Cedar Park - Far Northwest Austin Edition | September 2024

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Cedar Park Far Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5 SEPT. 13OCT. 10, 2024

2024 Education Edition

The math problem

Students in Leander ISD and throughout the state of Texas performed worse on the math STAAR in 2024 than in 2023.

COURTESY LEANDER ISD

Amid statewide low math scores, Leander ISD sees new decline

“Math scores are something that we are con- cerned about and that we’re really focusing a lot of our discussions on,” LISD school board President Gloria Gonzales-Dholakia said.

level, or passing, the math State of Texas Assess- ments of Academic Readiness declined for every grade from 2023 to 2024. This decline isn’t isolated to LISD. As a state, the percent of Texas students approaching grade level in math in 2024 also declined for each grade.

BY HANNAH NORTON & CHLOE YOUNG

Local districts and state advocacy groups are looking for ways to improve student performance in math. This comes as the percent of third through eighth grade students in Leander ISD approaching grade

CONTINUED ON 26

Also in this issue Impacts: New farmers market sets up shop at Lakeline Mall— learn more (Page 6)

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Election: Williamson County to use prenumbered ballots— nd out why (Page 13)

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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 Brittany Anderson Amanda Cutshall Dacia Garcia Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

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Beth Burton Account Executive

Correction: Volume 2, Issue 4 The special-use permit Cedar Park City Council delayed voting on and ultimately failed to pass related to a child care facility in the Centro Plaza shopping center was not for Parinama Academy. Instead, it was a request from the center's developer to rezone the space for future use.

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CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Leander

Impacts

hand-rolled, boiled and baked in-house every day. Alexandra Lawson and her husband, Scott, own the shop, while her sister Kennedy Fox is its head chef. • Opened Aug. 28 • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 101, Cedar Park • www.wilcobagel.com 4 Chili’s The national restaurant chain opened a new location in Bar W Marketplace on the border of Georgetown and Leander. The business serves American and Tex-Mex fare, including fajitas, steaks, burgers, chicken, pasta, seafood and more. • Opened Aug. 19 • 19398 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Georgetown • www.chilis.com 5 Corazon Latino The studio offers group classes, private lessons, choreographed dances and social events weekly. Dance and fitness classes are available, and options exist for both adults and children. Owner Fanny Gonzalez opened the studio’s first location in Austin in 2009. • Opened Aug. 17 • 12617 Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. A101, Cedar Park • www.corazonz.com 6 Nick’s Breakfast & Coffee The family-owned restaurant serves omelets, breakfast sandwiches, classic breakfast plates, burgers, soups, salads and more. It offers breakfast specials Mon.-Fri. from 7-11 a.m. and daily lunch specials with a complimentary drink. The new business replaced Bright Restaurant and Bar. • Opened June 14 • 901 Crystal Falls Parkway, Ste. 101, Leander • www.nicksbnc.com 7 Bright Spot Pediatric Therapy The neurodiversity-affirming speech and occupational therapy clinic offers a wide variety of services for patients up to age 21, including developing motor skills, such as handwriting, tying shoe laces, jumping or catching a ball. The clinic’s lead therapist Claudia Gregg said the clinic also helps children with emotional regulation, social skills and pronunciation. • Opened Aug. 12

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

KAUFFMAN LP.

183A TOLL

Leander

LEANDER DR.

SCOTTSDALE DR.

183

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

Cedar Park

1 14

183

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

LAKELINE MALL DR.

45 TOLL

RIDGELINE BLVD.

183

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Cedar Park & Leander

45 TOLL 2 Camp Bow Wow Owned and operated by Kimberley Elliott and Chris Click, the Leander facility has 42 cabins and two luxury suites for overnight dog boarding in addition to three outdoor and three indoor climate-controlled play yards. Pet parents also have the opportunity to monitor their pups in the play yards and suites via webcams. • Opened Aug. 10 • 607 Leander Drive, Bldg. 10, Leander • www.campbowwow.com/leander LAKELINE MALL DR. 3 The Williamson County Bagel Company At the family-owned shop, customers can build their own bagels from an array of types and cream cheeses, or choose from a menu of sandwiches. The bagels are

Now open

1 Lakeline Farmers Market The farmers market will be held in the former Texas Farmers’ Market location, which moved to Cedar Park’s Bell District in May. Per a representative, the market will feature local produce, meat, dairy, baked goods and other food items; handmade goods; and activities, such as live music, children’s games, plant swaps and cooking demonstrations. • Opened Sept. 7 • 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park • www.lakelinefarmersmarket.com

620

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• 706 Leander Drive, Ste. 503, Leander • www.brightspotpediatrics.com

Now open

Coming soon

8 Strength & Dignity Wellness Owned by Katie Castillo, the business specializes in addressing the physical needs of women during and after pregnancy. Castillo said some of the common conditions treated at the practice include urinary leaking, pelvic organ prolapse, pain and cesarean-delivery recovery. The physical therapy clinic also offers learning opportunities for pregnancy-safe workouts and postpartum recovery. • Opened Sept. 3 • 921 W. New Hope Drive, Ste. 605, Cedar Park • www.strengthdignitywellness.com

Coming soon

10 The Brass Tap The craft beer bar and entertainment venue opened following several months of permitting delays. The business offers an extensive list of draft beers, including those from local breweries, as well as cocktails and wine. Its food menu includes sharable appetizers, burgers, wings, tacos and salads. The Leander location is co-owned by franchisee Ridham Bhatt. • Opened July 13 • 15181 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Leander • www.brasstapbeerbar.com 11 James Avery Artisan Jewelry Based in Kerrville, the family-owned jewelry retailer is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year with a traveling trunk show Aug. 16-Oct. 14. The company sells jewelry pieces for men and women, including charms, pendants, earrings, necklaces, chains, bracelets and rings. Jewelry pieces are available in sterling silver, 14-karat yellow gold and bronze. • 6300 183A Toll, Ste. 150, Cedar Park • www.jamesavery.com 12 Cinemark The movie theater marked its 40th anniversary in August with a week of showing select movies from 1984 for $5 each. The Plano-based company operates more than 500 theaters in 42 U.S. states as well as in 13 South and Central American countries, according to its website.

13 Austin Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints More than 560 community members gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the first Austin- area temple on Aug. 17. The 30,000-square-foot, one-story temple will serve about 32,000 area members. The temple will be reserved for church members to hold ceremonies, including weddings and baptisms by proxy for the deceased. • Opening in 2026

Arka Montessori Academy The academy will accept children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old for its full-time enrollment and students up to 12 years old for its after-school program. Curriculum at the school will include science, history, math, language, music and movement. The academy will also offer extracurricular activities, such as robotics, dance, STEM classes and soccer. Owner Mani Gudavalli said he has yet to receive the exact building number for the school. However, he said the school will be located on San Gabriel Parkway. • Opening in December 2025 • www.arkamontessori.com/leander

• 1801 E. Park St., Cedar Park • www.churchofjesuschrist.org

• 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park • www.cinemark.com

In the news

9 The Crossover The more than 200,000-square-foot sports, wellness and entertainment complex has a new management partner in Oak View Group, according to an Aug. 21 news release. Under this partnership, Oak View Group will manage, program and sell sponsorships at the Crossover. Oak View Group aims to add more live entertainment options, including concerts and comedy shows, as well as youth sports programming, particularly ice hockey events, to the venue. • 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park • www.crossovertx.com

Closings

14 Buca di Beppo The company filed for bankruptcy with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas on Aug. 5. In the bankruptcy documents, the franchise stated they have been seeing a decrease in profits since the beginning of 2021. The national Italian franchise closed 18 locations in 2024, including 12 in July, two of which were in the Austin area. • Closed in July • 11200 Lakeline Mall Drive, Cedar Park • www.bucadibeppo.com

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CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

CEDAR PARK

Impacts

Far Northwest Austin

and cleanings, metal-free esthetic fillings, teeth whitening, crowns and bridges, extractions, implants and Invisalign services for patients of all ages. It offers telehealth dentistry and same-day appointments. Laughing gas for anxiety management and aromatherapy are also available. • Opened Aug. 20 • 8516 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 200, Austin • www.dazzledentaltx.com Ecstatic Expression Coffee Co. The coffee and tea catering business offers three catering packages to accommodate different events as well as coffee education workshops, consulting for coffee business owners and coaching for hospitality industry employees. The business serves greater Travis and Williamson counties. • Opened July 20 • www.ecstaticexpressioncoffee.com

183A TOLL

Now open

183A TOLL

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

183

1 Blo Blow Dry Bar The salon offers a variety of hair services, including blowouts, treatments and extension installation as well as makeup, eyelash applications and eyebrow shaping. The business also provides hair and makeup services for bridal parties. Memberships are available. • Opened Aug. 16 • 10510 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 114, Austin • www.blomedry.com 2 Austin Elite Smiles Led by Drs. Elizabeth Lowery and Kasey Lowrance, the practice offers general and preventative dental services and wellness scans; cosmetic services such as veneers, Invisalign and teeth whitening; and oral treatments for medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and temporomandibular disorders. • Opened Aug. 1 • 15004 Avery Ranch Blvd., Bldg. B, Ste. 100, Austin • www.austinelitesmiles.com

LAKELINE BLVD.

45 TOLL

CYPRESS CREEK RD.

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

620

ANDERSON MILL RD.

183

In the news

4 Freebirds World Burrito Sun Holdings took over all 64 Texas locations of the Austin-based fast-casual burrito joint Aug. 14. The management company also owns Applebee’s, IHOP and Golden Corral. There are 10 Freebirds restaurants across the Austin metro serving burritos, tacos, bowls and more.

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

3 Dazzle Dental The locally-owned office provides dental exams

2222

MAP NOT TO SCALE

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• A 8300 N. RM 620, Bldg. D, Ste. 100, Austin; B 5001 183A Toll, Ste. R500, Cedar Park • www.freebirds.com

Now open

Closings

5 Sylvan Learning Center The center, which closed both of its Austin locations, offered Kindergarten through 12th grade reading, writing, math, science and foreign language tutoring services as well as support with homeschool, Advanced Placement exams and homework assistance. • Closed July 31 • 8863 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 120, Austin • www.sylvanlearning.com

6 Sushi by Han The sushi restaurant, located inside K-Pub Chicken & Karaoke, features a variety of classic and specialty rolls as well as rice dishes. It also has a full bar and cocktail selection, and plans to launch to-go omakase in the future. The restaurant is operated by chef Joseph Han who has worked at several sushi restaurants in Austin over the last ten years, including Uchi and Musashino Sushi Dokoro. • Opened Aug. 1 • 12233 N. RM 620, Ste. 104, Austin • www.sushibyhan.com

7 Einstein Bros. Bagels The shop serves a variety of bagels and cream cheese spreads, plus breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pastries and coffee. • Opened Aug. 22 • 9215 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 110, Austin • www.einsteinbros.com

Worth the trip

Kramer’s Cocktails The owners of Hopsquad Brewing Co. opened the new cocktail bar with a drink menu focused on agave-based liquor, such as tequila and mezcal. The air conditioned, dog-friendly bar also serves snacks, agave spirit flights and other drinks, including beer, wine and cider. • Opened Aug. 24 • 2307 Kramer Lane, Austin • www.kramersatx.com

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Government

2 traffic lights now working near schools Local motorists may notice two new traffic signals near three Cedar Park campuses. What you need to know The signals came online Aug. 12 at the intersections of Park Street and Gupton Way Drive, and Vista Ridge Boulevard and Golden Arrow Avenue, which are situated near Reagan Elementary School, Henry Middle School and Vista Ridge High School. The new signals aim to improve pedestrian safety and the flow of traffic near the schools. In addition to the traffic lights, a mid-block crosswalk—which includes flashing lights to alert drivers of pedestrians—near Reagan Elementary was completed Aug. 13. A city representative said the two lights cost the city $600,000 each, and the mid- block crossing was $190,000.

Opening date announced for Cedar Park library Officials said the Cedar Park Public Library at the Bell District will officially open to the public on Nov. 1. “It’ll be here before you know it,” council member Eric Boyce said during an Aug. 8 Cedar Park City Council meeting. Sorting out the details In preparation for the big move, the existing library—located at 550 Discovery Blvd., Cedar Park—will have adjusted operating hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for staff training, Library Director Julia Mitschke said at the meeting. The adjusted schedule will carry on through October, Mitschke said, but the library will con- tinue to operate on regular hours Friday through Monday. From Oct. 14-31, the library will be closed to

S. PARKWEST DR.

BRUSHY CREEK RD.

183

move over 130,000 books and materials as well as transition staff to the new facility at 425 S. Park- west Drive, Cedar Park, Mitschke said. During this time, over 100,000 digital items will be available to the community as well as customer service by phone. While the library is closed to prepare for the Nov. 1 opening, Mitschke said drop-off services will not be available, and nothing will be due during that time. She said it will be best for everyone to hold onto their checked items during those weeks.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ANNA MANESS, BEN THOMPSON & ZACHARIA WASHINGTON

County approves budget, sets FY 2024-25 tax rate Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a $635.13 million fiscal year 2024-25 bud- get and set the 2024 county tax rate at $0.399999 per $100 valuation during an Aug. 27 Commission- ers Court meeting. The breakdown The adopted county budget can be broken down into three funds: general, road and bridge, and debt service. This budget is about $75.02 million higher than the 2023-24 adopted budget of $560.11 million, according to county documents. The details The budget includes 42 new full-time positions and the conversion of three part-time positions to full-time. The new positions include a county administrator and roles in the tax assessor-collec- tor, elections, technology and facilities offices.

Lisa Davis confirmed as Austin’s police chief City Council unanimously confirmed Lisa Davis as chief of the Austin Police Depart- ment Aug. 6. The overview Davis succeeded interim Police Chief Robin Henderson in early September. She was hired on a $275,000 salary. Davis most recently served as assistant chief in Cincinnati, and will be the sec- ond-ever permanent woman chief in Austin. Zooming in Broadnax said he picked Davis given “resoundingly positive” feedback he received from city officials and community members. Davis said her approach will be based on effective, equitable and ethical policing strategies.

County funds

General fund: $361.22M

Debt service fund: $200.75M Road and bridge fund: $73.15M

Total $635.13M

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The general fund budget also includes an $18.03 million purchase of a 28-acre property with a 75,000 square-foot building. Under the new budget, all civilian employees will receive a 3% cost-of-living and 3% merit increase, while law enforcement and corrections personnel will receive a 3% cost-of-living increase and a step increase of 2%-2.5%. The impact The approved 2024 county tax rate of $0.399999 per $100 valuation will increase annual property taxes on the average homestead residence by $191.45, according to the release.

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THE My ATX Water PROGRAM Austin Water launched a new smart water meter program called My ATX Water across the city. This program involves upgrading traditional water meters to digital ones connected to a wireless network. Along with this, a new customer portal is being introduced, offering near real-time water use information, leak alerts, emergency notifications, water conservation tips, and customizable features.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY PARKS KUGLE

County to use prenumbered ballots

A closer look

The advisory from the SOS addresses updated requirements relating to the certification of elec- tronic pollbook systems and the use of software to number ballots under the Texas Election Code. The move was prompted in part by reporting from The Texas Tribune that verified, in limited cases, private choices made in the voting booth could be identified using public records. Locally, concerns over ballot security have been raised and debated for at least a year. Marcia Watson, Williamson County executive director of Citizens Defending Freedom, a conser- vative grassroots organization, spoke about ballot secrecy at seven different Williamson County Commissioners Court meetings from Jan. 23-July 2. Watson said the move to consecutively num- bered, preprinted ballots is a step in the right direction toward improving the security and safety of the county’s election equipment. “The right to ballot secrecy is an integral part of our voting system. ... I want to thank the mem- bers of the public who have been reasonable and kind in providing input regarding our election processes,” Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said in a statement.

The board’s vote brings Williamson County in line with Nelson’s updated guidelines, Collins Gilby said. County officials said the new ballots will come with a serial number preprinted on the back. Voters will still insert the ballot card into the voting machine and, once they’ve finished voting, place it into the DS200 ballot scanner and vote tabulation system, officials said. Though the final price of the ballots will be determined by their length, county officials estimated the new ballots will cost roughly $0.03 each. A ballot will be ordered for each of the nearly 438,000 registered voters.

The Williamson County Elections board voted unanimously to procure consecutively numbered, preprinted paper ballots during its July 29 meeting. The vote allows Williamson County Election Administrator Bridgette Escobedo to purchase the ballots ahead of the November election. It also discontinues the use of computerized random numbering of ballots in Williamson County. Williamson County Democratic Chair Kim Collins Gilby said Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson essentially decertified the old process through an election advisory issued in June.

Registered voters in Williamson County The number of registered voters in Williamson County has grown each general election year. As of early September, there were nearly 438,000 people registered to vote in the November election.

437,988

500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0

2016 2018 2020

2022

2024

General election year

The cost of ballots Williamson County orders new ballots ahead of each election, although this year's will be preprinted. The cost of the ballot is determined by its length—how many races and candidates it includes.

Number of required ballots

437,988

What's next

Cost

$0.03 per ballot

County officials said the ballots would be ordered in early September, after the deadline for local entities to call for an election.

Approximate total

$13,140

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

Education Edition

2024

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition! This guide features the latest updates and resources about local K-12 public school options in your community, ranging from new campuses to budget details to bond elections. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—show them your gratitude by supporting them.

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FAFSA delay led to fewer applicants; learn more (Page 17)

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TEA once again blocked from issuing AF ratings for Texas public schools

The AF accountability system The TEA’s accountability system was established by the 2017 Texas Legislature based on a variety of factors, including:

The annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness

For the second year in a row, a Travis County judge blocked the Texas Education Agency from releasing its AF accountability ratings for Texas school districts and campuses Aug. 12. The case echoes a 2023 lawsuit from over 100 school districts, which alleged the TEA’s revamped accountability system was “unlawful” and would unfairly harm school districts. The agency was set to release ratings for the 2023-24 school year on Aug. 15. In a lawsuit led Aug. 12, ve public school dis- tricts said the TEA has not been transparent about changes to its accountability system and failed to x “mistakes” made last year. The TEA said it was reviewing the ling to determine next steps. “It is disappointing that a small group of school boards and superintendents opposed to fair

accountability and transparency have once again led a lawsuit aimed at preventing AF ratings from being issued and keeping families in the dark about how their schools are doing,” a TEA spokes- person said in a statement. More details Texas’ AF system, designed in 2017, gives parents insight about the quality of their children’s school. If a campus or district receives a failing grade for several years in a row, the state can intervene. Districts have not received complete AF ratings since 2019. In 2022, schools that received a C or lower were deemed “not rated” as they recovered from signicant learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. Accountability ratings were not issued at all in 2020 or 2021.

Academic growth

High school graduation rates

Student preparedness for college, a career or the military

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Travis County District Judge Karin Crump sided with the school districts in an Aug. 12 order, temporarily blocking the TEA from issuing new accountability ratings while litigation continues. A full hearing was scheduled for Aug. 26, but it has since been delayed until Sept. 16.

CEDAR PARK FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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