state law, if at least one campus in a district receives a failing grade for five consecutive years, the commissioner is required to

Put in perspective

Statewide campus performance

2024-25

2023-24

“Telling a parent today how well their school did in 2024 doesn’t help them with the supports they need to provide their kid [now],” Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told reporters Aug. 14. “It is great now to have this tool back to help support our families [and] also support our educators.”

Across the state, most school districts and campuses maintained or improved their A-F ratings between the two school years. Of the 1,208 school districts across Texas, data shows 24% received a higher rating, 64% kept the same rating and 12% received a lower rating. Of the state’s 9,084 campuses, 15% received a lower grade, according to the data.

A: 23% B: 33% C: 24% D: 10% F: 4% Not rated: 6%

A: 18% B: 31% C: 25% D: 14% F: 8% Not rated: 6%

NOTE: PERCENTAGES MAY NOT ADD UP TO 100% DUE TO ROUNDING. SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY JULIANNA WASHBURN

Lone Star College enrollment up 5.9% Lone Star College System’s enrollment numbers are 5.9% higher than they were in fall 2024 and 15.9% higher than a decade ago, according to a Sept. 10 news release. “We celebrate the fact that more students are choosing to call Lone Star College Sys- tem home. However, our primary focus is not on boosting enrollment but on improv- ing student outcomes through high-quality education,” LSCS Executive Vice Chancellor Seelpa Keshvala said in the release. More details Per the news release, enrollment is at an all-time high this fall with 97,294 students. “Regardless of their background, we want to help our students get from where they are to where they want to be,” Keshvala said. Magnolia ISD approves $157.4M balanced budget Magnolia ISD trustees approved a balanced gen- eral fund budget of $157.4 million for scal year 2025-26 at its regular meeting Aug. 25. The district also approved its tax rate and a $500 stipend for all its employees. Breaking it down In the budget, MISD allotted $157.41 million in both revenue and expenses, which is an estimated $14 million increase compared to FY 2024-25, according to prior reporting. Teacher pay increases are included in the budget with the help of state funding from House Bill 2, which provides permanent raises for educators and support sta. Additionally, as part of MISD’s 2025-26 compensation plan that was approved June 10, the board authorized a $500 payment for district employees that was paid Sept. 15. MISD said for all sta pay raises not included in HB 2, local funds would be used to ll any gaps. “We’re able to come up with additional local funds to make sure that we gave raises to all ... employees,” MISD Assistant Superintendent of Operations Erich Morris said

TISD trustees OK $13M land purchase Tomball ISD trustees approved purchasing 110 acres to be used for district facilities during their Sept. 9 meeting. The two sep- arate properties—located near Telge Road— have a total price tag of about $13.63 million and will be paid with bond 2025 funds. In a nutshell TISD Superintendent Martha Sala- zar-Zamora said the decision is based on the district’s future needs. Trustee John McStra- vick added that the land could potentially be used for Elementary School No. 13.

General administration: $5.40M Other: $17.38M

Instruction: $95.32M Plant maintenance and operations: $15.89M School leadership: $10M Transportation: $8.05M Guidance, counseling and evaluation services: $5.36M

Total: $157.41M

SOURCE: MAGNOLIA ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also on the agenda District ocials also approved a total tax rate of $0.9583 per $100 valuation for FY 2025-26 at the meeting. The approved tax rate is lower than the FY 2024-25 tax rate, which was $0.9595 per $100 valuation, according to MISD ocials. According to MISD, the district’s total tax rate is made up of two parts: • $0.2926 per $100 valuation for the interest and sinking tax rate, which is used to pay o debt for school improvements • $0.6657 per $100 valuation for the maintenance and operations tax rate, which funds the general operations of MISD, including teacher salaries and supplies and utilities

“This continues to be in alignment with the district's history of purchasing property

for the future of our students in education." MARTHA SALAZAR ZAMORA, TOMBALL ISD SUPERINTENDENT

Tomball ISD’s tax rate history

$0 $0.5 $1 $2

$1.29

$1.25

$1.23

$1.0652

$1.0629 $1.0629

2021-22

2023-24

2025-26

2020-21

2019-20

2022-23

2024-25

School year

SOURCE: TOMBALL ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Tomball ISD approves tax rate for FY 202526 Tomball ISD approved a tax rate of $1.0629 per $100 valuation for FY 2025-26 on Sept. 9. Explained The approved tax rate remains the same as last scal year, per TISD ocials, and goes hand in hand with the balanced general fund budget the

district approved in June. TISD based its tax rate calculation on the expectation that voters will approve Senate Bill 4 in November and, as a result, raise the statewide homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, giving larger tax breaks to certain property owners and businesses. “Should that not happen? Should that ballot measure fail in November? We would have to go back and recalculate everyone’s tax bill back to the $100,000 homestead exemption and send out amended tax statements. Nobody anticipates that to occur,” Chief Financial Ocer Zack Boles said.

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Transportation

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Upcoming projects

Conroe

1 Spur 149 overlay Project: A hot mix asphalt overlay project will take place along Spur 149 between FM 1488 and FM 149. Update: This project was anticipated to start Sept. 15, according to a Sept. 11 media update from the Texas Department of Transportation. • Timeline: September 2025-fourth quarter 2025 • Cost: $1.1 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds

149

249 TOLL

MOSTYN DR.

1774

1488

242

2978

Magnolia

Ongoing projects

The Woodlands

2 FM 1488 widening west of Magnolia Project: Between the Waller County line and FM 1774 west of Magnolia, FM 1488 is being widened from two to four lanes with a continuous left-turn lane. Update: This project is 98% completed, according to a Sept. 11 media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: November 2020-third quarter 2025 • Cost: $35.35 million • Funding source: state funds 3 FM 1488 widening through Magnolia Project: FM 1488 is being widened from two to four

MAP NOT TO SCALE

4 FM 1488 median project Project: The project will build a median from Mostyn Drive to I-45. Update: The project is 80% complete, as of the most recent update available from TxDOT. • Timeline: first quarter 2023-second quarter 2026 • Cost: $10.96 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds

lanes with a continuous left-turn lane in Magnolia between FM 1774 and west of FM 149. Update: According to a Sept. 11 media update from TxDOT, this project is 60% completed. • Timeline: June 2022-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $48.3 million • Funding source: state funds

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Election

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Voter Guide

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 20: First day of early voting Oct. 24: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Oct. 31: Last day of early voting Nov. 4: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 5 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

In Montgomery County, voters can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting. However, on Election Day, voters must vote at their designated voting precincts. Visit https://elections.mctx.org for polling locations.

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

Proposition C The issuance of $24.42 million in bonds for constructing, acquiring and equipping a natatorium to be located on the west side of the school district to serve Magnolia West High School and the new high school.

and security, the purchase of necessary sites for school facilities and the purchase of new school buses. Proposition B The issuance of $22.9 million in bonds for constructing, acquiring, improving and equipping athletic facilities including, but not limited to multipurpose facilities at the new high school and existing high schools, new turf fields, new seating for softball and baseball, and tennis lighting at both existing high schools.

Sample ballot

Magnolia ISD Proposition A

The issuance of $469.5 million in bonds for designing, constructing, improving, updating, acquiring, and equipping school facilities, including, but not limited to a new high school, two new elementary schools, safety

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: PROPOSITION TEXT DOES NOT REFLECT OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE.

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EARLY VOTING ELECTION DAY OCT 20–31 NOV 4

WWW.MAGNOLIAISD.ORG

A PLAN DEVELOPED BY OUR COMMUNITY TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING IN OUR SCHOOLS

DUE TO OUR GROWING TAX BASE AND PAYING OFF PAST DEBT, THE DISTRICT CAN FUND ALL BOND PROJECTS USING THE EXISTING TAX RATE.

COMPLETED PROJECTS

PROPOSED PROJECTS

2022

2025 2026

2029

The District grew by nearly 1,300 students

The District will grow by another 1,800 students

Natatorium #2 Opening 2029

High School 3 Opening 2029

Elementary School 11 Opening 2028

Elementary School 10 Opening 2027

Career & Technical Education and NJROTC Facility Opened January 2025

Magnolia Parkway Junior High Opened 2025

Magnolia Parkway Intermediate Opened 2025

Audubon Elementary Opened 2024

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Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot

Texas voters will decide on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution during the Nov. 4 election. The propositions, which were adopted by state lawmakers this year, include measures aimed at reducing property taxes, funding water supply projects and creating a state dementia research institute. SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT DISCLAIMER: AMENDMENT TEXT DOES NOT REFLECT OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE.

Proposition 6

Proposition 12

Ban on securities transaction taxes HJR 4 would bar lawmakers from imposing taxes on the purchase and sale of financial assets or requiring financial market operators to pay a tax to conduct business.

Judicial oversight SJR 27 would rework the 13-member State Commission on Judicial Conduct to include six judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court and seven citizens appointed by the governor.

Proposition 1

Proposition 7

Proposition 13

Texas State Technical College funding Senate Joint Resolution 59 would create two new funds to support the Texas State Technical College System, which has campuses statewide. Up to $52 million could be appropriated this year.

Tax exemption for military spouses HJR 133 would allow lawmakers to create a future property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from an illness related to their military service.

Increasing homestead exemption SJR 2 would raise the property tax exemption on a person’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, from $100,000 to $140,000. This would apply to taxes charged by public schools.

Proposition 2

Proposition 8

Proposition 14

Ban on capital gains taxes SJR 18 would prohibit the Texas Legislature from imposing any future taxes on capital gains, which is income received from selling an asset. Texas does not currently have such a tax.

Ban on death taxes HJR 2 would prohibit the legislature from imposing future taxes on a deceased person’s estate or an inheritance passed to their heirs. Neither tax currently exists in Texas.

State dementia research institute SJR 3 would allocate $3 billion to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. An additional $300 million would be available for dementia-related research grants.

Proposition 3

Proposition 9

Proposition 15

Tightening bail rules SJR 5 would require judges to deny bail for certain felony offenses, including murder and aggravated assault, if the state demonstrates that a defendant is a flight risk or threat to public safety.

Business tax exemption HJR 1 would exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ personal property, such as equipment and vehicles, from taxation. Texas business owners currently receive a $2,500 exemption.

Parental rights SJR 34 would add language to the Texas Constitution stating that parents have the right to “exercise care, custody and control” of their children and determine how to raise them.

Proposition 4

Proposition 10

Proposition 16

Water supply funding House Joint Resolution 7 would send $1 billion in sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund each year from 2027-47. The state fund was formed in 2023 to finance water projects.

Homes destroyed in fire SJR 84 would allow a future state legislature to create a property tax exemption for someone rebuilding a home that is completely destroyed in a fire.

Requiring citizenship to vote SJR 37 would enshrine in the Texas Constitution that people who are not U.S. citizens may not vote in Texas elections. Only U.S. citizens are currently eligible to vote under state law.

Proposition 5

Proposition 11

Proposition 17

Animal feed tax exemption HJR 99 would allow state lawmakers, in a future legislative session, to create a property tax exemption for stores that sell animal feed.

Exemption for elderly homeowners SJR 85 asks voters to raise the property tax exemption for homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability to $200,000. This would apply to taxes charged by public schools.

Border security tax exemption HJR 34 would exempt increases in a property’s value from taxation if the land is along the Texas- Mexico border and the added value is due to the installation of border security infrastructure.

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

Funding growth From the cover

What’s happening?

Bond breakdown

Voters will see a $516.92 million bond package for Magnolia ISD on the ballot when they head to the polls for the Nov. 4 election. MISD trustees approved the package in a 6-1 vote Aug. 11. The bond includes propositions for a new high school, two new elementary schools and a natatorium at a time when MISD is addressing increasing growth across its schools, officials said. “We need seats for ... students,” said Erich Morris, MISD’s assistant superintendent of operations. Proposition A addresses growth in the district. “Within two years, Magnolia West High School will be at or over capacity … in approximately three years, more than half of MISD schools will be near or at capacity,” Morris said. Proposition B focuses on the facilities for the district’s extracurricular activities, including artificial turf for baseball and softball fields, expanded seating and tennis court lighting at both existing high schools to match the construction standards of the new High School No. 3, according to the district. Proposition C is for the construction of a second natatorium to serve Magnolia West High School and High School No. 3, which is expected to open in fall 2029, according to district officials. “We anticipate even more rapid growth due to the new developments in the area, and ... that is the primary driver for the bond,” Morris said. Morris said MISD successfully passed bonds in 2004, 2015 and 2022. “There’s no mechanism to generate enough revenue to pay for new facilities other than the attractive approach of selling bonds,” Morris said in response to why the school district would bring a bond to the ballot.

Proposition A projects $469.55M

Proposition C $24.43M Second MISD natatorium on the west side of the district

Proposition B projects $22.94M Multipurpose facilities for extracurriculars and

High School No. 3: $295.29M Elementary Nos. 10 and 11: $104.41M Facility infrastructure upgrades: $34.32M Land and bus acquisitions: $27.53M Safety and security: $8M

other instructional purposes: $12.10M Baseball and softball turf and seating at both existing high schools: $10.07M Tennis lighting at both existing high schools: $780,334

Magnolia ISD projected student enrollment

10K 15K 20K 25K 30K

25,298

15,595

Projected growth: 62%

0 5K

SOURCE: MAGNOLIA ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Magnolia ISD's tax rate history Maintenance and operations tax rate* Interest and sinking tax rate*

Sorting out details

to pass. Pitre said her personal property taxes have gone up 40% in the last seven years, which is partially why she plans to vote against the bond. “What it is is an increase on top of an already taxed and in some cases struggling population that is just trying to hang on,” Pitre said. Over the past 10 years, Morris said MISD has seen about a 10% average annual increase in taxable property value. Morris also said the district understands that the value within its taxing entity will continue to grow based on economic develop- ment, which is why part of MISD’s calculation is anticipating continued property value growth.

Per district officials, projects in the proposed bond can be funded with the existing tax rate, which will not increase as a result of the bond. Rachael Ervin, a Magnolia resident and MISD parent, served on the district’s facility planning committee for this proposed bond. “I want the school district to be able to keep up with the growth that it’s facing. ... This bond will positively impact every student in our district one way or another,” Ervin said. Magnolia resident Sarah Pitre said she is concerned about the bond’s impact on property taxes due to the increased construction if it were

$1.5

$1.3095

$1.2

$0.9583

$0.9

$0.6

$0.3

*PER $100 VALUATION

SOURCE: MAGNOLIA ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JULIANNA WASHBURN

What they’re saying

Some context

Stay tuned

2025

The decision to call for a bond came after a recommendation from the district’s facility planning committee, made up of 50 commu- nity members, parents, business leaders and elected officials. Should the bond not pass, Morris said the district would be forced into difficult deci- sion-making to respond to the rapid student enrollment growth, such as shifting existing boundaries or adding portable buildings. While this bond package goes to Novem- ber ballots, MISD opened two new schools in August as part of its 2022 bond projects— Magnolia Parkway Intermediate School and Magnolia Parkway Junior High School. Updates to MISD’s baseball and softball fields also appeared on the ballot for the 2022 bond, but voters denied it at the time, as it failed to pass with 60.36% of votes in opposition, according to prior reporting.

“We’ve already grown 3% this year. We are already ahead of the demographic projection for this year in terms of student enrollment group.” ERICH MORRIS, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF OPERATIONS, MAGNOLIA ISD

Oct. 20: Early voting begins Nov. 4: Election Day Late fall: Work set to begin on bond projects

2027

Fall: Elementary No. 10 opens

2028

Fall: Elementary No. 11 opens

“You see all of the new high schools going in with these super high-tech football stadiums and sports facilities and turf … meanwhile, the citizens of Magnolia proper that are going to be taxed for these funds are struggling

2029

Fall: High School No. 3 opens

2030

to just stay in their homes.” SARAH PITRE, MAGNOLIA RESIDENT

All projects anticipated to be completed

NOTE: THIS TIMELINE ASSUMES ALL BOND PROPOSITIONS PASS. SOURCE: MAGNOLIA ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

• $14-$22 (admission) • Lone Star College-Tomball Performing Arts Center, 30555 Hwy. 249, Tomball • www.nationalyouththeater.org 10th Annual Concert in the Country Take part in a two-day country music festival hosted by Boots For Troops, a nonprofit organization. The fundraiser supports Boots for Troops’ programs. • Oct. 17, 6 p.m., Oct. 18, 3 p.m. • $15-$255 (ticket) Inspiration Ranch’s Trunk or Treat Join Inspiration Ranch for complimentary trick or treating, games, activities, costumes and reading. • Oct. 25, 3:30-5:30 p.m. • Free • Inspiration Ranch, 33029 Wright Road, Magnolia • https://inspirationranch.org Halloween Night at the Museum Celebrate spooky season at the Tomball Museum Center with family-friendly activities, trick-or-treat stations and crafts. Costumes are encouraged. • Oct. 25, 4:30-7:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • 32931 Wright Road, Magnolia • www.concertinthecountry.org

• Tomball Museum Center, 504 N. Pine St., Tomball • www.tomballmuseumcenter.com

October

November

October

Concordia Lutheran High School Fall Open House Attend the Concordia Lutheran High School open house and learn about its various programs. • Oct. 8, 6:30-8 p.m. • Free • Concordia Lutheran High School, 700 E. Main St., Tomball • www.clhs-tx.org Tomball Lions Club Golf Fundraiser Participate in the golf fundraiser benefiting local Tomball Lions Club families and charities. • Oct. 16, 7 a.m. (registration), 8:30 a.m. (start) • $250 (player), $750 (team) • High Meadow Ranch Golf Club, 37300 Golf Club Trail, Magnolia • www.tomballlionsclub.org ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ National Youth Theater presents “The SpongeBob Musical,” a musical that celebrates friendship, courage and the importance of working together. • Oct. 17, 11:30 a.m., 7 p.m.; Oct. 18-19, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Halloween Market at Paradigm Brewing Celebrate Halloween at Paradigm Brewing’s Halloween Market and enjoy a day of shopping from spooky market vendors, treats and Halloween tunes. Costumes are encouraged. • Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Paradigm Brewing, 2130 S. Persimmon Lane, Tomball • Facebook: Paradigm Brewing Company

November

Magnolia Rotary Club’s Nature & Outdoor Expo

Depot Day Fall Fest Join the Depot Day Fall Fest featuring activities for all ages, including trackless train rides, carnival games, local vendor booths, live music and

Participate in interactive activities and discover outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking while getting up close with animals. The event will also feature artisans selling crafts, handmade soaps and jewelry. • Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free • Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488, Magnolia • www.magnoliarotaryclub.org

seasonal treats. • Nov. 1, 11 a.m. • Free (admission and parking) • Railroad Depot, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball • www.tomballtx.gov

Tomball’s Spooktacular Join Tomball for its Spooktacular event planned with “Ghostbusters”-inspired games, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, local vendors and spooky surprises.

• Oct. 11, 4 p.m. • Free (admission and parking) • Tomball Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball • www.tomballtx.gov

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