San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | August 2023

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 4 AUG. 17SEPT. 14, 2023

EDUCATION EDITION 2023

New state testing

The Teacher Reuse relocates to San Marcos

More than 415 acres burned in Hays County

EDUCATION EDITION 2023

District data

Students such as Negley Elementary’s Thomas Brousseau will again take the STAAR exam online during the 202324 school year.

SMTX Playing Cards celebrate the city’s sites

San Marcos, Hays CISDs acclimate to completely-online STAAR redesign

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

and move to an online testing format. The districts also worked toward improving technology resources, increasing their focus on typing skills and respond- ing to open-ended questions. The now entirely online format for the exam was due to House Bill 3906, which passed in the 86th leg- islative session in 2019 and called

for the redesign to the STAAR test. Both districts focused on pre- paring teachers to teach the new question types and supplied all students with technology to transition into the new exam. “I think the experience of, ‘This is not new for us,’ really helped us in the process of moving to the complete CONTINUED ON 24

As districts across the state await the release of the most recent test scores, local educators in Hays and San Marcos CISDs said they admin- istered the State of Texas Assess- ments of Academic Readiness—or STAAR exams—in April after working throughout the 2022-23 school year to adapt to the new question varieties

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Heather Demere EDITOR Eric Weilbacher REPORTER Zara Flores, Amira Van Leeuwen GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melissa Johnson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Adrian Martinez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR William C. Wadsack COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES sbknews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING sbkads@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 HEATHER: In this Education Edition, our front-page story covers the new State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness 2.0 exam, including what’s different about it, potential grading system changes and what that means for accountability ratings. Our business feature this month is on the unique SMTX Playing Cards created by Luke Merchant and Creighton Coyne that are sold at local businesses throughout San Marcos. They depict iconic and culturally significant points of interest throughout San Marcos (see Page 27). Heather Demere, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM ERIC: The San Marcos CISD community of parents, teachers, students and staff have discussed what a school marshal program might mean for the school district as well as what to expect from its implementation. On Page 23, we dive into what school marshals and school resource officers alike learn at the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University and how our local university assists educators throughout the state in dealing with this difficult topic. Eric Weilbacher, EDITOR

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION • AUGUST 2023

IMPACTS

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

BLANCO RIVER

Blade Pink Beauty Salon

SAN MARCOS

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Pool Scouts , a mobile business that pro- vides pool maintenance and specialty ser- vices, opened in Hays County on June 26. Pool Scouts oers weekly and biweekly pool cleaning services along with pump and lter work, aboveground repairs, wa- ter testing and pool treatment solutions. Customers can receive a quote online or by calling the business. 512-240-9119. www.poolscouts.com/texashillcountry COMING SOON 5 Buddy’s Burger , an Austin-based restaurant, is coming to San Marcos. However, there is no opening timeline yet for the new location. The restaurant will be located at 927 Hwy. 80, which was previously home to Italian chain Fazoli’s. Fazoli’s closed its doors in March. Buddy’s Burger oers burgers, fries and shakes. www.buddysburger.com 6 El Pollo Rico , a Mexican restaurant that specializes in grilled chicken on charcoal and carne asada, is opening a location in San Marcos. There is no open- ing timeline yet for the new location. The building was previously home to Mucho Taco and is located at 1109 N. I-35. El Pollo Rico serves carne asada, caldo de pollo, quesadillas, taquitos and more.

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NOW OPEN 1 Blade Pink Beauty Salon opened in San Marcos at 1330 Aquarena Springs Drive, Ste. 115, on May 6. The salon oers free consultations, haircuts, washes and styles. Co-Owner Yesenia Ramirez also provides a variety of other hair services, including color correc- tions, perms, lace hair closures, toners, colors and balayages. 737-213-4040. https://bit.ly/3OiElkH

2 Douglas Smith Artisan Soap Co. , a locally owned soap company, opened Aug. 10 at 208 N. LBJ Drive, San Mar- cos. The soap company sells a vari- ety of plant-based handcrafted soap and shave products. 713-240-2124. www.douglassmithsoap.com 3 Shake Shack opened its rst location in San Marcos on July 28. Located at the Tanger Outlets at 4025 S. I-35, Shake Shack oers a variety of burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes, lemonades and teas. The San Marcos location is

also the franchise’s fourth location with a drive-thru in the state. Customers are able to place orders inside, at the drive-thru or preorder online as well as through the Shack app for pickup or delivery. www.shakeshack.com 4 Tin Fish , a custom sustainable clothing store, opened in downtown San Marcos at 145 S. LBJ Drive on July 1. Own- er Natalie Prewitt designs custom-made shorts, dresses and pants. She also oers samples and a selection of fabrics. Instagram: tinf_ish

www.pollosricos.com EXPANSIONS

7 The Groove held a grand opening July 6 to celebrate the launch of its dinner and drink menus. The San Marcos eatery, lo- cated at 2626 Hunter Road, Ste. 101, also expanded its hours from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. to 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. The Groove

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COMPILED BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Tin Fish

Buddy’s Burger

Owner and founder Shelly O’Donnell scans barcodes on items Amber Johnson, a San Marcos CISD pre-K teacher, is getting for her art and science centers.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY BUDDY'S BURGER

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

ANNIVERSARIES 9 AJ’s Ranch Road Grill , located at 1904 Old Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, will celebrate its 10-year anniversary Sept. 30. The restaurant—which also operates a food truck on the Texas State Universi- ty campus—oers a variety of barbecue foods, including brisket nachos and an as- sortment of plates. AJ’s Ranch Road Grill also sells quesadillas, sandwiches and more. 512-878-8226. Instagram: ajsrrg 10 Studio San Martian celebrated its ve-year anniversary Aug. 15. Located at 1904 Old Ranch Road 12, Ste. 108 in San Marcos, Studio San Martian oers a wide range of community events, including yoga classes, live music, poetry nights, art workshops and more. 512-757-8666. www.studiosanmartian.com

serves a variety of entrees, including Surf & Turf Pasta and a Hawaiian Beef Bowl along with an assortment of appetizers, soups, salads and sides. The Groove also oers beer and wine from local win- eries as well as fruit-infused cocktails. 512-657-8911. www.ilovethegroove.com CLOSINGS 8 Sugar Shack Bakery , located at 690 Centerpoint Road, Ste. 215, San Mar- cos, closed its doors June 17, according to the bakery’s Facebook. The Wimber- ley-based bakery opened its San Marcos location in November 2021 after out- growing its original location. Sugar Shack bakery sold breakfast pastries, desserts and gluten-free bakery items. Facebook: SugarShackBakeryTx

FEATURED IMPACT RELOCATIONS The Teacher Reuse , a nonprot organization that oers free supplies to Central Texas teachers, reopened July 22 at a new location in San Marcos. The city of San Marcos partnered with The Teacher Reuse to provide a new space at 1040 Hwy. 123. The Teacher Reuse has a wide range of teacher supplies, including bulletin board borders, toys, pencils, pens, games, puzzles and more. Public and private school teachers interested in supplies for their classrooms can register online with their school IDs. “[Teachers are] coming from all over

because they know, even if they just shop one day, they can save up to a thousand dollars,” owner Shelly

O’Donnell said. 512-202-5632. www.theteacherreuse.org

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • AUGUST 2023

IMPACTS

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

BUDA

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Einstein Bros. Bagels

Louie’s NY Sammies

COURTESY EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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3 Pollo Campero , a Guatema- la-based fast-food chain, opened Aug. 8 at 19000 I-35, Kyle. The restau- rant oers various chicken entrees, sides and desserts. 833-226-7376. https://us.campero.com 4 Taqueria Chapala opened a new lo- cation in mid-July at 16649 S. I-35, Buda. The shop has two other locations in Aus- tin. The restaurant has a large menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner. The break- fast features sweet and savory oerings, such as pancakes and breakfast tacos. www.taqueriachapalarestaurant.com 5 Austin-based Via 313 Pizza , located at 19230 S. I-35, Ste. 300 Kyle, held its grand opening Aug. 14. The restaurant serves a variety of specialty rectangular Detroit-style pizzas as well as “bar- style” pizza, which comes with a thinner crust. 737-275-3313. www.via313.com 6 Willies’ Grill & Icehouse opened at 19200 S. I-35, Kyle, on July 17. The Houston-based restaurant oers a variety of entrees, including baby back ribs and chicken-fried steak. Wil- lie’s Grill and Icehouse also oers an assortment of starters, sides, soups, salads and more. 512-598-9000. www.williesgrillandicehouse.com 7 Convenience store chain TXB opened its 68th location at the end of July at 145 Lehman Road, Kyle. The chain, for- merly known as Kwik Check, now stands for Texas Born. The company broke ground on the new store in October, as previously reported by Community Impact , which came with a $5,000 do- nation to Court Appointed Special Ad- vocates of Central Texas. The store sells drinks, snacks and other basics; there are 2001 21

also gas pumps outside. 512-264-2178. www.txbstores.com COMING SOON 8 Austin-based restaurant Mighty Fine Burgers is slated to open in Kyle this year at 19640 I-35, according to a news release. Mighty Fine Burgers has several other locations in the Austin area and is known for its burgers, sandwich- es and hot dogs. Mighty Fine Burgers also oers hand-dipped milkshakes. www.mightyneburgers.com 9 The fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant Cava is coming soon to Kyle Crossing and will be located at 5120 S. FM 1626, Ste. 120, Kyle. Cava serves a variety of dierent bowls, pita sandwiches, falafel, sides and desserts. The restaurant also oers catering services. There is no set opening date or time frame yet. www.cava.com 10 Snooze an A.M. Eatery , a Colora- do-based breakfast and brunch chain restaurant, is anticipated to open in Kyle at 5140 S. FM 1626, Ste. 120. The restaurant has dozens of other locations across Central Texas, including in the Houston, Austin and San Antonio areas. Snooze sells a variety of breakfast and brunch food options, including pancakes, French toast, omelets, tacos, burritos and sandwiches. The restaurant also has a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, such as juice and coee along with Bloody Marys and mimosas. An opening date is still to be determined. www.snoozeeatery.com 11 Wingstop is expected to open this fall at 1671 Main St., Ste. K, Buda. The

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NOW OPEN 1 Einstein Bros. Bagels opened in Kyle on July 19 at 19220 S. I-35, Ste. 200. The bagel shop, which has a digital kitchen, sells hot and iced coee with gourmet, signature and classic bagels. The digital kitchen gives customers the option to order ahead on their phone. Einstein Bros. Bagels also oers dierent bagel lunch options with a variety of avored spreads and sweets. 737-327-8134. www.einsteinbros.com

2 Louie’s NY Sammies is bringing its signature New York deli-style food to Buda. The food truck, located at 400 N. Main St., opened Aug. 2. Louie’s NY Sammies oers a variety of “New York staples,” and each menu item is named after the founding Go family mem- ber who likes that item the most. The food truck’s menu includes a selection of hoagie sandwiches, bagels, water- melon salad and sides. 737-312-7788. www.louies-ny-sammies.net

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Wingstop

COURTESY CAVA

COURTESY WINGSTOP

Twisted Steel Barbell has a wide range of dumbbell weights, EZ curl bars and kettlebells.

CLOSINGS 12 Tripp + Archer , a locally owned boutique, closed its storefront at the end of June. Tripp + Archer owner Lindsey Childress said the owner of the building let her know upfront that he had plans to renovate or demolish the building down the line, but she was able to operate until he was ready. The boutique opened in October 2021 at 112 S. Main St., Buda, a few months after Childress’ then-4-year-old son, Tripp, had a nonfatal drowning accident. Tripp + Archer sells an assortment of clothing, shoes, accessories, home and gift items. Although the storefront closed, Tripp + Archer will continue to be operational online. www.trippandarcher.com

chain restaurant oers chicken wings with a variety of wing rubs, including lemon pepper, hickory smoked barbecue, garlic parmesan and more. Wingstop also has a selection of sides, including seasoned fries, veggie sticks and Cajun fried corn. www.wingstop.com Harbor Health , a health care clinic that oers primary, specialty and pediatric care, is bringing its services to Buda. The Buda location lease is being nalized, but it is anticipated to open in August. Harbor Health oers an array of health care services through in-person visits and telehealth, including behavioral health, chronic disease management and pediatric care. The clinic also oers a variety of specialty care, including or- thopedic, cardiovascular, neurology and dermatology. www.harborhealth.com

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Twisted Steel Barbell , a 24-hour warehouse gym located at 1151 Bunton Creek Road, Ste. 201, opened in Kyle on July 6. Twisted Steel Barbell is a Christian family-owned gym operated by husband and wife Jacob and Beth Obuszweski. The gym has a range of dumbbell weights and squat racks. Twisted Steel Barbell also oers recovery services, including compression relief, red-light therapies and massage chairs. Twisted Steel Barbell oers personal training, custom diet and exercise training programs

for bodybuilding, powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting. The monthly membership fee is $55 with no contracts or sign-up fees. 512-605-9936. www.twistedsteelbarbell.com

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TODO LIST

August & September events

COMPILED BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

SEPT. 0102

EAT PIE LAKE KYLE PARK

SEPT. 23

EMBRACE YOUR INNER MERMAID DOWNTOWN SAN MARCOS

The city of Kyle will host its annual Pie in the Sky festival. There will be tethered hot air balloon rides, a glow show, reworks and pie events. There will also be live music and a variety of vendors. 5-10:30 p.m. (Fri.), 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (Sat.) $10 (one day), $15 (two days). Lake Kyle Park, 700 Lehman Road, Kyle. 512-262-1010. www.pieinthesky.com

The city of San Marcos will host its seventh annual Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest. There will be Mermaid Promenade oats and a Downtown Street Faire with over 140 vendor booths. There will also be art, live jazz, R&B music and food. 10 a.m. Free. 202 N. CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos. 512-825-2819. https://splash.mermaidsocietysmtx.com

Australian Blues guitarist Taj Farrant will perform at Buck’s Backyard on Sept. 9. LIVE MUSIC BUCK’S BACKYARD 1750 S. FM 1626, Buda 512-312-9456 www.bucksbackyard.com AUGUST 25 Braydon Zink, 8:30 p.m. 26 Band of Heathens, 9 p.m. SEPTEMBER 09 Taj Farrant, 8 p.m. THE MARC 120 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos 512-757-5443 www.themarcsm.com SEPTEMBER 02 Adventure Club: Death or Glory Tour II, 9 p.m. 03 Waka Flocka Flame, 9 p.m. 15 Sickick, 9 p.m. 16 Marauda: Realm of the Damned Tour, 9 p.m. 23 Gentlemens Club, 9 p.m.

AUGUST 23 ATTEND AN ART SHOW The San Marcos Art League will host its closing reception for its annual member showcase called “The Big SMAL Show” at the Price Center & Garden. There will be artwork from over 60 local artists in a variety of mediums, including acrylic, watercolor, woodwork and more There will also be refreshments. 6-8 p.m. Free. The Price Center & Garden, 222 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos. www.artleaguesmtx.org SEPTEMBER 02 THROUGH 03 HAVE FELLOWSHIP AND FUN St. John Catholic Church will host its 76th annual Fiesta. The weekend-long event will have food, fellowship, live music, games, a carnival and a rae. 6-11 p.m. daily. Free. St. John Catholic Church, 624 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos. 512-353-8969. www.sanmarcoscatholic.org/ st-john-esta 07 LEARN ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE The Meadows Center for Water and Environment will host “Climate Science:

registration only). San Marcos City Park, 170 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos. www.texaswatersafari.org 12 THROUGH 16 ATTEND AN ART FESTIVAL Inspired Minds Art Center will host The Buda Arts Festival, a ve-day celebration for all things art from the Stagecoach House to Jackson Tyler Morris Memorial Skatepark. There will be painting competitions, live music, lm screenings, art demonstrations, artist meetups, multicultural performances and more. Times vary. Free admission. Inspired Minds Art Center, 880 Main St., Buda. 512-364-3630. www.inspiredminds.art/ budartsfestival 18 PARTEE ON THE RANGE The Kyle Chamber of Commerce will host Kyle’s 2023 Classic Golf Tournament at Plum Creek Golf Course. Prizes will be awarded for top-placing teams, and a special prize will go to the tournament’s “Dead Ass Last” team. 7:30-8:30 a.m. (check-in), 8:30 a.m. (shotgun start). $225 (individual), $900 (team). Plum Creek Golf Course, 4301 Benner Road, Kyle. 512-268-4220. www.kylechamber.chambermaster.com/ eventregistration/register/22297

The Good, The Bad and The Wicked” in the LBJ Student Center grand ballroom at Texas State University. The conference will highlight climate change and how it aects Texas. Registration is required. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $60-$110. 601 University Drive, San Marcos. www.themeadowscenter.com 16 TAKE YOUR DOG FOR A DIP The Kyle Parks and Recreation Department will host its fth annual Doggie Dip at the James Adkins Pool located at Gregg-Clarke Park. All dogs must be vaccinated for rabies. Preregistration is required and is open through Sept. 6. $12. 10 a.m. Gregg- Clarke Park, 1100 W. Center St., Kyle. www.teamsideline.com/Kyle 16 COMPETE IN THE JUNIOR WATER SAFARI The Texas Junior Water Safari will be held beginning at San Marcos City Park. The race is the rst 16 miles of the longer Texas Water Safari route from San Marcos City Park to the Staples FM 1977 bridge. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The cut-o deadline to reach FM 1979 and the Martindale Bridge is noon. Food and drinks will be provided at the nish line, and there will be cash drawings at the awards. 9 a.m. $35 (race day

Find more or submit San Marcos, Buda and Kyle 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.

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • AUGUST 2023

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Taxiway Charlie reopens at San Marcos Regional Airport

COMPILED BY ERIC WEILBACHER

COMPLETED PROJECTS

A ribbon-cutting was held for the completion of the full reconstruction and repaving of Taxiway Charlie at the San Marcos Regional Airport on July 28. Trac at the airport includes a mix of student pilot training, cargo shipments and private ights. The gist: While the runways for liftos and landings have been improved over the years, the reconstruction of the taxiways is part of an eort to replace World War II-era concrete along the taxiways and ramps. The backstory: The city of San Mar- cos took over Gary Air Field, a World War II Army Air Corps training base, in 1966. The airport—which serves as a reliever airport for Austin-Berg- strom International Airport and the San Antonio International Airport as designated by the Federal Aviation Administration—is also used for a variety of freight and transporta- tion purposes and has seen record ights this year, according to Texas Aviation Partners, the group that operates the airport. Texas Aviation Partners was selected to oversee airport operations by the city in 2010. The breakdown: The improvements come at a time the airport is reporting heavier trac. Through July of this year, 57,596 operations were recorded at the airport, said Cassidy Berenato, vice president of Texas Aviation Partners. Operations ticked up signicantly in recent years from 63,955 in 2019 to 91,852 in 2022, a 43.62% increase.

The new Route 1 service began in July.

COURTESY CITY OF SAN MARCOS

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 3. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SBKNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. the 30-minute frequency but shift to 60 minutes when they break o to service the two separate routes, according to the city. All SMTX The Bus routes operate Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. and operate fare free. World Drive, which will have stops between Lowe’s Home Improvement and the Christus Santa Rosa-San Marcos campus occurring on one-hour intervals, according to the city. Stops that both routes share will keep Route 1 for public bus expands reach The city of San Marcos Public Works Department in collaboration with Cap- ital Area Rural Transportation Systems expanded SMTX The Bus Route 1 reach to include service to the Village Main of San Marcos, located at 215 S. Reimer Ave. The new service began July 10. This new bus service expands access to public services located along the route, including oces located at the Village Main of San Marcos, such as the San Marcos Women, Infants and Children oces along with Any Baby Can. Route 1 was split in this area into Route 1V—which will reach to Village Main and Texas State University’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Park on one-hour intervals—and Route 1W along Wonder

San Marcos city sta, council members and others celebrated the new taxiway July 28.

FLIGHTS TAKE OFF Since 2019, ights in and out of the San Marcos Regional Airport have increased signicantly. 2023 is on track to possibly

“As you can see, so far this year we have broken records every month— despite this outrageous heat,” Berenato said. “Per the tower, we’re on track to reach 95,000 takeos and landings this year, but I have my ngers crossed for 100,000.” The takeaway: Other improve- ments include new signage, markings and LED lighting system to improve visibility for pilots. Funding came from the Federal Avi- ation Administration through a grant awarded by the Texas Department of Transportation, along with a supple- mental allocation from the city of San Marcos from its general fund. The city’s contribution of $539,273 brought the total funding to $5.39 million. Taxiway Alpha reconstruction is expected to begin later this year, and its cost will be roughly split with 90% federal funding and 10% city funding, as was the case with Taxiway Charlie, according to the city. “We anticipate Taxiway Alpha

surpass 100,000 ights. Annual ight operations

*AS OF JULY 2019 63,955 2020 78,010 2021 82,368 2022 91,852 2023 57,596*

SOURCE: SAN MARCOS REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMUNITY IMPACT

will follow the same general time- line depending on when [the] FAA releases the funding—it could begin earlier,” Berenato said. “So it would be safe to say late 2023 or early 2024.” Timeline: January-July 2023 Cost: $5.39 million Funding Source: FAA, city of San Marcos

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CITY & COUNTY

News from Buda, Hays County, Kyle & San Marcos

Buda City Council will meet Sept. 5 and 19 at 6 p.m. 405 E. Loop St., Buda 512-312-0084 • www.budatx.gov Kyle City Council will meet Sept. 5 and 19 at 7 p.m. 100 W. Center St., Kyle 512-262-1010 • www.cityoyle.com San Marcos City Council will meet Sept. 5 and 19 at 6 p.m. 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos 512-393-8000 www.sanmarcostx.gov Hays County Commissioners Court will meet Sept. 5, 12 and 19 at 9 a.m. 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos 512-393-2205 www.hayscountytx.com MEETINGS WE COVER voters passed Proposition A in the November 2020 bond election, which nanced the construction of the center. The bond costs property owners $0.0744 per $100 valuation for the 20-year life of the bond. Since October 2021, an average homeowner saw their property taxes increase about $13.50 per month. The 64,000-square-foot facility gives the Kyle Police Department the ability to house the department in a single location. NUMBER TO KNOW is the projected scal year 2023-24 budget for Buda Economic Development Corp., which is up 13.5% from the previous scal year. The majority of the revenue comes from general sales tax at around $3.6 million. $4.82M HIGHLIGHTS BUDA City ocials celebrated the completion of Green Meadows Pavilion No. 2 on July 28. The pavilion is the rst project to be completed from the city’s 2021 bond. A number of transportation projects, such as the expansion of the Main Street eastern extension, are part of the bond projects. That project is in the design phase and will connect I-35 to commercial areas along Main Street as well as the Suneld community. BUDA City Council accepted a $144,284 grant from Capital Metro for the Seniors Taking a Ride program. The program oers free transportation services to those age 60 and older as well as individuals living with disabilities. The grant will go toward a second bus for the program, which is expected to go live by early 2025 at the latest. KYLE The city of Kyle held a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 20 to celebrate the completion of its Public Safety Center, located at 1700 Kohlers Crossing. Kyle

Fires scorch more than 415 acres in Hays County

HAYS COUNTY Around 400 acres, a home and numerous buildings were destroyed as of Aug. 10 following a wildre dubbed the Oak Grove re that began Aug. 5 at the 200 block of Oak Grove Road in San Marcos, according to the Hays County Oce of Emer- gency Management. Another re caught and burned 15.5 acres in the Aztec Village and Oak Hill mobile home park in Kyle on Aug. 8. That re was dubbed the Oak Hill re. The timeline: Twelve households had to evacuate the Oak Grove re area Aug. 5. Ocials estimated the re had grown and destroyed 300 acres and was 10% contained that day. On Aug. 6, the Oak Grove re was 30% contained. Land reported lost was estimated up to 400 acres. The Hays County Fire Marshal’s Oce conrmed Aug. 6 that one residence and a number of outbuildings were destroyed by the re. On Aug. 7, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported the re was 50% contained. Two National Guard BY ZARA FLORES & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Blackhawk helicopters provided bucket drops on hot spots. On Aug. 7, the county oce of emergency management announced residents previously asked to leave their homes were allowed to return. By the afternoon of Aug. 9, the re was more than 95% contained, though crews were still dealing with signi- cant hotspots in the northern reaches of the re. That same afternoon, a call came in about a grass re that became the Oak Hill re, Kyle Fire Department representative Andy Womble said. As of Aug. 9, the Oak Hill re was at around 15.5 acres and 90% contained. Going forward: Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra addressed the res Aug. 8. “I feel bad saying it, but we will have another [re]: Triple-digit [temperatures] aren’t stopping; they’re continuing down the path for as far as we can see,” Becerra said. “If there are lots of trees and bushes near your home, trim them down now because that is literally one of those items that will cause your house to go down.”

Fire crews worked to extinguish the Oak Hill re in Kyle on Aug. 8.

MULTIAGENCY EFFORT

• Texas A&M Forest Service • Texas Interstate Fire Mutual Aid System strike team • Hays County Wildland Task Force • Travis County Task Force • Texas Emergency Medical Task Force • One air attack platform • Two helicopters • Four single-engine air tankers • Two super scooper planes • One large air tanker A number of resources were used to extinguish the re from across Texas. Those include:

SOURCE: HAYS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

$34M wastewater treatment plant expansion complete

New re station opens near Trace

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

SAN MARCOS The San Marcos Fire Department held a grand opening and engine push-in ceremony June 30 for the completion of its sixth re station, located at 5716 S. Old Bastrop Hwy. near the Trace development. Fire Chief Les Stephens said the community support has been “overwhelming.” “We had a lot of not just city employees and dierent depart- ments throughout the city, but a really strong attendance by the new Trace community,” Stephens said. Mayor Jane Hughson noted there was a lot of growth in that area with more coming. “It is a wonderful feeling knowing that we’ve got more protection for our residents in an area that is grow- ing very quickly,” Hughson said. Construction began in August 2021 and took nearly two years to

BY ZARA FLORES

266

KYLE Ocials and public works sta gathered July 13 to celebrate the completion of a $34 million wastewater facility expansion, located at 941 New Bridge Drive, Kyle. The facility began operations in Kyle in 2000 and was owned by Aqua Texas until the city bought and took it over in 2015. The plant’s capacity increased from 3 million gallons per day to 4.5 million.

complete due to numerous delays, most of which were caused by supply chain issues, Stephens said. The new station was nanced through Trace, a master-planned housing community in San Marcos that gave the re department $500,000 to assist with the design, Stephens said. He explained homeowners were going to have to pay high home insurance rates because of the dis- tance to the nearest re station. The developer sought to prevent that. “They knew that would be an uphill battle to sell homes to people, knowing that they were going to be in such a high public protection classication,” he said.

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ANNUAL COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE REAL ESTATE EDUCATION COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. VISIT

DISTRICT DATA

Data and information from local school districts

COMPILED BY ERIC WEILBACHER

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, SAN MARCOS CISD, HAYS CISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SAN MARCOS CISD

HAYS CISD

San Marcos CISD is the smaller of the two school districts in the San Marcos, Buda and Kyle area with fewer than 9,000 students across 11 campuses. SMCISD voters also approved its recent $166.19 million bond for districtwide improvements in May.

Hays CISD encompasses Buda and Kyle and has a much larger student body than SMCISD with almost 24,000 students projected for the upcoming school year. Around 20% of the students in HCISD are English learners, and around 14% are special education students, which is similar to or greater than the statewide average.

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

TOTAL TEACHERS AND SALARIES

Total number of teachers*

Percent change from 2020-21:

+2.47% +12.34%

+9.82%

1,500

+14.89%

1,000

500

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24*

*PROJECTED

*TOTAL IS THE FULLTIME EQUIVALENT AND MAY INCLUDE PARTTIME POSITIONS.

STUDENT STATISTICS, 202223

Average teacher salary

Economically disadvantaged students 78.87%

English learners

Special education students

+4.25% +13.23%

$65,000

21.13%

15.39%

$60,000

47.99%

33.33%

14.93%

$55,000

Statewide

$50,000

62%

23.02%

12.74%

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • AUGUST 2023

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Hays & San Marcos CISDs

2023 EDUCATION EDITION

Attendance zoning changes begin for new elementary school

Board amends 2023- 24 compensation plan

Hays CISD Will meet Aug. 28 and Sept. 18 and 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Buda Elementary Campus, 300 San Marcos St., Buda. 512-268-2141 MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS HAYS CISD Following the approval of the $315.65 million bond by Hays CISD voters May 6, the board of trustees voted unanimously Aug. 1 to issue bonds in that amount. SAN MARCOS CISD The board of trustees held a public hearing June 19 for the proposed tax rate for scal year 2023-24. The maintenance and operation rate is proposed at $0.855, while the interest and sinking tax rate is at $0.3113 for a total tax rate of $1.1663 per $100 valuation, which is lower than last year’s overall rate of $1.1706. The proposed tax rate will not be nalized until August or September.

FLUCTUATING FINANCES

Over the past several years, both San Marcos CISD’s revenue and expenditures have uctuated back and forth.

Revenue

Expenditures

BY ZARA FLORES

policy, is to form new attendance zone maps to funnel students into the new school and out of other overcrowded campuses. The design of the new elementary school is underway, funded as part of the 2022 bond. Construction is slated to cost $48.3 million, also part of the bond. The school will be two stories at around 115,000 square feet total with almost 50 classrooms and is expected to open in fall 2024. The gist: Each board member will select two community members to serve on the rezoning committee. The committee will meet to study the existing maps and propose two new maps. The board will host public forums to gather input from the community. What else?: The board also approved the creation of another 14-person committee, which will be responsible for proposing names for Elementary

$120M

BY ZARA FLORES

NEGLEY RELIEF SCHOOL

HAYS CISD The board of trustees approved the creation of a 14-person committee July 24 to aid in adjusting attendance zones for the district’s 16th elementary school under con- struction in northwest Kyle. Each school board member will appoint two community members to be on the committee. The background: The new ele- mentary school will be located in the Anthem subdivision in Kyle on around 13 acres of land. The school thus far has been dubbed the “Neg- ley relief school” by board members and district sta. Negley Elementary School, 5940 McNaughton, Kyle, has been overcrowded and is overcapacity, according to data from the district and Population and Survey Analysts. Construction began on the new school earlier this year, and the next step in the process, per district

HAYS CISD The board of trustees voted July 24 to amend the 2023- 24 compensation plan for district employees. The 2%-4% raises include paraprofessionals, auxiliary sta, bus drivers, teachers and counselors. What you need to know: Changes to the compensation plan came about to ensure the district can recruit, retain and support sta, according to agenda documents. Changes to the compensation plan are as follows: • Add new position: new teacher specialist • Reduce days of work from 266 to 210 for secondary sheltered and secondary language instructors • Change in days from 226 to 230 for security and communications oce manager • New $2,000 stipend for reading academy instructor.

NIAGARA FALLS LN.

$80M $100M $60M $0

SMITHSONIAN LN.

GRAND TETON DR.

ANTHEM PKWY.

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22 2022-23 2023-24

1626

SOURCE: SAN MARCOS CISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

150

LAURA B. NEGLEY ELEMENTARY

San Marcos CISD sees decline in revenue SAN MARCOS CISD On June 19, the board of trustees approved after the end of the scal year. Digging deeper: The district’s revenues are: BY ZARA FLORES

MCNAUGHTON

meet a handful of times throughout the fall. Community members wish- ing to add their names for commit- tee consideration can nd out more information at www.hayscisd.net. The committees will then bring forth their recommendations for new attendance maps and school facility names to the board by December.

the scal year 2023-24 budget of $105 million with a projected revenue of $79 million, a 3.1% decrease from last year’s revenue, for a budget decit of $26 million. The district’s fund balance, however, is projected to be $54 million, which means there will still be $27 million leftover

School No. 16 and 17 along with the new Academic Support Center. Funding for all three projects comes from previous HCISD bonds . What’s next: The goal is to have the committees formed by September, Chief Communication Ocer Tim Savoy said. Each committee will

• $68.65 million in local revenue • $9.9 million in state revenue • $1.01 million in federal revenue Notable increases across the district’s expenditures include an additional $6 million on instruc- tion and nearly $1 million more for security and monitoring.

www.hayscisd.net San Marcos CISD

Will meet Sept. 5 and 18 at 6 p.m. at San Marcos High School, 2601 Rattler Road, San Marcos. 512-393-6700 • www.smcisd.net

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