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Katy Fulshear Edition VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 JUNE 17 JULY 16, 2025
2025 Health Care Edition
Therapy in demand
Local providers seek to close access gaps as behavioral health diagnoses grow
By Valeria Escobar
INSIDE
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There are 34 applied behavioral analysis, or ABA, therapy clinics in the Katy-Fulshear area serving mostly preschool-aged autistic children, but access remains limited due to sta ng issues and insurance costs. One ABA clinic, Behavioral Innovations (pictured), opened its rst Katy location in 2019 and has since added two more locations in the area. (Courtesy Behavioral Innovations)
Also in this issue Impacts: Check out what crepe eatery is headed to Katy (Page 6)
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INSIDE
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Government: Find out more about the Fulshear Senior Center’s opening date (Page 9)
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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. About Community Impact
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Correction: Volume 13, Issue 9, Page 11 Fulshear City Council At-large candidate E. Brown Otu received only 19.45% of votes in the May election, not 49.45% as shown.
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Impacts
their abilities following a placement evaluation. • Opened April 1 • 3210 FM 1463, Ste. 400, Katy • www.gideonmathandreading.com/katy 3 Mountain Mike’s Pizza The eatery offers a variety of classic and specialty pizzas, including pepperoni and fiesta taco. Other menu items include chicken wings, salads and sandwiches. • Opened in early 2025 • 27117 Fulshear Bend Drive, Ste. 300, Fulshear • www.mountainmikespizza.com 4 Lightbridge Academy The early education and child care facility offers care for children ages six weeks to pre-K. • Opened April 26 • 3321 Peek Road, Katy • www.lightbridgeacademy.com 5 Celebree School of Katy at Tamarron The child care facility offers infant and toddler care, preschool, before- and after-school care, and summer camp programs. • Opened April 28 • 3206 FM 1463, Katy • www.celebree.com/katy-at-tamarron-tx 6 Essential Speech and ABA Therapy The facility offers clinical services tailored for children 18 months old to 6 years old who have been diagnosed with autism. The therapy focuses on applied behavior analysis, or ABA, therapy. • Opened May 5 • 28111 South Firethorne Road, Ste. 401, Katy • www.speechandaba.com/fulshear 7 Katy Visitors Center The building, which was previously a fire station, features a reception desk; a touch screen with upcoming events; brochure racks; and seating areas. • Opened May 22 • 5718 Second St., Katy • www.cityofkaty.com/visitors/visitors-center
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• Opened in early March • 514 S. Mason Road, Katy • www.charleys.com
Now open
1 Charleys Cheesesteaks The Ohio-based eatery is known for its Philly cheesesteaks made with chicken or beef, loaded fries and various fresh lemonades.
2 Gideon Math & Reading Center The center aims to provide children ages 4 and up with a step-by-step math and reading curriculum tailored to
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BY KELLY SCHAFLER & AUBREY VOGEL
8 Pastel Pizza The Katy-based eatery sells an Americanized version of traditional Venezuelan street food, called pastelitos, which are puff pastries filled with ground beef, chicken
maintenance and the Katy site will house a service center aimed at providing customers with in-depth electric vehicle maintenance. • Opening in the fourth quarter of 2025 • 21021 Campanile Drive, Katy • www.rivian.com 13 TMEIC Corporation Americas In mid-April, the company broke ground on its roughly 250,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that will create uninterruptible power supply systems, or UPS systems, to support data centers • Intersection of Twinwood Parkway and FM 359 • www.tmeic.com/region/americas
Coming soon
or queso fresco. • Opened May 7 • 4747 FM 1463, Ste. 800, Katy • www.pastelpizza.com
9 Jaggers The fast-casual eatery offers numerous burgers and sandwiches, salads and milkshakes. The concept is from Texas Roadhouse founder Kent Taylor. • Opened June 2 • 2660 W. Grand Parkway N., Katy • www.eatjaggers.com 76 Fence The national franchise offers new fence installations, fence staining and fence repairs to both residential and commercial customers in the Katy, Sugar Land and
Relocations
17 Coco Crepes & Coffee The Houston-based cafe is known for its made-to- order sweet and savory crepes and waffles. The menu also features specialty coffee beverages, panini, salads, soups, smoothies, and homemade gelato and sorbet. Founded by chef Youssef Nafaa, Coco Crepes & Coffee’s first location opened in Midtown in 2005. • Opening this summer • 24818 Morton Ranch Road, Ste. 800, Katy • www.cococrepes.com
14 Blue Fish Pediatrics The health care provider offers wellness exams, vaccinations, newborn care and school physicals for ages 18 and under. • Relocated May 27 • 23211 First Park Drive, Katy • www.bluefishmd.com 15 Houston International Table Tennis Academy The academy focuses on providing table tennis training programs for youths to help them develop skills, improve their stamina, enhance reflexes and cultivate critical thinking skills. • Relocating in July
Richmond areas. • Opened in April • www.76fence.com
Coming soon
10 Einstein Bros. Bagels The business is known for its fresh-baked bagels and coffee beverages. Bagel options will range from classic to gourmet styles.
18 Wienerschnitzel The California-based hot dog chain will no longer open its long-awaited Katy eatery as planned due to alleged “structural safety issues” at the property. • 3325 W. Grand Parkway N., Ste. 100, Katy
• Opening in the third quarter of 2025 • 23701 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. 140, Katy • www.einsteinbros.com
• 923 S. Mason Road, Katy • www.hittacademy.com
11 99 Favor Taste Hot Pot The restaurant’s menu will feature unlimited hot pot and barbecue items, appetizers and a dessert bar. • Opening in late fall • 23039 Colonial Parkway, Katy • www.99favortaste.com 12 Rivian The all-electric automaker will offer mobile vehicle
In the news
Closings
16 Rainforest Cafe The tropical-themed restaurant chain reopened its doors April 15 in Katy Mills Mall after it closed March 24 for renovations. Renovations include a new front entrance with Aztec statues and additional lighting. • 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy • www.rainforestcafe.com
19 Texas Furniture Hut The locally owned business sold designer and custom- made furniture including couches and dining tables. • Closed May 26 • 23811 Katy Freeway, Katy
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY AUBREY VOGEL
Fulshear seniors will soon have a place to gather for daily activities beginning in late June. At a May 6 meeting, Fulshear City Council approved an agreement with countywide non- profit Fort Bend Seniors to allow the city’s Irene Stern Community Center—located at 6920 Ful- shear Katy Road—to be used for a senior center. The Fulshear Senior Center was proposed by Fulshear citizens, spearheaded by resident Jim Mazzone, last fall to provide a space for seniors to socialize after previous services ceased follow- ing the COVID-19 pandemic. The specifics The one-year agreement will allow Fort Bend Fulshear Senior Center to begin operations June 23
Potential senior center activities Nutrition education
Games and social activities
Fulshear Senior Center
Fitness classes
Health screenings
Arts and crafts
Field trips
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SOURCE: CITY OF FULSHEAR/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Seniors free use of the facility Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., although city-spon- sored and paying events will take precedence over senior center activities, according to agenda documents. The city is responsible for providing a seven-day notice ahead of needed closure. The nonprofit is responsible for all activities, including Meals on Wheels coordination, accord- ing to the agreement. Additionally, the city will provide a storage closet for Fort Bend Seniors, but all cleaning and upkeep should be handled by the nonprofit, per the agreement.
Notable quote “I’m very excited that we are providing this facility to our senior residents of the city, and I hope that many of them can benefit from that and then this can become a success story for the city,” council member Abhi Utturkar said. Looking ahead The center will officially open June 23 follow- ing the city installing new flooring at the commu- nity center.
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Government
Fulshear Crossing development approved on McKinnon Road Fulshear City Council approved a rezoning request May 20 for Fulshear Crossing, a business park aimed at bringing entertainment, retail and senior living to McKinnon Road. The gist The rezoning request by McKinnon Interests LLC will change 43.5 acres from estate residential to general commercial, per agenda documents. The request was previously denied last fall, citing resident concerns, lack of taxable revenue and rezoning hesitation with developmental land around. Zooming in The business park will bring spaces for offices and businesses as well as an added senior living
Katy forms energy advisory group The city of Katy will establish an advisory group aimed at creating city regulations for battery storage facilities, following City Council direction at a May 12 meeting. The advisory group creation comes after City Council denied a special-use permit last October to build a 24-acre battery energy storage station, Community Impact reported. A closer look Following the denial, city staff reviewed 14 comparable cities to create proposed regulations for potential battery systems, City Planner Rachel Lazo said. Looking ahead The group will review staff’s proposal and create recommendations to present to City Council.
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area, development officials said. According to agenda documents, the break- down for the land includes: • 15.5 acres for commercial • 4.4 acres for flex offices • 7.9 acres for assisted or senior living • 6.2 acres for site detention • 4.8 acres for the city What’s next Developers anticipate construction completion within three years, officials said.
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Fulshear launches youth commission Fulshear-area students will have the chance to influence city policies through a new Youth Advisory Committee. The seven-student commission—which was approved by City Council on May 20— aims to provide opportunities for students to participate in civic engagement, community service projects and enhance the city’s policies and decision-making, officials said. Eligible students must be Fulshear residents going into 10th through 12th grade. Get involved Applications opened on the city’s website May 21 with a July 25 deadline. Completed applications can be emailed or turned in at the Municipal Complex. City Council will appoint commission members in August.
Katy to move geese statue to Town Square At a May 19 special meeting, Katy City Council approved a $325,226 construction contract with D.L. Meacham Construction for landscaping and sign installment at Katy Corner in Historic Town Square. Zooming in The contract will bring the city’s geese sculptures—which were impacted by the Texas Department of Transportation’s expansion project on I-10—and additional signage to Katy Corner, according to agenda documents. The project is funded by the city’s $9.29 million capital improvement program for fiscal year 2024-25. Zooming out The corner is a part of several projects aimed at enhancing the Historic Town Square area such as constructing City Hall, creating a civic and visitor
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"This is probably the final piece of a very long going project that has not improved but transformed our downtown into what we have today and all the events we are having out there." CHRIS HARRIS, MAYOR PRO TEM center, improving landscaping and green space, and adding murals near the water tower. Moving forward Construction and relocation of the geese is expected to be completed ahead of the Katy Rice Harvest Festival on Oct. 11-12, city officials said.
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KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION
Health care
BY KELLY SCHAFLER
Health Care Edition
2025
Welcome to the annual CI Health Care Edition! This guide highlights the rise of local applied behavioral analysis, or ABA, centers in the Katy and Fulshear areas. These facilities aim to provide support for children and families who are impacted by autism. The edition also covers Katy’s Adira Clinic, which provides assistance with unplanned pregnancies, and celebrates the 50th anniversary of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Updates to hospitals and other health care providers round out this edition focused on the area’s medical accomplishments and challenges.
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What's inside
See updates from 3 Katy area hospitals (Page 13)
Learn about your local Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center (Page 14)
Explore the growth of ABA centers treating autism (Page 16)
For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!
2 Katy hospitals invest in emergency department expansions
Two Katy-area hospitals are undergoing emer- gency department expansions to meet the needs of the growing area, hospital officials said. The details Houston Methodist West Hospital officials announced in August a $185 million expansion at its campus that will include a new emergency room observation unit, more operating rooms, more ER space and neonatal intensive care beds. Additionally, Memorial Hermann Katy Hos- pital’s ER is being renovated as part of a larger $167 million expansion, which began in 2022. Contractors are working to renovate the existing ER and labor and delivery room spaces—some of the last pieces of the campus’ project, said Jerry Ashworth, senior vice president and CEO of the Memorial Hermann Katy and Cypress hospitals.
Zooming in Houston Methodist West Hospital also began working in early 2024 to reduce ER wait times for patients, accelerating time to receive treatment, said Kyle Stanzel, vice president and chief operat- ing officer for Houston Methodist West Hospital. In 2023, the median time between when a patient walked in the ER and met with a provider was 47 minutes. By focusing on internal process improvements, the median decreased to 22 minutes in 2024, hospital officials said. The big picture Meanwhile, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital will be in “active pursuit” of a Level II trauma designation on July 1, operating at that level over a roughly two-year period, Ashworth said. Looking ahead Houston Methodist West Hospital’s overall
Houston Methodist West Hospital Annual emergency room visits
80K
65,981
60K
58,818
55,801
40K
51,164
42,366
20K
0
2023
2020 2021 2022
2024
NOTE: MEMORIAL HERMANN KATY DID NOT PROVIDE DATA AHEAD OF PRESS TIME. SOURCE: HOUSTON METHODIST WEST/COMMUNITY IMPACT $185 million project will wrap up in late 2027, but some services such as the emergency department opening in late 2026, Stanzel said. Meanwhile, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital’s ER and labor and delivery room renovations are expected to be completed in early 2026, Ashworth said.
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Health care
BY KELLY SCHAFLER & AUBREY VOGEL
3 health care updates from local hospitals
1 Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus
2 Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital A new pediatric outpatient rehabilitation clinic is set to open at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital in September, hospital officials said. The program—staffed by specially trained therapists—will offer personalized rehabilitation for each patient based on each child’s lifestyle, educational and personal needs. The Katy location will be the first standalone outpatient location, although Memorial Hermann offers pediatric therapy at six other locations in the Greater Houston area.
3 Houston Methodist West Hospital Houston Methodist will finish construction later this year on its $62 million comprehensive care center in the Cinco Ranch area. The 65,000-square-foot building will offer primary care and same-day clinic appointments, imaging and lab services, physical therapy services and specialized care services such as orthopedics and neurology. Hospital officials said the Fulshear center is on track to finish construction by the end of this year and open in the first quarter of 2026.
In April 2024, Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus reintroduced its Clinic to Same Day Surgery Visit Program aimed at streamlining care for young children between 6 months and 3 years old with recurrent ear infections. The program—which is offered three times a month—combines an ears, nose and throat evaluation with ear tube surgery to limit the number of visits needed, hospital officials said.
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18500 Katy Freeway, Houston www.houstonmethodist.org/katy-west
18200 Katy Freeway, Houston www.texaschildrens.org
23900 Katy Freeway, Katy www.memorialhermann.org/locations/katy
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Health care
BY JULIANNA WASHBURN
In 2024, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center saw:
433,506 lives saved
139,347 total donors
322,571 total units donated
533 volunteers
SOURCE: GULF COAST REGIONAL BLOOD CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Local donor centers in Katy
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Donor Marsha Asplin celebrates a milestone of 1,600 units, or 200 gallons of blood, donated over the 42 years she has volunteered with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center celebrates 50-year milestone about how our blood products help their child get through their leukemia treatment,” Pina said. Two-minute impact COURTESY GULF COAST REGIONAL BLOOD CENTER
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The Houston-based community blood center serves 170 hospitals and health care facilities in a 26-county area, according to the center’s website. One blood donation can help up to three people, Pina said, and to meet the community’s needs, the center needs about 1,000 donations a day. Looking ahead Pina said the organization is now working to encourage donations, since they can drop by almost 7% over the summer season. Pina said
neighborhood donor centers will expand their hours, and the center will hold mobile blood drives. One more thing Pina said the center is also looking at putting a greater focus on the contributions to research and opening a new building across the street from its headquarters to serve as the new donor room. Pina said the new donor building will open this year.
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, a nonpro t blood center founded in January 1975, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Theresa Pina, chief growth o cer for Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, said with the new milestone came memories of impactful testimonies. “I get to hear the stories from moms that talk
ILTexas.org | Free Public Charter
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health care
BY JULIANNA WASHBURN
Mannequins display new clothes available to clients in the Baby Boutique at Adira Clinic.
Adira Clinic Executive Director, Kelli McAnally (pictured at a March 22 ribbon cutting) said the clinic provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, lab testing and workshops to help women through their pregnancy and their rst year with a baby.
PHOTOS COURTESY ADIRA CLINIC
Adira Clinic assists with unplanned pregnancies
“Baby Vincent” was born in 2024 to one of Adira Clinic’s clients.
From there, McAnally said the clinic will help connect parents to other nonpro ts or organiza- tions to help them through the next steps of their parenting journey. “I really want to help our community and to help women understand the choices that they’re making and help them feel really educated,” McAnally said. “I just don’t want anyone to ever walk out and say, ‘I wish they would have told me,’ or ‘I wish I would have known more about this.’” The takeaway McAnally said she could see the clinic adding more medical services down the road; however, for now the nonpro t’s biggest aim is to help as many women as they possibly can.
Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston, a Christian-based nonpro t organization based out of Katy, rebranded Jan. 1 to the Adira Clinic after more than 35 years in the community. The organization, founded in March 1989 by a group of pro-life Christians, was rebranded to better represent its message and services, which is to empower women and provide life-a rming clinical care to women facing unexpected preg- nancies, Executive Director Kelli McAnally said. A closer look The clinic has medical personnel on-site and provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, lab testing and workshops to help women through their pregnancy and the rst year of a baby’s life.
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1450 E. Summitry Circle, Katy www.adiraclinic.org
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KATY FULSHEAR EDITION
Therapy in demand From the cover
22 | 23 Rise With ABA 24 BrightPath Behavior 25 Learning Continuum Therapy Center 26 Positive Behavior Supports Corporation Open ABA centers without confirmed opening dates
ABA centers by year established 1 Social Connections Learning Center 2 Behavioral Innovations 3 Essential Speech and ABA Therapy 4 Diverse Kids 5 Apara Autism Center 6 Chance ABA 7 Intricate Pieces ABA 8 Tibs for Kids 9 Life Skills Autism Academy 10 Behavioral Innovations 11 Individualized Intervention ABA 12 Success on the Spectrum 13 BlueSprig Katy South 14 ACES ABA - Autism Therapy Center 15 Reliant ABA Therapy, Inc. 16 Catalyst Behavior Solutions 17 Success On The Spectrum 18 Behavioral Innovations 19 Texas ABA Centers 20 Essential Speech and ABA Therapy 21 Harmony ABA
27 Shine Behavior Services LLC 28 TYAP - Texas Young Autism Project 29 | 30 Action Behavior Centers 31 Fast Track ABA Center 32 Action Behavior Centers 33 | 34 Katy ABA Center of Texas
The gist
Founded in 2019, Individualized Intervention began offering in-home applied behavioral analysis, or ABA, therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Houston, founder and behavioral analyst Shamim Juma said. As demand grew with families returning to work, she opened a clinic in the Energy Corridor, followed by a Katy location in 2022. A third clinic is set to open in Brookshire in June. “There’s been exponential growth in the field along with awareness of ABA therapy because there’s just simply a rise in the [autism] prevalence rate,” Juma said. “Our growth has been guided by where families live, work and attend school—especially elementary schools—since we specialize in pediatric therapies.” ABA is a goal-driven, data-based therapy that uses positive reinforcement, gaining popularity for its personalized, one-on- one approach—especially for children with autism, said David Wahlquist, behavioral analyst and center director for BlueSprig Katy-South. Despite there being nearly 40 centers in the Katy-Fulshear area, providers say demand for these centers still exceeds capacity. Juma said staffing shortages and high insurance- related costs remain major barriers to families who live in areas with these centers.
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15 19
24
90
10
25
31
23
34
33
17
18
10
9
8
11
3
28
7
4
KINGSLAND BLVD.
29
13
20
2
27
22
21
14
1463
FREEDOM PARK
99 TOLL
1093
12
6
1093
TEXAS HERITAGE PKWY.
N
NOTE: THIS LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE. SOURCE: LOCAL ABA CENTERS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
2022. Texas has higher rates, with an estimated 1 in 28 children receiving the diagnosis. At the local level, Texas Education Agency data shows a rise in the number and percentage of Katy and Lamar CISD students receiving behavioral health services, with the number of students receiving autism services doubling from 2016-17 to 2023-24 school years.
What’s happening?
How ABA therapy works
In 2000, approximately 1 in 150 children had autism nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since then, CDC data shows the prevalence has grown to 1 in 31 children nationwide in
Behavioral technician works with one child at a time Behavior analyst customizes interventions to the individual’s
culture, goals and environment Parent coaching sessions could occur often Encouragement and tailored
Katy ISD students enrolled with disabilities
Lamar CISD students enrolled with disabilities
Intellectual disabilities Behavioral disabilities
Autism
Intellectual disabilities Behavioral disabilities
Autism
prompts help build independence Accepts and supports behaviors as valid forms of self-regulation or interest Ensure every child has a reliable way to express themselves, make choices Social skills or behavior changes should be taught only if they benefit the client in a meaningful way
5K 15K 10K
2K 6K 4K
+143.8%
+190.25%
0
0
SOURCE: DAVID WAHLQUIST/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR CONTRIBUTIONS BY AUBREY VOGEL
Digging deeper
Another thing
Moving forward
Out-of-pocket costs tied to private insurance remain a barrier, with some families covering up to 44% of ABA therapy costs, according to a 2019 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics. As demand for autism support rises across diverse populations, nonprofits such as Hope For Three offer financial aid and free programs. Behavioral Innovations also connects families to other resources, Joys said.
Registered behavioral technicians, or RBTs, provide individualized attention in one-on-one or two-on-one settings with clients, making it hard to meet the demand without compromising quality, Juma said. Requirements to become an RBT include a high school diploma or equivalent, 40 hours of training, a background check and receiv- ing ongoing supervision from a board-certi- fied behavioral analyst. With a 65% retention rate of registered behavior technicians—among the lowest for entry-level health care roles—staffing shortages are limiting service availability, according to a 2022 Behavioral Health Center of Excellence report. Ashly Joys, senior marketing director for Behavioral Innovations, said these struggles are reflective of “broader industry limitations,” where diagnoses are outpacing available clinicians.
To combat the staffing shortage, the University of Houston will host all six courses for the ABA minor this fall as well as a master’s degree in special populations with an ABA specialization, said Charlotte L. Carp, University of Houston clinical assistant professor in special populations. These programs provide the coursework needed for a behavioral analyst certification. Carp said, through increased exposure through the field and the evidence- based practices that sustain the industry, professionals would be more encouraged to see a long-term career in ABA. “I think if [professionals] understand why they’re implementing these strategies on the theory side ... they’re more likely to stay in the field,” she said.
Income level of families without ABA access in 2023 National income level ≤$49,999 13.4%
$50,000-$74,999 $75,000-$99,999 $100,000-$149,999 ≥$150,000
12%
Have never received ABA
48.6%
9.9%
16.2%
SOURCE: CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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17
KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION
Education
Lamar CISD officials consider $1.99B bond With Lamar CISD facing rapid population growth described by experts as “hypergrowth,” district officials are preparing to call a $1.99 billion bond election in November. Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens said the proposal for a November bond comes as students and parents across the district requested improved facilities during town halls and focus groups. “This is not something we bring to you lightly,” Nivens said. “Listening to the communities ask those questions and the students ask those ques- tions is why we bring this to the board.” The background The bond would be part of a long-standing cycle of LCISD calling a bond every three years since 2011, except in 2022, Buchanan said. Voters approved $1.52 billion of LCISD’s last bond proposal in November 2022, but
1 Elementary No. 39 $53.57M 2 Elementary No. 40 $53.57M 3 Elementary No. 41 $53.57M 4 Elementary No. 42 $56.86M 5 Elementary No. 43 $56.86M 6 Elementary No. 44 $60.15M 7 Elementary No. 45 $60.15M Proposed elementary schools
2
1
1093
59
7
36
4
3
5
90A
6
Click here to see the full list of potential bond projects.
59
36
N
SOURCE: LAMAR CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
denied $194.9 million to build a new stadium and $4.98 million for turf and lighting at Traylor Stadium. The proposal • Proposition A would allocate $1.94 billion for new facilities and infrastructure. • Proposition B would dedicate $54.81 million for technology improvements.
The cost Officials said the bond could be implemented without raising the debt service tax rate of $0.48 per $100 valuation for the 2025–26 school year. Next steps A citizen’s bond committee met June 10, after press time. A board decision is expected by Aug. 13.
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
LCISD approves teacher raise despite shortfall Despite a projected $3.3 million budget shortfall, Lamar CISD will raise starting teacher salaries for 2025-26, which already ranked among the top 10 highest in the Houston area for 2024-25, according to pay data from area schools. At a glance Officials have reduced non-salary categories like contracted services to help narrow the projected shortfall from $5 million to $3.3 million. What’s changing? Trustees approved raises for the teacher pay grade—including counselors, librarians and nurses—raising the starting salary to $65,700, granting current teachers a $2,000 raise and giving a 3% midpoint-based raise to some employees, including instructional aides. Additionally, officials said self-contained
Katy ISD faces rising insurance costs Katy ISD projects a $10.8 million shortfall in its employee health fund for 2025-26, marking the third straight year of deficits. With 61% of KISD employees enrolled in one of the district’s self-insured health plans for the ongoing 2024-25 school year, health care benefits represent one of the largest operating expenses for KISD outside of salaries, officials said at a May 12 meeting. The cause Health insurance plan costs are increasing for both KISD and employees due to rising prices associated with medical visits and prescription drugs, officials said. Looking ahead KISD administrators are expecting to finalize new health plan providers in June.
Teacher starting salaries across Houston, 2024-25 school year*
Spring Branch ISD
$64,375
Katy ISD
$64,130
Lamar CISD
$64,100
Cy-Fair ISD
$63,000
Fort Bend ISD
$62,000
$0 $10K $20K $30K $40K $50K $60K $70K
SOURCE: HOUSTON-AREA DISTRICTS 2024-25 PAY SCALES/COMMUNITY IMPACT *HIGHER STARTING SALARIES OFFERED TO ADVANCED DEGREE HOLDERS
classroom substitutes will receive a $35 daily raise, 10 paid training days, five observational days and four wellness days—an increase from two in the 2024–25 school year. Next steps LCISD officials said administrators will continue reviewing the budget until approval in June.
MASON ROAD 1640 S Mason Rd (281) 395-6262 KATY MILLS 24417 Katy Fwy (281) 394-5780
FULSHEAR 24940 FM 1093 (281) 391-4008 FALCON LANDING 9722 Gaston Rd (281) 574-3008
CINCO RANCH 3050 W Grand Pkwy (281) 392-5554
Transportation
BY AUBREY VOGEL
Fulshear to study underpass for Westpark Tollway extension Fulshear officials are looking at innovative solutions as the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority looks to further expand Westpark Tollway into downtown. The big picture At a May 6 meeting, Fulshear City Council approved a $49,985 contract with Gannett Fleming Inc. for a vertical alignment study to determine the feasibility of an underpass connected to the east and westbound lanes of FM 1093 for the future extension of Westpark Tollway. The alternative concept introduced is based on a “bowtie” roundabout located in Carmel, Indiana, Public Works Director Gary Schatz said. The bow- tie method would allow cars to cross Main Street and Fulshear Trace via a roundabout, while toll
Katy begins Phase 1 design for citywide trail system At a May 12 meeting, Katy City Council approved a $348,120 design contract with ARKK Engineers for Phase 1, which includes approximately two miles of the citywide trail system. Phase 1—which is expected to cost nearly $1.9 million—will create a 12-foot concrete trail from Morton Road to 10th Street, according to agenda documents. In addition to designing the first phase of the trail, the contract also includes design- ing a traffic signal at the intersection of Franz and Scott Ranch roads. What’s next? Design is expected to wrap up in Decem- ber, City Engineer David Kasper said.
Potential toll road bowtie concept
MAIN ST.
1093
FULSHEAR TRACE
N
SOURCE: CITY OF FULSHEAR/COMMUNITY IMPACT
road traffic passes underneath. Why it matters
The study comes after multiple residents and city officials expressed concern of an overpass further dividing the city and limiting walkability near downtown, Schatz said. Going forward The study is slated to begin in July and be completed in October, Schatz said.
DR. TONY NGUYEN
20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT JUNE 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
SUBSCRIBE AT TEXASMONTHLY .COM/TEXAN TO SEE THE ENTIRE ISSUE!
DETOURS: The Botanical Gardens of Orange CRITTER: Bottlenose Dolphin OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: Copper Craftsman FEATURE PREVIEW: Juneteenth’s Hero, Opal Lee
Above: The Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
21
KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION
DETOURS
A Green Refuge In Orange
Northwest of downtown, alongside Adams Bayou.
BY DANIEL VAUGHN
FOR FIFTY YEARS the gates of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center were closed. A bitter freeze in 1958 killed much of founder H.J. Lutcher Stark’s plant- ings, including his prized azaleas. Decades later, reopening plans spearheaded by his namesake foundation were also thwarted by nature, first by Hurricane Rita, in 2005, and then by Ike, in 2008. Finally, in 2009, the 252-acre park opened once again to visitors. Gravel paths wander along- side some three hundred plant species, and everywhere are contemplative spaces that feel far removed from the surrounding city, which lies just across the Sabine River from Louisiana. At the placid Pond of the Blue Moon is the towering Cypress Gate, a platform designed by San Antonio–based architecture firm Lake Flato from logs salvaged after Rita. At Ruby Lake, you’ll find a bird blind for viewing the many varieties of waterfowl that come through, and you just might see an alligator sunning on the dock nearby.
About 51,000 bottlenose dol- phins—the most common spe- cies o the Texas coast—are frolicking in the northern Gulf as you read this. Occasionally, though, one of them ends up on land. The Texas Marine Mam- mal Stranding Network, based in Galveston, responds to an average of 134 strandings per year. Executive director Heidi Whitehead says that after hur- ricanes, she and her colleagues have even rescued dolphins from fields and ditches as far as seventeen miles inland. So before you head to the beach, learn what to do if you come across one.
it can be rescued. Then try to keep it shaded and wet.
IF I FIND A STRANDED DOLPHIN, SHOULD I PUSH
CRITTER OF THE MONTH
Bottlenose Dolphin
IT INTO THE WATER? Often, says Whitehead, a
HOW EXACTLY DOES ONE MOISTEN A DOLPHIN ? You can pour seawater over it or cover it in wet towels. Just be sure to avoid the blowhole. MAY I PET IT? Definitely not. Wild dolphins are a protected species, and any form of harassment (such as trying to touch, feed, or swim with them) is illegal. Whitehead says the best thing you can do is be quiet and keep pets and other people at a distance. —Lauren Larson
beached dolphin is su ering from a lung disease brought on by exposure to bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and it must be treated and rehabilitated. If you try to Free Willy a dolphin back into the Gulf, it is unlikely to survive. WHAT SHOULD I DO? First, call 800-9MAMMAL, which is like a dolphin 911, and someone from Whitehead’s group will talk you through keeping the animal safe until
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
MADE IN TEXAS
Inside a Copper Mind Jonathan Beall makes modern kitchenware, barware, and water dispensers that last a lifetime.
BY AMANDA ALBEE
When Beall launched Sertodo Copper, in 1997, he traveled the U.S., cold-calling ho- tels and restaurants to sell Mexican-made copper cookware and chafing dishes. Three years later, he moved to Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán, a town with a coppersmithing tradition that predates its founding nearly five hundred years ago. There, he joined a copper community led by James Metcalf, the late sculptor and educator who reinvigorated local artisanal traditions. An apprentice- ship with copper maestro Máximo Velázquez Correa had Beall forging hundreds of nails and tools, including hammers and chisels, to cultivate a “manual intelligence” that he says is in decline among modern American creators, who sidestep material knowledge for computer-aided design. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly.
IN HIS AUSTIN warehouse, Jonathan Beall sips water from one of his copper cups, an Ayurvedic practice said to stimulate diges- tion and increase immunity. He points to a hand-carved solid-copper vase made us- ing traditional techniques, such as melting recycled copper into ingots and repeatedly annealing and forging the mass into shape, a skill he learned in Mexico. It reminds him of a similar piece he encountered on a trip to Sayulita, on that country’s Pacific coast, almost thirty years ago—he can still see it glittering in the dawn light among a peddler’s wares. “I had never seen anything like it,” he says. “I didn’t know what was happening, but I had a big feeling.”
OUT THERE
Meanwhile, In Texas A man dressed in shorts and sneakers was seen cruising down the center lane of westbound Interstate 40 in Amarillo on an electric scooter . In a cave near Marfa, archaeologists discovered remnants of an atlatl, a straight-flying boomerang, and other components of whatmay be the oldest intact hunting kit found in North America. Almost four thousand Kerrville residents lost power for two hours after a ringtail came into contact with equipment at a substation. On National Beer Day, a train collided with the trailer of a semitruck near Saginaw, spilling hundreds of cans of beer around the tracks. Nearly three thousand people and 1,300 dogs descended on a ranch in Bee Cave for Texas’s largest annual golden retriever meetup . Hoping to steal a car, a man threw a rock through the window of a Tyler dealership, injured himself while entering through the broken glass, and called 911 for help getting out of the building, even though several doors were unlocked. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was bitten by an ostrich while visiting a wildlife park in North Texas. —Meher Yeda
Jonathan Beall polishes a copper vessel at his com- pany’s workshop in Austin on April 24, 2025.
23
KATY - FULSHEAR EDITION
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