Tomball - Magnolia Edition | August 2023

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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 11 AUG. 30SEPT. 27, 2023

Olio and Farina brings new pizza experience EDUCATION EDITION 2023

SPONSORED BY • Magnolia ISD • Tomball ISD

Magnolia ISD new schools begin construction

Making every dollar count

Development

Students at Tomball ISD’s Grand Oaks Elementary enter the campus on their rst day of school Aug. 15. TISD is among the districts statewide facing funding challenges as the school year begins. (Lizzy Spangler/Community Impact)

Theater owner shares love of the arts in Magnolia

Tomball, Magnolia ISDs among Texas schools facing nancial challenges

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

In the face of minimal new fund- ing from the state, local school districts are looking at increasing expenses in scal year 2023-24. Tomball ISD, which adopted its budget June 13, faces an 8% increase in expenses and $5 million shortfall in FY 2023-24, district ocials said. “This is my rst [shortfall] budget BY JAKE NORMAN & LIZZY SPANGLER

in my career, and I have been doing this a very long time,” Superinten- dent Martha Salazar-Zamora said, noting she has 38 years of experi- ence in public education. Meanwhile, Magnolia ISD is expected to approve its budget Aug. 28, which was after press time. Assistant Superintendent of Oper- ations Erich Morris said the district

plans on having a balanced general fund budget and hasn’t had a short- fall since at least 2008. “It’s important that we live within our means,” Morris said. “We want to do everything that we can to take care of our teachers and our sta, but we also have a responsibility to our taxpayers to make sure that we’re CONTINUED ON 22

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Chrissy Leggett SENIOR EDITOR Anna Lotz REPORTERS Jovanna Aguilar & Lizzy Spangler SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ellen Jackson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE April Halpin METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Ethan Pham CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281-469-6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES tomnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING tomads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM CHRISSY: The 2023-24 school year is already in full swing. As we do each year in August, this issue includes our annual Education Edition. You’ll find important updates on funding challenges facing local school districts, updates on bond projects and data on school districts. We wish all of our students, teachers and staff a productive and safe school year! Chrissy Leggett, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM ANNA: Reporter Lizzy Spangler dives into school safety on Page 21. This fall is the first time the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office is providing all of the school resource officer services following the termination of a contract between Tomball ISD and the city of Tomball in the spring. Anna Lotz, SENIOR EDITOR

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IMPACTS

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

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Sugar Llamas

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Gym are available on a month-to-month or one-year basis, with no contracts or enrollment fees, Habel said. 281-667- 4923. www.lionsdengymtx.com 4 Hound Hauz , a dog-friendly food truck park and market, opened Aug. 5 at 7720 S. FM 1486, Montgomery, just a few miles north of the city of Magnolia. The food truck park includes air-condi- tioned indoor seating, a bar serving beer and wine, restrooms, and a gift shop as well as a covered patio. The grounds also include food trucks. The venue will host a Sip and Shop event each Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. www.houndhauz.com 5 Nationwide pizza chain Marco’s Pizza opened a new location in the Magnolia Place shopping center on June 21 and is serving menu items that include pizza, pizza bowls, salads, subs and desserts. Marco’s Pizza is located at 13774 Jordan Lewis Way, Ste. 300, Magnolia. www.marcos.com 6 NewHealthMD opened July 21 at 888 Graham Drive, Ste. 100, Tomball. The medical clinic provides comprehensive medical solutions for all ages, including preventive care, routine checkups, chronic disease management and specialized treatments. Dr. Pablo Amador serves as medical director, according to an Aug. 1 news release. NewHealthMD has clinics in Florida and Texas. www.newhealthmd.com 7 Harvest Season Farm , previously known as Matt Family Orchard, opened July 1 to guests of all ages every Satur- day and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon as of an Aug. 8 news release. According to the release, the farm is offering guests a “pick-your-own” experience with a variety of organic fruits such as Asian

249

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PEDEN RD.

DECKER PRAIRIE ROSEHILL RD.

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NOW OPEN 1 Bonnie and Larry Holland opened Sugar Llamas , a new dessert shop, on July 19. The business serves up mini doughnuts, ice cream, shakes, coffee, “llamanade” and other drinks, Bon- nie said. Sugar Llamas is located at 9533 FM 1488, Ste. 1200, Magnolia, near Dollar Tree. 832-521-3236. www.sugarllamas.com

2 Owner Amy Martinez opened Graze- ables at 406 W. Main St., Tomball, on July 8, relocating her charcuterie busi- ness from The Woodlands. It offers grab- and-go mini charcuterie boxes and pink brioche sandwich boxes daily, Martinez said. This is in addition to its tea sand- wiches, tarts and pimiento cheese. The charcuterie boxes and platters include artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, veggies, dip, nuts and chocolates. Deliv- ery and pickup via preorder are available

as well as grazing tables for events and “paw-cuterie,” boxes for dogs and cats. www.grazeables.com 3 Lions Den Gym , a climate-controlled warehouse gym located at 21255 Spell Circle, Tomball, opened June 1, owner Crystal Habel said. Habel, who also owns the jewelry business, Kinsley Armelle, with her husband, said Lions Den Gym offers general memberships, personal training, athletic training and group train- ing classes. Memberships at Lions Den

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Harvest Season Farm

Magnolia’s Lone Star Animal Hospital

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persimmons, figs, jujubes, Asian peaches and pears. Visitors can also enjoy local honey from Harvest Season Farm’s bee colony. The farm is located at 21110 Bauer Hockley Road, Tomball. www.harvestseasonfarm.com 8 The Ark Church Magnolia held its first worship services Aug. 20 at 14320 FM 1488, Magnolia, behind Magnolia High School. The campus is an expansion of The Ark Church in Conroe and led by Lead Pastor Clayton Small. Services are held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sundays with services and events for children and youth. 936-494-8815. www.thearkmagnolia.com 9 A second location of God’s Grace Learning Center opened at 26605 Peden Road, Magnolia, in August, Execu- tive Director Annette Collins said. Collins said the new location of the child care center is in a space leased from Living Stones Church. At this new location, God’s Grace Learning Center serves children 6 weeks to 12 years old, with Bible-based preschool curriculum offered for kids 12 months old through prekinder- 24910 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. D, Tomball, opened Aug. 5. The business’ offerings include kolaches, coffee and doughnuts. Karma Kolache also features vegetarian and halal options. 832-843-7156. www.karmatastesgood.com 11 Taco Inn and Churreria Porfirio , located at 25750 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. E, Tomball, opened July 15, owner Enrique Alarcon said. Alarcon owns the restaurants with a group of shareholders. garten. 832-521-3164. www.godsgracelc.com 10 Karma Kolache , located at

Taco Inn and Churreria Porfirio offer cus- tomers tacos and churros, Alarcon said. 346-336-6129. Facebook: Taco Inn The Woodlands; Churreria Porfirio The Woodlands 12 Zoom Room Dog Training , located at 26131 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 202, Tomball, opened July 29, franchise owner Elisha Ballard said. Zoom Room Dog Training’s services include obedience training, agility, play groups, workshops and puppy preschool, Ballard said. Bal- lard also said the business offers flexible scheduling with customers able to sign up for classes whenever they want and not commit to coming at the same time every week. 832-409-0017. www.zoomroom.com/location/tomball COMING SOON 13 Crew Boutique is planning to open a location at 13397 FM 1488, Ste. 700, Magnolia, around November or Decem- ber, co-owner Makael Pritchard said. Pritchard, who owns the boutique with Katie Linick, said the business will offer women’s fashion and gift items. www.instagram.com/shopcrewboutique 14 SoCo Blow Dry Bar is planning to open at 13397 FM 1488, Ste. 900, Magnolia, in early to mid-November, owner Stephanie Anderson said. The business will provide blow drying and hair styling services, Anderson said. SoCo Blow Dry Bar also has a location in College Station, according to its website. www.socodrybar.com

Customers at Olio and Farina can try 17 different types of pizza.

COURTESY JUDY NICHOLS & ASSOCIATES

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Olio and Farina , located at 24230 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 200, Tomball, opened July 22, according to a July 31 news release. The restaurant— spearheaded by Anthony Russo, Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen’s founder and CEO—oers pizza tasting, with customers able to sample 17 dierent types of pizza, according to the news release. Olio and Farina also features wine and cocktail selections. Medellin also owns Russo’s New York EXPANSIONS 15 Magnolia’s Lone Star Animal Hospital , located at 5740 FM 1488, Magnolia, is expanding to add over 3,000 square feet to its current building, owner and veterinarian Kathy Martin confirmed via email. The expansion will accommodate new larger boarding runs with live camera feeds for family check- ins, a new grooming area, and redesigning the current building for more exam rooms, offices, lab space and parking, she said. The business aims to complete the expansion by October. Martin also said the expansion will allow for more appointment availability. Lone Star Animal Hospital’s services include preventive care, vaccinations, disease treatment, diagnostic testing and surgical care. The

Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen in The Woodlands and Conroe, according to the news release. 832-639-6503 www.olioefarinapizza.com

KUYKENDAHL RD.

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business also features a pharmacy, a surgical suite, X-ray services, in-house lab work, cold laser therapy, cryotherapy, grooming services and boarding. 936-273-1160. www.lspetdocs.com ANNIVERSARIES 16 Amazing Spaces celebrated its 25-year anniversary in May. The storage facility company has locations in City Place, Magnolia, Shenandoah, West Uni- versity and Vintage Park, and it will open its new location in River Oaks in August. Amazing Spaces also has 24-hour securi- ty, security alarms on each unit, limited access to the premises and digitally recorded security cameras. The Magnolia location is at 32620 FM 2978. www.amazingspaces.com

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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION • AUGUST 2023

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE HEALTH CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HCAP) All residents of Montgomery County who fall within the maximum income, resource, residency, citizenship, and household composition criteria established in the Montgomery County Indigent Care Program (MCICP) and Medical Assistance Program (MAP) Handbooks*, and who have no other equivalent public or private health care benefits, may be eligible for medically necessary health care benefits as mandated by the State of Texas pursuant to the programs and services offered by the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD). Potentially eligible residents may include: • US Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents 18 years of age or older; • Those whose household composition makes them ineligible for Medicaid through the State of Texas; • Adult males, non-pregnant females without minor children; married couples of either gender who reside in Montgomery County; • Those whose countable gross income minus work deductions does not exceed the maximum estab- lished Federal Poverty Income Level (FPIL) of 150% FPIL; and • Those whose resources do not exceed $2,000 monthly or $3,000 if aged or disabled. Eligibility determinations will be made within 14 (fourteen) days after the date a complete application and all the required documentation is received by MCHD’s HCAP office. A complete application will include but may not be limited to the following types of verification: • Identification for each member of the applying household; • Proof of marital status; • Proof of resources to include automobile registration or title, property tax statement, bank account/CD statements, etc.; • Proof of income or lack of income to include verification of support by friends, family or other sources, pay stubs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamp) award letter, self-employment records, etc.; • Proof of County residency to include utility bill, rent receipt, etc; and • Proof of registration with Texas Workforce Commission (some exemptions may apply). Applicants must provide all requested information and documentation to receive an eligibility determina- tion. Adverse decisions regarding eligibility can be appealed. To request an application call (936) 523-5100 Hablamos español

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TODO LIST

September events

COMPILED BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

SEPT. 09

SEE AN OUTDOOR MOVIE THE TOMBALL DEPOT PLAZA

SEPT. 19

ENJOY A TASTE OF TOMBALL THE TOMBALL VFW HALL

SEPT. 22

SUPPORT A LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER THE SPRINGS MAGNOLIA

SEPTEMBER 09 GIVE BLOOD IN MAGNOLIA The Magnolia Fire Department is hosting a blood drive sponsored by the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Magnolia Fire Department, 18215 Buddy Riley Blvd., Magnolia. www.giveblood.org 09 SUPPORT A HIGH SCHOOL FUNDRAISER The Tomball High School FFA booster club is holding a fundraiser to support its FFA students. This event will have a dance, a live auction, a silent auction and a rae. 7 p.m.-midnight. $10 (students), $15 (adults). Tomball High School, 30330 Quinn Road, Tomball. www.ths.tomballisd.net 10 EXPERIENCE RESTORATIVE YOGA Wild Spirit Yoga is holding a candlelight restorative yoga and meditation class. This class is designed to help calm the nervous system and ease tension with a peaceful night of meditation and yoga. 6:30-8 p.m. $33. Wild Spirit Yoga, 104 Houston St., Tomball. www.wildspirityogatx.com 10 SUPPORT THE FARMERS MARKET The Tomball Farmers Market is holding a fundraiser to help raise money for the market’s community garden projects. This event will have raes, music, beer and whiskey tasting, and food. All proceeds raised will benet the TFM organizations that work The Tomball Depot Plaza is hosting its second movie event of the year and will be showing “Paws of Fury,” a children’s movie about a loveable dog who has dreams of becoming a destiny-seeking samurai. 5 p.m. Free. Tomball Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. www.tomballtx.gov

to connect the community to local food systems and sustainable agriculture. Sponsorships and tickets are available. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $100 (one ticket), $180 (two tickets). Sandalwood Manor, 22402 Holly Creek Trail, Tomball. www.tomballfarmersmarket.org 16 TAKE PART IN A 5K AND RUCK MARCH MAD for Vets, a nonprot organization whose purpose is to contribute to a variety of charities to support veterans, is hosting its third annual 5K and ruck march. All walkers are welcome. 8 a.m. $35. Tomball Historic Depot, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. ATTEND A COOKOFF Patriots of Texas Fest is holding its third annual cook- o festival to benet and support active-duty military, veterans and rst responders. The festival will have a barbecue cook-o, live music and vendors. The music lineup includes Jon Wolfe, Jesse Raub Jr., Mae Estes, Jake Bush, Clay Hollis and Joel Shewmake. 5 p.m. (Sept. 22- 23). $10 (Sept. 22 admission ), $20 (Sept. 23 admission), $100 (VIP). Unity Park, 19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia. www.texasstartickets.com 23 VISIT MAGNOLIA’S FALL FESTIVAL The Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of www.madforvets.org 22 THROUGH 23 Commerce is hosting its Magnolia Fall Fest with over 70 vendors, face painters, pictures in the pumpkin patch and kids crafts. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $1 (admission). The Tomball VFW Hall is hosting a Taste of Tomball, an event put on by the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce in which community members are invited to try local eats, drinks and treats. 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. $20. Tomball VFW Hall, 14408 Alice Road, Tomball. www.tomballchamber.org

The Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488, Magnolia. www.greatermagnoliaparkwaycc.org 23 TAKE THE FAMILY TO GROOVFEST The Tomball Depot Plaza will be the site of GroovFest, an award-winning festival that brings the community together with throwback music spanning the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The city of Tomball festival will also include a funky car show, throwback vendors, groovy food, hip kids activities and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free (parking and admission). Tomball Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. www.tomballtx.gov 30 ATTEND AN ANTIQUE CAR SOCIAL The Tomball Museum Center is holding an antique car social event with classic antique cars, live music and food trucks. The event will be held rain or shine. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free (admission). Tomball Museum Center, 510 Pine St., Tomball. www.tomballmuseumcenter.com 30 STROLL THROUGH THE RENAISSANCE Attendees at Magnolia’s annual Stroll Through the Renaissance event will be able to see and interact with Texas Renaissance Festival entertainers before the festival ocially begins Oct. 7 while enjoying live music and browsing a variety of food, craft and jewelry vendors. This event will also see a member of the public knighted by the king on stage. 3-7 p.m. Free (admission). Magnolia Stroll, corner of FM 1488 and FM 1774. www.facebook.com/cityofmagnoliaspecialevents Corridor Rescue, a dog shelter, will host its Wags and Wagers casino night fundraiser with dinner, drinks, music, casino games and a rae. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 7-11 p.m. $5-$2,500. The Springs Magnolia, Pinehaven Venue, 33301 Old Hempstead Road, Magnolia. www.corridorrescue.org

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

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

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149

3 changes Harris County drivers will notice on their toll bill A lower minimum toll balance, lower EZ TAG sticker fee and paperless agreement statements are three changes Harris County drivers will notice with their Harris County Toll Road Authority accounts. What happened: Harris County com- missioners approved the agreement changes at a July 18 meeting. The changes are intended to provide more flexibility for new and existing ac- counts, officials with the agency said in a news release. • The minimum prepaid toll balance, or rebill amount, is now $10 for up to two vehicles. Before the changes, the rebill amount was $20. • The replenish amount will not auto- matically update for existing EZ TAG accounts. • There are no charges for up to eight new EZ TAG stickers per account. Ac- counts with more than eight stickers will have to pay $2 per tag. • EZ TAG agreements will no longer be mailed to users—strictly email and website.

Timeline: November 2020-third quarter 2023 Cost: $30.33 million Funding source: TxDOT

1488

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3 FM 1488 widening TxDOT crews are continuing work on a project in Magnolia to widen FM 1488 from two to four lanes. The project, which spans from FM 1774 in Magnolia to west of FM 149, will also add a continu- ous left-turn lane. Work was 28% com- plete as of an Aug. 3 update from TxDOT, the latest available information. Timeline: June 2022-first quarter 2025 Cost: $48.28 million Funding source: TxDOT UPCOMING PROJECTS 4 North Eldridge Parkway widening Harris County Precinct 3 is proposing a project to widen the existing two-lane segment of North Eldridge Parkway between Spring Cypress Road and Greg- son Road in Tomball. The project is in the design phase and expected to move to construction in 2025. The project would widen North Eldridge Parkway to a four-lane concrete boulevard with a raised median, and it also includes adding a traffic signal at Gregson Road and sidewalks along portions of the project. According to Precinct 3 information, the project scope also includes a study to determine if a traffic signal is needed at the intersection of Westlock Drive. Timeline: first quarter 2025-TBD Cost: $10 million Funding source: Precinct 3

2978

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N. ELDRIDGE PKWY.

THE DETAILS The minimum toll balances will be the following, per account:

290

SPRING CYPRESS RD.

GREGSON RD.

Number of cars

Minimum balance $5

ONGOING PROJECTS 1 Walnut Creek bridge widening Montgomery County Precinct 2 com- pleted the widening of the Walnut Creek bridge on Nichols Sawmill Road on July 29, Precinct 2 officials confirmed in an email. The widening is part of a larger project widening Nichols Sawmill Road from Old Hockley Road to Commerce Street. The road was previously widened from Grand Pines Drive to Old Hockley Road last summer, according to previ- ous Community Impact reporting. The widening of Nichols Sawmill Road from Commerce Street to FM 1774 will begin after the city of Magnolia acquires right of way as well as the approval of inter-

section and design plans by the Texas Department of Transportation, according to Precinct 2 officials. Timeline: summer 2022-TBD Cost: approximately $5.5 million (total road widening) Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 2 2 FM 1488 improvements A project to widen FM 1488 from two lanes to four lanes between the Waller County line near Joseph Road to FM 1774 in Magnolia was 77% completed as of an Aug. 3 update from TxDOT. The project is expected to wrap up later this year.

1-2 3-4 5-6 6-7

$10 $15 $20

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 8. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT TOMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION • AUGUST 2023

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HIGHER EDUCATION BRIEFS Lone Star College names new presidents for Montgomery, University Park campuses

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

Lone Star College System names rst Hispanic chancellor What’s happening?: Virginia Fraire was selected as the new president of LSCUniversity Park. She will start her role Oct. 1, according to a July 28 news release. • She is only the second president to reside over the campus. • She most recently served as the vice provost for student success De ‘Reese Reid-Hart was selected as the new president of LSCMont- gomery. She will start her role Sept. 1, according to a separate release. The Lone Star College System announced July 28 the two new presidents for LSCMontgomery and LSCUniversity Park. The announce- ments come as former LSCMontgom- ery President Rebecca Riley retired and former LSCUniversity Park President Shah Ardalan was named president of Randolph Community College, according to LSCS ocials. and strategic initiatives at The University of Texas at El Paso.

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• Reid-Hart will be the fth president to serve LSCMontgomery. • She most recently served as vice president of instruction at LSCMontgomery. Quote of note: “Her experience in providing educational and support services will have a positive and profound impact on our students. I know Dr. Reid-Hart will provide the leadership and oversight to continue meeting the needs of all students, community leaders, taxpayers and our partner school districts,” former LSCS Chancellor Stephen Head said in the release.

chancellor.

He has served as the LSCS chief operating ocer and general counsel since 2017 and began as the

BY ANNA LOTZ

college’s general counsel in 2015. He also served as interim president of LSCKingwood. Quote of note: “This is a historic moment in the history of Lone Star College with the appointment of the rst Hispanic chancellor demonstrat- ing the Lone Star College board of trustees’ commitment to our culture of engagement and inclusiveness,” board Chair Michael Stoma said in the July 21 release. “The process to select a new chancellor involved many hours of research and due diligence to ensure we selected the right nalist.” Mario Castillo

Mario Castillo began as the next chancellor of the Lone Star College System on Aug. 11, following the board of trustees’ decision to select him as the sole nalist for the role during a July 21 special meeting, LSC ocials announced in a news release. The overview: Castillo replaces out- going Chancellor Stephen Head, who announced his retirement in January, eective Aug. 1, Community Impact previously reported. Head has served as chancellor since 2014. As such, the board of trustees began the search for a new chancellor in late March, according to a July 21 news release. Castillo is the fth LSCS

281.351.8223 22601 Lutheran Church Rd. · Tomball salem4u.com

TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • AUGUST 2023

CITY & COUNTY

News from Tomball, Magnolia & Montgomery County

Tomball proposes $34M budget for fiscal year 2023-24 BY LIZZY SPANGLER FY 2023-24 general fund revenues, Tomball is anticipating: • $15.7 million in sales taxes

BUDGET ADDITIONS According to the city’s budget presentation, the FY 2023-24 budget proposes:

14 new full- time-equivalent employees, which includes 3 new

A new computer- aided dispatch

Capital improvement plan proposed spending for water projects: $12.74 million

system for the police department: $500,000

firefighters: $1.2 million

TOMBALL The city of Tomball is proposing a $34 million general fund budget for fiscal year 2023-24, projecting $32.5 million in revenues and $34.9 million in expenditures, according to the proposed budget. Zooming out: During this first work- shop Aug. 7, City Council was briefed by city staff on the city’s strategic plan, the budget overview and pro- cess, the general fund, the enterprise fund, special revenue funds and the internal service funds.

SOURCE: CITY OF TOMBALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• $5.2 million in property taxes On the expenditure side, the city’s departments with the biggest projected expenses include: • Police: $8.02 million • Fire: $3.55 million • Emergency Services District No. 15: $2.39 million • Streets: $2.34 million • Sanitation: $2.04 million • Information systems: $2.02 million The city would use its fund balance—essentially its saving account—to make up the difference

is the voter-approval rate based on the certified estimated taxable value, Finance Director Katherine Tapscott said. The voter-approval rate is the maximum amount the city can adopt without voter approval. The city’s tax rate for FY 2022-23 is $0.287248 per $100 valuation. The tax rate will be adopted after the certified tax roll is received in August, City Council approves a pro- posed tax rate and a public hearing is held, Tapscott said.

between the projected general fund revenues and expenditures. At the end of FY 2023-24, the fund balance is expected to sit at $26.5 million. “The proposed budget, FY [2023- 24], does have the fund balance at 76%, which is still way above the 25% that is required by [the city’s] char- ter,” City Manager David Esquivel. One more thing: City staff is rec- ommending a property tax rate of $0.291472 per $100 valuation, which

The breakdown: Among its projected

95-acre development to bring luxury housing, retail to Magnolia

be a midsize shopping complex that could include food and beverage options, medical services, and child care. The center is expected to have a grocery store or fitness center as its anchor. It will be surrounded by green space and walking trails, according to the presentation. The background: According to development officials, staff has requested the city annex the property. The approved agreement from Aug. 8 allows prog- ress on permit drawings, preparing for construction after a temporary development moratorium is lifted by the city of Magnolia, Mokos said. According to city officials during the meeting, the city cannot ensure water and wastewater services will be provided until the second quarter of 2024. However, the development is allowed to proceed, although water connections may not be available until next year, city officials said. There is no set start date for construction, Mokos said.

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

Magnolia Crossing, a proposed 95-acre master-planned community, received approval from Magnolia City Council. (Courtesy Red Hill Ventures)

MAGNOLIA City Council came to a development agreement with Red Hill Ventures on Aug. 8 for building Magnolia Crossing, a 95-acre master-planned community to be located northeast of FM 1488 and Mill Creek. The overview: The project proposes around 300 lux- ury multifamily units and about 240-260 single-fam- ily homes, said Kevin Mokos, the Texas development director of Red Hill Ventures. There will also be about 100,000 square feet of commercial space. According to July 11 meeting information, there will

PRICKLY PEAR CT.

149

1488

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

HIGHLIGHTS MAGNOLIA New development in Magnolia is still on pause after Council unanimously approved extending its temporary development moratorium Aug. 8 for another 120 days due to not enough water capacity. MAGNOLIA Council approved proposing a property tax rate of $0.2948 per $100 valuation, a decrease from $0.3813. Tomball City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Sept. 5 and 18 at 401 Market St., Tomball. 281-351-5484. www.tomballtx.gov Magnolia City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Sept. 12 at 18111 Buddy Riley Blvd., Magnolia. 281-356-2266. www.cityofmagnolia.com will meet at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 12 and 26 at 501 N. Thompson St., Ste. 402, Conroe. 936-756-0571. www.mctx.org Harris County Commissioners Court will meet at 10 a.m. Sept. 12 and 19. Montgomery County Commissioners Court Meetings are held virtually and at 1001 Preston St., Ste. 934, Houston. www.harriscountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER

Montgomery County looks to bond, certificates amid funding issues

NAVIGATING SHORTFALLS Montgomery County saw a drop in property value heading into its 2023-24 budget preparations. Montgomery County FY 2023-24: $2.37B property value loss Translates to : $8.8M

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

countywide salary increases, follow- ing a $2.3 billion property tax value loss. To cover expenses, commis- sioners approved Aug. 10 a tax rate of $0.3696 per $100 valuation. While the tax rate is slightly lower than the FY 2022-23 tax rate of $0.3742, it is still above the no-new-revenue rate, which means residents who experi- enced higher tax appraisals this year will see higher property tax bills. What they’re saying: “I think we need some type of a bond if we’re going to be doing this sort of thing and plan on it next year to be able to fix the things that need to be fixed around here,” Keough said. “We’ve kicked all this can down the road so many times.” What’s next: Commissioners pushed back discussions Aug. 22 on a poten- tial bond issue and will discuss again

MONTGOMERY COUNTY At an Aug. 9 budget workshop, Montgom- ery County commissioners discussed a potential infrastructure bond mea- sure as well as issuing certificates of obligation to cover major projects as the county already stands $7 million over budget in fiscal year 2023-24. What you need to know: Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack pro- posed the county seek certificates of obligation, or COs, to cover a number of capital improvement projects. County Judge Mark Keough countered the idea with holding an infrastructure bond election. The breakdown: Montgomery County approved a tax rate higher than the no-new-revenue rate to fund over $7.9 million in budget expenses for FY 2023-24, such as personnel and

in lost property tax revenue Proposed FY 2023 budget: $328.94M Increase from FY 2022-23: $7.9M Proposed tax rate: $0.3696 per $100 valuation No-new-revenue tax rate: $0.3479 per $100 valuation

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Aug. 30, awaiting professional input from bond counsel. Commissioners are also scheduled to approve the budget and tax rate Aug. 30.

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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION • AUGUST 2023

2023 EDUCATION EDITION COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS.

GOLD SPONSOR

Magnolia ISD has the small-town feel of a close-knit community while providing a rst-class quality education to our students. The District serves over 14,100 students, and the diversity of our academic and program oerings contributes to a well-rounded educational experience for students with varying interests and strengths. MISD oers career paths, including 13 Career and Technical Educational pathways and advanced academics. Our two high schools are the only public schools in Montgomery County to oer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). Our award-winning extracurriculars include the Magnolia West State Championship Baseball team and the Texas Art Education Association Distinction Award. The Board and administration passed a November bond to build three new schools due to the growth in our area and are committed to being stewards of taxpayer dollars.

GOLD SPONSOR

Tomball Independent School District is a highly regarded public school system with a reputation for excellence. Tomball ISD takes pride in its progressive pursuit of constant growth and maintains a strong foundation of guiding principles, beliefs, and a visionary mission of the future, all while holding true to its small-town feel. Educating nearly 23,000 students across 23 campuses and spanning 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, Tomball ISD is a fast-growth district that has maintained its unwavering commitment to high-quality instruction and preparing students for a successful future. With an intentional focus on innovation and creating new opportunities for its students, Tomball ISD oers a premier educational experience where every student nds a place to belong, a passion to pursue, and a love for

learning that will serve them well beyond the years they spend in Tomball. Tomball ISD - not just a district, but a destination. #DestinationExcellence To learn more, visit www.tomballisd.net or follow on social media @TomballISD.

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DISTRICT DATA

COMPILED BY ANNA LOTZ & LIZZY SPANGLER

Data and information from local school districts

SOURCES: MAGNOLIA ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, TOMBALL ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT

TOMBALL ISD The percentage of Tomball ISD’s students who are economically disadvantaged, English learners or receive special education services falls below the state average. At the same time, the district projects double-digit enrollment growth over the last four years with three new schools under construction.

MAGNOLIA ISD

Magnolia ISD has a larger percentage of students receiving special education than the state average, data shows. The district also projects its enrollment to grow almost 10% over the last four years. MISD has new campuses, funded by a 2022 bond package, under construction to alleviate schools at or overcapacity.

STUDENT STATISTICS, 202223

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Economically disadvantaged students

English learners

Special education students

Percent change from 2020-21:

+19.82%

13.61%

10.24%

31.4%

+9.41%

47.83%

18.98%

14.3%

Statewide

62%

23.02%

12.74%

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24*

*PROJECTED

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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • AUGUST 2023

At MISD, we provide a first-class quality education. The diversity of our academic and program offerings contribute to a well-rounded educational experience for students with varying interests and strengths. The achievements of the Magnolia West State Champion Baseball team and the district’s Texas Art Education Association Distinction Award are a couple of recognitions that demonstrate our commitment to being the best district in the State of Texas.

www.magnoliaisd.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

EDUCATION Tomball ISD launches full-day pre-K for 202324 school year

2023 EDUCATION EDITION

PREK ADMISSIONS Not every 4-year-old is eligible for pre-K. A student must meet one of the pre-K eligibility requirements:

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

In 2020, the district applied for a three-year waiver to allow TISD to phase in full-day pre-K, according to previous reporting. Alongside the prekindergarten center, which has capacity for 500 students, the district will continue to operate pre-K on some of its cam- puses, Salazar-Zamora said. During the 2021-22 school year, TISD had 310 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in its pre-K programs, according to the TEA, an increase from 209 students the prior year. “We’re a fast-growth district, so I think it will happen within two years,” she said about reaching the center’s capacity. Salazar-Zamora also said there were only a few new employees hired with teachers at existing campuses moving over to the center. “We want our youngest learners to have a love for reading and for learning,” Salazar-Zamora said. “And I truly believe this facility will do that and then some.”

educationally disadvantaged; homeless; in or having been in foster care; or the child of an active-duty member of the armed forces, among other things. “It has been a lot of heavy lifting, but it’s been beautiful to see the team collaborate and come together in this new and exciting way for our rst-ever standalone pre-K center,” TISD Superintendent Martha Sala- zar-Zamora said. TISD opened its Early Excellence Academy this August, welcoming over 300 students. The district has spent around $20 million on the center and everything needed for its opening, funding it in part with 2021 bond money, Salazar-Zamora said. “I am very excited,” she said. “A lot of time and attention went into what this experience will be like for our youngest learners—our little scholars, as I love to call them.” Planning for TISD’s prekinder- garten center began after HB 3 was signed into law, Salazar-Zamora said.

Eligible 4-year-olds are able to attend full-day prekindergarten at both Tomball and Magnolia ISDs after TISD opened its new prekindergarten center, located on Keefer Road, in August. MISD has oered full-day pre-K since the 2019-20 school year, according to previous reporting. As its program grows, MISD is projecting 450 students enrolled in pre-K for 2023-24—an increase from the 433 students enrolled the prior year, according to the district. Districts previously oering half- day pre-K are required to oer full- day pre-K after the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3 in 2019, Com- munity Impact previously reported. Districts are also required to have a pre-K program if they have 15 or more eligible 4-year-olds, according to the Texas Education Agency. To be eligible for pre-K, students must meet one of the requirements, which includes being unable to speak or comprehend English;

Unable to comprehend and speak English

Is educationally disadvantaged

Is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces Is the child of a member of the armed forces who was injured or killed while serving on active duty

Is homeless

Is or has been in foster care

Is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT

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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • AUGUST 2023

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