New Caney - Porter | August 2025

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New Caney Porter Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4 | SEPT. 4-OCT. 2, 2025

2025 Education Edition

Enrollment explosion A new bond election could be in New Caney ISD’s near future, district leaders said, due to projections that rising student enrollment over the next decade will force 17 out of 22 campuses to exceed their capacities. Enrollment growth is not new for NCISD. The BY EMILY LINCKE New Caney ISD officials eye next bond program as student population estimates continue to rise 8 +0-200 students +201-400 students +401-600 students +601-800 students Number of students expected to be added from 2025-34

+801-1,000 students

district was one of five public school districts in the Greater Houston area to see more than 15% enroll- ment growth—19.3%— from 2020-25, according to Texas Education Agency data. However, a mid-level growth projection expects the district to see enroll- ment rise 43.3% over the next decade, according to a report presented March 17 from demographics firm Population and Survey Analysts, or PASA. “In my 10 years in the district, it has always been a big topic of how to prepare for [growth] and how to proactively deal with it and keep up with it,” NCISD Superintendent Matt Calvert said. Four new schools were funded under the district’s $695 million bond, approved by voters in May 2023, Calvert said, but NCISD’s projected enrollment boom could require four more. The enrollment growth will largely be spurred by more housing options coming to the area, accord- ing to PASA’s report. Nearly 18,500 new residential units are projected to be built within NCISD’s boundaries by 2034.

Roman Forest

1485

ROMAN FOREST BLVD.

New Caney

1314

Elementary schools 1 Tavola 2 Sorters Mill 3 Bens Branch 4 Kings Manor 5 Valley Ranch 6 Brookwood Forest Middle schools 13 Woodridge Forest 14 Pine Valley 15 Keefer Crossing 16 White Oak

7 Crippen 8 Dogwood 9 Oakley

494

Porter

High schools 17 West Fork 18 New Caney 19 Porter 10 Highlands 11 New Caney 12 Porter

3.9K-10.6K NCISD is projected to add students over the next decade

SOURCE: POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

CONTINUED ON 14

Also in this issue

Impacts: Check out Porter’s newest arcade, trading card store (Page 4)

Government: Learn more about Montgomery County Precinct 4’s proposed master parks plan (Page 7)

Transportation: See the latest update on planned Grand Parkway upgrades (Page 16)

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Impacts

3 Legendary Cuts This veteran-owned barber shop offers services including adult and kids’ haircuts, hair designs, hot towel shaves, and beard and eyebrow trimming. • Opened July 7 • 3202 Roman Forest Blvd., New Caney • www.dot.cards/legendary_cuts_ 4 Sunbelt Rentals The company offers rentals of equipment including forklifts, scaffolding and tree trimmers.

242

OLD HOUSTON RD.

SPEED ST.

CONROE PORTER RD.

Roman Forest

1485

New Caney

• Grand opening held July 22 • 20698 Hwy. 59, New Caney • www.sunbeltrentals.com

ROMAN FOREST BLVD.

5 AJ Morales Insurance The company offers personal insurance—including auto, home and life policies—as well as commercial insurance. • Opened in late May or early June • 22208 FM 1314, Porter • www.ajmoralesinsurance.com 6 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice The shop offers more than 40 flavors of Italian ice, soft- serve ice cream and ice cream sandwich cookies. • Soft opened Aug. 21; grand opening in late September • 20470 FM 1485, New Caney • www.jeremiahsice.com/locations/new-caney-tx

PAYNE RD.

1485

1314

494

Porter

Valley Ranch

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

MARKET PLACE DR.

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

VALLEY RANCH BLVD.

Coming soon

FORD RD.

OLD SORTERS RD.

7 Lumos The entertainment and private event venue features a 6,000-square-foot arcade with an Omni Arena for virtual reality, ax throwing and bowling lanes, laser tag, and a dining area. • Opening in late September • 22296 Market Place Drive, Ste. 100, New Caney • www.lumossocial.com 8 Go Lillee Greens A new microgreens and aquaponics store is expected to open soon in Porter, a spokesperson with developer Black Label Commercial Group confirmed July 21.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Blue Jay’s Cauldron Owned by Jeremy Miller, the shop sells comic books, character trading cards, figurines, 3D printed items and stickers. The location features an arcade and will host events. • Soft opened July 22; grand opening in November

Now open

1 El Big Boy The food truck serves tacos and barbecue sandwiches. • Opened July 6 • 23116 Payne Road, New Caney • www.instagram.com/el_big_boy_official

• 23435 FM 1314, Ste. A2, Porter • www.bluejayscauldron.com

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• Opening in late September or October • 22985 FM 1314, Porter • No website or phone number as of press time 9 Swipe The new gas station and convenience store is under construction and will be opening soon in New Caney, the owner confirmed Aug. 14. • Opening date TBD • 23396 FM 1485, New Caney • No website or phone number as of press time

within shopping plaza La Marketa de Porter. The barber shop offers adult and kids haircuts, as well as hair

Coming soon

designs and beard trims. • Relocating by this fall • 24151 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Porter (new suite number TBD) • www.instagram.com/cavalino_barber

In the news

14 America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses The national franchise celebrated five years since opening in Valley Ranch Town Center on June 26. The business offers eye exams for adults and children as well as prescription lenses, contacts and sunglasses. • 21550 Market Place Drive, Ste. 200, New Caney • www.americasbest.com 15 Cinco Vidas Coffee Company Owned by husband and wife Brandon and Stephanie Leyva, this walk-in mobile coffee trailer based in Porter marked one year in business Aug. 1. In addition to hot and iced coffee and espresso-based beverages, menu offerings include matcha-based beverages, energy drinks, teas, lemonades and baked goods. • 23141 FM 1314, Porter • www.cincovidascoffeeco.com 16 Lavanderia Express Owners Rajesh Sapkota and Sadhana Sharma Luetel celebrated the laundromat’s one-year anniversary on Aug. 24. The business offers self-service washing as well as folding services. • 24183 Hwy. 59, Porter • https://lalavanderiaporter.wixsite.com/ lalavenderiaporter 17 Half Price Boxes On Sept. 1, the business marked the one-year anniversary since opening in Porter, Founder/CEO Michelle Dupuy said. The business offers a variety of moving and shipping boxes as well as packing and shipping supplies. • 24183 Hwy. 59, Porter • www.halfpriceboxesusa.com

What’s next

10 Territory at Porter This 342-unit apartment complex will feature a slate of amenities and construction is expected to wrap up in November, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 21385 FM 1314, Porter • www.dhananipeg.com/residential 11 Health Center of Southeast Texas The medical provider offers a range of specialties, including primary care, women’s health services, pediatric care, laboratory work and behavioral health services. Construction is expected to wrap up in March, according to a TDLR filing. • 2503 Roman Forest Blvd., Roman Forest • www.hcset.com 12 Fuel Maxx The project will include a convenience store and washateria. Fuel Maxx also partners with Checkers, Taco Corner and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit to offer dining options. Construction is expected to wrap up by June 2026, according to a TDLR filing. • 23988 FM 1314, Ste. 100, Porter • www.fuel-maxx.net

18 Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux The 7,879-square-foot sports bar and restaurant will feature more than 90 big-screen TVs and flexible seating for large groups. Walk-On’s will feature a full bar, with over 24 beers on tap as well as signature cocktails, and a menu of Cajun and Creole dishes such as boom boom shrimp tacos, gumbo and fried alligator. Sports bar staples— including burgers and wings—will also be offered. • Opening in late spring 2026 • 22276 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.walk-ons.com 19 The Joint Chiropractic The Valley Ranch Town Center location celebrated one year in business on May 8. The New Caney location is led by Dr. Yvonne Warner who has more than 20 years of experience, per the website. • 11939 Grand Parkway, Ste. 400, New Caney • www.thejoint.com 20 Rotary Club of East Montgomery County The nonprofit opened its fifth Little Library at J&R’s Ace Hardware in May. • J&R’s Ace Hardware, 23678 FM 1314, Porter • www.rotaryemc.org

Relocations

13 Cavalino Barber Shop The barber shop will be relocating to a bigger suite

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NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE, RACHEL LELAND & JESSICA SHORTEN

County officials urge disaster preparedness amid FEMA concerns

Diving in deeper

FEMA funding also provides individual assistance directly to residents affected by local disasters. Individual assistance can vary from lump sum payments to hotel accommodations for families affected by a disaster. Following the derecho event and Hurricane Beryl in 2024, the Houston region received two presidential disaster declarations. According to funding allocation reports from FEMA, 739,519 applications for individual assistance for home- owners were approved from the two events, totaling nearly $1.2 billion in assistance passed on to residents in 2024 alone. Individual assistance requests from Hurricane Harvey, Tropical Storm Imelda, Hurricane Beryl and the Houston derecho, and the 2024 severe storms totaled $2.9 billion, according to FEMA. FEMA individual assistance funding for Houston region Housing assistance funding Other assistance funding Hurricane Harvey $1.2B $413M Tropical Storm Imelda $57M $11M 2024 derecho/tornado/severe storm $143M $164M Hurricane Beryl $191M $724M

Abbott was appointed to the special review council in May alongside Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Department of Emergency Management. Abbott said the state has historically led disaster response. The biggest concern voiced by local agencies is natural disasters typically cause several million in debris removal and hazard mitigation costs typically reimbursed by FEMA. “Montgomery County ... does partner with FEMA ... to provide disaster recovery services,” said Jason Millsaps, executive director of the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Without this federal assistance, our citizens and the county would not be able to swiftly recover from a disaster.”

Following the May 20 announcement of a new committee aimed at addressing the reliability and existence of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Houston-area agencies remain uncertain on how the federal FEMA Review Council will affect disaster response in the region. In a July 14 press conference, Gov. Greg Abbott said the main goal of the committee is to streamline processes to provide faster emergency response. “The monetary resources that we are receiving now, they’re much needed for things like … debris removal or search and rescue operations,” Abbott said. “Those will still be funded, but we will have the ability to do it a whole lot faster.”

Immediately following a disaster, local counties seek FEMA funding for public assistance and debris removal. Regional major storm debris removal costs

Galveston County Harris County Montgomery County

Hurricane Harvey

April/May 2024 severe storms

Hurricane Beryl

$40M

$30M

$20M

$10M

SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE, GALVESTON COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Final takeaways

The federal review council has met twice in 2025 to discuss how FEMA currently operates, and there is no deadline on when the final report will be issued. “Without knowing how things will be resolved on the federal level, we remain focused on the current reality,” said Brian Murray, deputy coordinator over Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management office.

The possibility of FEMA being dissolved still looms over other community leaders who share concerns over the funding provided to local agencies following a natural disaster. “Eliminating FEMA is reckless and will have devastating and deadly consequences,” Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said. “States already manage disaster response, and rely on FEMA’s partnership, funding, and expertise after major disasters.”

With the 2025 hurricane season underway, many agencies are focused on maintaining preparedness for storms and see the potential for streamlining FEMA processes. “Montgomery County agrees that there could be many improvements to the processes and procedures by which FEMA operates, [such as] streamlining expense control and response/ resiliency capabilities, but we trust the president’s committee to review these issues and make appropriate recommendations,” Millsaps said.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY EMILY LINCKE & NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Commissioners approve contract defender program

Precinct 4 to create master parks plan Montgomery County Precinct 4 officials are hoping to develop a master parks plan by the end of the year. In a nutshell Precinct 4 has acquired pockets of land that county leaders are hoping to revamp into parks using grants from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Precinct 4 Chief of Staff Josh Pascua said July 25. “We want to try to see what we can do to provide additional green space for folks for recreation,” Pascua said. To qualify for the grants, the precinct must create a master parks plan, which includes community input, Pascua said. Precinct 4 launched a survey July 23 that included questions on park use, quality, safety and amenities.

Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved a new misdemeanor contract defender program during its July 15 meeting. The program, set to launch in fiscal year 2025-26, is expected to increase consistency in court-appointed representation and reduce excess costs, said Wendy Little, the director of the Office of Indigent Defense. What this means The new contract aims to improve predictability and cost efficiency for indigent representation, Little said. She said this model would reduce duplicative costs by switching from a per-case to a per- defendant pay structure. She said there will be no changes to the payment for probable cause court, and the contract will only impact misdemeanor offenses. Diving in deeper County Budget Officer Amanda Carter said the

New contract changes cost structure 3 county courts 21 attorneys shared across courts 130 cases per attorney $65,000 annual cost per attorney

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

new plan is expected to result in a “very conserva- tive” estimate of $40,000 in savings and possibly more. Carter said year-to-date the county has spent slightly over $4.4 million in appointed attorneys for criminal cases, $635,000 for civil court cases and almost $200,000 for juvenile cases, which includes felony, appeals and probate. Carter said the county budgets about $7.5 million annually.

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NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

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Education

BY EMILY LINCKE & HANNAH BROL

Education Edition

2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Education Edition! This guide features a variety of education updates from your local public school district, New Caney ISD. In this special edition, you can see NCISD’s latest A-F accountability ratings, learn more about the district’s upcoming scal year budget and get insight on how articial intelligence is impacting the classroom. Our cover story this month dives into how district ocials are preparing to keep up with enrollment growth projections over the next decade. All of the stories featured in this year’s guide were written by our local team of journalists. Additionally, all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—show them your gratitude by supporting them. To keep up with education news throughout the month, visit communityimpact.com/newsletter to sign up for our free daily newsletter.

What's inside

See how New Caney ISD schools were rated by the state in 202425 (Page 10)

Kim Sommers General Manager ksommers@ communityimpact.com

Learn more about the impact of articial intelligence on schools (Page 11)

Check out New Caney ISD’s new cellphone policy (Page 12)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

Highlands Elementary opens for 202526 school year

engineering and math, Carlile said. Fifty students per grade level—rst through fth grade—were accepted at the campus for a total of 250 students, as previously reported. In the 2026-27 school year and after, transfer applications can be submitted for rst grade students. The background Highlands Elementary is NCISD’s 12th elemen- tary school, and it cost around $44 million to build, according to NCISD’s website. The construc- tion of the campus was funded by the district’s $695 million bond package, which was approved by voters in May 2023. “This is one of those times it’s just really cool to be in my position to see this [school] come from a vacant piece of land,” NCISD Superintendent Matt Calvert said Aug. 18. “This building is all for [the students] and the teachers in it, and so we just hope you enjoy your time here at Highlands Elementary.”

New Caney ISD ocials celebrated the opening of Highlands Elementary School with a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 18. The gist After about 16 months of construction, Highlands Elementary—a 110,000-square-foot campus —ocially opened Aug. 6 for the start of the 2025-26 school year. Rodr’ee Carlile—the former principal at Kings Manor Elementary—is leading the school after being named principal Jan. 6. “We’re not just opening buildings, we’re open- ing possibilities,” Carlile said Aug. 18. “At High- lands, ... our students will tackle real problems, lead with empathy and connect across cultures. Thank you to our board, ... our district leaders, sta, our families, our parents and the community for believing in what’s possible.” Highlands Elementary is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Year Program with a focus on science, technology

Highlands Elementary spans 110,000 square feet.

EMILY LINCKECOMMUNITY IMPACT

HIGHLANDS PKWY.

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NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Education

BY EMILY LINCKE & HANNAH BROL

New Caney ISD maintains C score for 2 years of state accountability ratings

Some context

State law requires that annual A-F ratings be issued by Aug. 15 of each year; however, the 2023-24 ratings were blocked for nearly one year after 33 school districts sued the TEA last August, arguing the agency made it “mathe- matically impossible” for some schools to earn a high score. Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals ruled in July that the 2023-24 ratings could be released, and the TEA later announced they would be issued alongside the 2024-25 ratings. “Millions of dollars and thousands of hours of work by teachers, administrators and experts have been invested in creating the A-F ratings system; courts can decide only whether it is legal, not whether it is wise or fair,” Chief Justice Scott Brister wrote in the ruling.

New Caney ISD maintained a C rating for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratings for school districts statewide. The ratings were released Aug. 15 after a legal battle that began nearly two years prior. Texas schools are rated based on three categories: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps. NCISD received 72 out of 100 points for 2023-24 and 75 out of 100 points for 2024-25. “NCISD remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering outstanding instruction for every student,” said Scott Powers, NCISD’s executive director of public relations. “While accountability ratings are one way of gauging progress, they don’t reflect our daily focus on fostering student achievement, resilience and readiness.” Per the TEA, elementary and middle school ratings are largely based on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, while high school ratings are based on STAAR and how well students are prepared for success after graduation. NCISD had 18,958 and 19,398 students enrolled in 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively. About 74% and 71.5% of students were economically disadvantaged, for 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively, TEA data shows. Texas school districts last received ratings through the A-F system for the 2022-23 school year in April. Since the A-F system’s launch in the 2017-18 school year, NCISD has received only five official ratings due to State of Disaster declarations for Hurricane Harvey and the coronavirus pandemic.

New Caney ISD A-F scores, 2021-25 Score

100

2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25

Legal action surrounding Texas' A-F system

NCISD A-F ratings by campus

Aug. 15, 2023: Deadline to issue A-F ratings Aug. 24, 2023: Districts sue TEA with concerns over 2023 rating system Sept. 12, 2023: TEA delays release of 2023 ratings, originally set for Sept. 28 Oct. 26, 2023: Travis County district court blocks release of 2023 ratings Aug. 12, 2024: Second suit filed; Travis County district court blocks 2024 ratings April 3, 2025: State appeals court rules 2023 ratings can be issued April 24, 2025: 2023 ratings are released July 3, 2025: State appeals court rules 2024 ratings can be issued Aug. 15, 2025: 2024 and 2025 ratings are released

2023-24

2024-25

D F

Rating

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Put in perspective

Statewide district performance

2024-25

2023-24

districts across Texas, 24% received a higher rating, while 64% kept the same rating and 12% received a lower rating, TEA data shows. “We will continue to build on areas of growth, address areas where performance can be improved, and remain committed to high-quality instruction for every student,” Powers said.

TEA data shows 10 NCISD campuses—including eight elementary schools, one middle school and one high school—earned higher rating scores in 2024-25 compared to 2023-24. Across the state, TEA data shows most school districts and campuses maintained or improved their A-F ratings between the 2023-24 and the 2024-25 school years. Of the 1,208 school

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

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

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

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY DIEGO COLLAZO

University of Houston Professor Meng Li talks AI use in schools Since its release in 2022, generative articial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have given stu- dents access to technology that can complete tasks and assignments with a simple prompt, sparking discussions on AI’s place in the classroom. Community Impact spoke with Meng Li, founder and director of the Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute at the University of Houston, to discuss the role of AI in academia. Have you seen students using AI tools in the classroom, and has it become a problem? Of course, within the classroom and also out- side the classroom. Students are young; they’re quick. They adopted AI tools, so of course that’s happening. It really depends on the context. I think the

reality is we cannot ignore AI. Students are using it, so we cannot let them not use AI. I think when ChatGPT rst came out, schools restricted students from using it, but it’s not happening anymore. People are more welcoming of AI for students. I think the bigger question is how to best use AI in the classroom, or how to help our students learn based on these AI tools. What might the early stages of integrating AI into education look like? We need to dene what AI tools are appropriate, how to structure learning around them and how to adopt them in meaningful ways. It will take time. We’re still at the beginning of this transformation. What role do schools and educators play when it comes to AI? I think a lot of university schools are developing AI policies. Train the professors, educators, teachers to learn how to use AI in their classroom or at least understand it. I think that’s important, and schools should do it. It is a very tough task because this AI scene is developing quite fast.

This interview was edited for space, see the full interview at communityimpact.com .

NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Education

BY EMILY LINCKE

New Caney ISD bans student cellphone use, per state law environments in classrooms and protect the safety and online privacy of Texas children,” according to an Aug. 1 news release from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office. Sorting out details According to the release, NCISD can authorize student communication device use if: Phone prohibition House Bill 1481 requires Texas public schools to ban student cellphone use during school hours for the 2025-26 school year.

New Caney ISD passes balanced budget, stable tax rate • $20.8 million , or 14% more in state revenue Differences between the FY 2025-26 budget and the amended FY 2024-25 budget are less stark $1.5 $1.4761 $1.2

New Caney ISD students must keep cellphones and other electronic devices silenced and put away during school hours under a new state -mandated policy. Latest update During NCISD’s July 21 regular board meeting, trustees unanimously approved the district’s new student code of conduct, which includes a new cellphone policy that aligns with House Bill 1481. The bill was passed by state lawmakers in June. Under the new policy, students will be required to keep “personal communication devices”— including cellphones, text messaging devices, laptops and tablets—silent and stored in backpacks throughout the school day, according to a news release from NCISD. Students will be able to use communication devices before and after school. Breaking down the bill HB 1481 is “meant to create phone-free learning

New Caney ISD’s board of trustees approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which features increased spending on security, curricu- lum development and teachers. What’s changed NCISD’s FY 2025-26 budget—approved unan- imously Aug. 18 —features $234.5 million in both general operating fund expenses and total revenues, according to budget documents. Major changes in general fund expenses and revenues for the FY 2025-26 budget compared to the original FY 2024-25 budget approved in August 2024, include: • $3.9 million , or 95% more for the development of curriculum and instructional staff • $1 million , or 27% more for security and moni- toring services • $1.8 million , or 22% more for student transportation

$1.2552

for some expenditures than compared to the original FY 2024-25 budget, according to budget documents. Some context On Aug. 18, trustees also unanimously approved a total tax rate of $1.2552 per $100 valuation for the district in FY 2025-26. The tax rate is the same as the rate adopted in FY 2024-25, according to budget documents. This November, voters across Texas will be asked to approve larger property tax breaks for homeowners via Senate Bill 4 which was signed into law in June. SB 4 would raise the statewide homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. The exemption would apply only to taxes levied by public schools.

$0.9 $0.6

$0.3

77% of U.S. public schools prohibit student cellphone use in class while 38% also ban cellphone use during the whole school day

• It helps implement an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 plan for students with disabilities. • A student has a need documented by a “quali- fied physician.” • The district needs to comply with health or safety protocols required by local policy or by law. Staff members may confiscate the device of stu- dents who do not follow NCISD’s new cellphone policy, according to the release.

Fiscal year

53% of U.S. public school leaders believe cellphones have negatively affected students’ academics

SOURCE: NEW CANEY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Looking back NCISD’s FY 2024-25 budget included

Sept. 18 is the deadline for Texas school boards to adopt a policy in compliance with HB 1481

$216.2 million in both general fund expenses and revenues, according to budget documents. The budget was also balanced when approved.

SOURCES: NATIONAL CENTER OF EDUCATION STATISTICS, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733

HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202

KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115

Enrollment explosion From the cover

What’s changing?

The full story

The top factors spurring student enrollment growth for NCISD include new housing options coming to the area and a continually rising local birth rate, according to PASA’s report. “Plans for new housing construction fluctuate and impact the specific years when those new stu- dents will arrive, but where they arrive has been projected in the past three PASA studies,” PASA President Stacey Tepera said via email Aug. 9. The construction of new housing in the New Caney area is expected to add at least 500-800 students per year over the next decade, according to PASA’s report. Single-family housing makes up a majority, 82.8%, of the students expected to be added to NCISD. Four major single-family neighborhoods that are already being built within NCISD’s boundaries —The Highlands, Tavola West, Maple Heights and Porters Mill South—are projected to add 3,500 homes total by the 2028-29 school year, according to the report. By the 2034-35 school year, 4,200 are expected to be added to NCISD’s boundaries, per the report. This growth could come from further construction in The Highlands as well as undevel- oped land, including a 1,600-acre tract owned by Guniganti Family Property Holdings in the north- west portion of the district and several tracts of land owned by Aurous Development located south of Gene Campbell Boulevard in Porter.

Multiple projects under NCISD’s May 2023 bond were added to address student growth. Two new elementary schools, two new middle schools and a high school expansion funded by the bond are slated to add almost 5,000 seats to total student capacity across the district, said Scott Powers, NCISD’s executive director of public relations. Meanwhile, New Caney and Porter elementary schools are projected to be the first schools to exceed 120% of their capacities is predicted to be by the 2027-28 school year, according to PASA’s report. However, Calvert noted the report does not account for some of the schools planned under the 2023 bond.

For the 2024-25 school year, NCISD enrolled 19,420 students, according to TEA data. By 2034-35, PASA officials predict enrollment to reach between 23,900 and 30,600 students, representing 23%-58% growth. With average daily attendance being used to calculate state funding for school districts, more students means more money for the district, Calvert said. However, it also means more staff will need to be hired. “There’s definitely a proportional relationship there. … It’s nice to get the additional revenue, [but] at the same time, there’s going to be some additional expenses coming in,” Calvert said.

New Caney ISD enrollment Historical enrollment

Highlands Elementary • Cost: $44M • Capacity added: 1,000 seats • Status: Opened Aug. 6 Elementary School No. 13 • Cost: $50M • Capacity added: 1,000 seats • Status: Design underway Highlands Middle School • Cost: $108M • Capacity added: 1,100 seats • Status: Construction began June 18 Middle School No. 6 • Cost: $108M • Capacity added: 1,100 seats • Status: Planning in progress West Fork High School, Phase II expansion • Cost: $76M • Capacity added : 750 seats • Status: Completed summer 2025 SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS, NEW CANEY ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NCISD voters approved a $695M bond in 2023, which funded projects to account for enrollment growth, including:

Mid-level enrollment projection

35K

27,826

28K

19,420

21K

14K

+43%

Housing developments in NCISD

Units already occupied Projected new housing occupancies 2024-34 Projected new housing occupancies beyond 2034

School year

Porter Mills South 485

Projected NCISD campus enrollments exceeding max capacities

Enrollment at 100%-119.9% of capacity Enrollment exceeding 120% of capacity Enrollment under 100% of capacity

Maple Heights 309

917

608

Tavola West

614

1,400

786

Guniganti Family Property Holdings tract

1,315 1,315

2,630

The Highlands

708

2,380

1,672

Aurous Development's tracts

2,036

1,600

3,636

School year

SOURCE: POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY EMILY LINCKE

The other side

Looking ahead

Since NCISD leaders were presented PASA’s latest report in March, they have been reviewing the data and have begun laying the groundwork for the district’s next bond program, Calvert said, but it’s unknown when the bond will be called. Over the next decade, NCISD could need: • 3 new elementary schools • 1 new high school

TEA data shows NCISD lost 677 students for net transfers—transfers in minus transfers out—to charter schools, virtual schools and other public school districts from 2019-24. For the 2024-25 school year, NCISD lost 368 students through net transfers out, representing a 247% spike in students lost compared to five school years ago. Texas lawmakers voted in April to create a $1 billion education savings account program that would give families about $10,000 per year to use for private school tuition. Families who homes- chool their children would receive up to $2,000 annually. Calvert said it is too early to tell how the voucher program will impact NCISD’s enrollment. “There are many changes happening currently in Texas public education that are impacting enrollment trends in nondemographic ways. ... However, NCISD has not been dramatically impacted by these other factors enough to counter the enrollment growth,” Tepera said.

Students residing within NCISD boundaries 2024-25 Charter schools: 80 Virtual academies: 139 Private schools: 143

Other ISD: 344

0 charter schools and 3 private schools are within NCISD’s boundaries

“[A potential bond program] is always in the back of everybody’s mind. It’s not really if, but when the next one comes along.”

NCISD: 18,634

MATT CALVERT, NEW CANEY ISD SUPERINTENDENT

Changing t

SOURCES: POPULATION AND SURVEY ANALYSTS, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Changing the future

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Transportation

BY EMILY LINCKE

Upcoming projects

NEEDHAM RD.

1 Grand Parkway exit, entrance ramps Project: Montgomery County will work with the Texas Department of Transportation to build a one-lane westbound exit ramp and a one-lane eastbound entrance ramp on the Grand Parkway between Valley Ranch Parkway and Hwy. 59, July 29 Commissioners Court meeting documents state. Update: Commissioners approved an advance funding agreement for the project under the July 29 meeting’s consent agenda. In February, commissioners also approved an advanced funding agreement with TxDOT for the project, but without specific funding amounts, as previously reported by Community Impact. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $5.8 million • Funding source: TxDOT, Montgomery County 2 FM 1485 rehabilitation Project: FM 1485 is being resurfaced, including repairing the road base, adding new asphalt overlay and restriping. The project runs between FM 1485’s intersections with Old Houston Road and Kidd Cemetery Road. Update: Work is 49% complete as of Aug. 5, according to TxDOT. • Timeline: July 2025-July 2026 • Cost: $8.8 million

242

1485

1314

OLD HOUSTON RD.

New Caney

Roman Forest

KIDD CEMETERY RD.

1485

494

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

Porter

Valley Ranch

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Update: This project was 72% complete, as of Aug. 5, according to TxDOT. • Timeline: August 2024-second quarter of 2027 • Cost: $8.2 million • Funding source: TxDOT

• Funding source: federal, TxDOT 3 Hwy. 242 detention/drainage Project: TxDOT is building detention ponds for drainage along Hwy. 242 from Needham Road to Hwy. 59.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR & HANNAH BROL

Business EXPO 2025 Connect with local businesses in the “Hub of Opportunity” and enjoy a casual cash bar experience and light bites during the event’s “Sip & Stroll” portion. • Sept. 18, 2 p.m. • Free (admission) • The Atrium Center, 21575 Hwy. 59 N., New Caney • www.gemcchamber.com

September

East Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo The annual event will feature a barbecue cook-off, livestock shows, rodeo events and live music. • Sept. 5-6; 6:45 p.m. (rodeo), 9 p.m. (concert) • $5-$15 (Sept. 5), $10-$25 (Sept. 6) • East Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 21679 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.emcfa.com Wrestle Rave Attend a wrestling show featuring a massive lucha showdown with Laredo Kid vs. Epydemius Jr. • Sept. 6, 5-10:30 p.m. • $21.40-$77.50 • The Food Zone 1314, 23242 FM 1314, Porter • www.wravemerch.com Electronics Recycling Event 2025 Collect old electronics and bring them to The Atrium Center for the East Montgomery County Improvement District’s annual recycling event. • Sept. 18, 8 a.m.-noon • Free • The Atrium Center, 21575 Hwy. 59 N., New Caney • www.emctx.com

New Caney New Horizons Splendor Under The Sea

Enjoy an event with dinner, dancing, live music and door prizes to benefit the nonprofit’s mission to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. • Sept. 20, 6-9:15 p.m. • $50 (admission) • The Atrium Center, 21575 Hwy. 59 N., New Caney • www.ncnewhorizons.org Heavy Trash Day Montgomery County Precinct 4 invites residents to bring unwanted mattresses, furniture and tires. • Sept. 27, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free • A.V. Bull Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.mctxpct4.org

Big Rivers Splash & Dash Participate in a 5K, 10K or Kid’s Dash at this event, from which proceeds will benefit the TANGO2 Research Foundation. The event is a collaboration between Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures and Rad Racing Company. • Sept. 20, 8 a.m. • $15-$65 • Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures,

23101 Hwy. 242, New Caney • www.radracingcompany.com

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 established 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). To request an application call (936) 523-5100 Hablamos español

Here’s One...

Scan to Learn More Let’s Measure What Matters

HCAP Office Hours Monday – Thursday: 7:30am – 4:30pm Friday: 7:30am – 11:30am Applications can be found on the MCHD website at www.mchd-tx.org by clicking on the HCAP tab at the top of the page.

Montgomery County Hospital District - Administration Building Health Care Assistance Program (HCAP) 1400 South Loop 336 West (First Floor) Conroe, TX 77304

Ad paid by Raise Your Hand Texas®

MCHD does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, or gender in administering HCAP Plans to eligible residents. *The most recent versions of the MCICP and MAP Handbooks are available online at www.mchd-tx.org

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Business

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Community Hardware has over 3,000 pipe sizes.

In addition to tools, the hardware store oers hundreds of avored sodas sourced from California.

PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Community Hardware oers tools, unique nds Arlan Sorter said he has worn several hats at

Services the hardware store is known for include key cutting, pipe cutting and threading, and window and screen repair. The store also features a paint bar. “We try to have the items that people need,” Sorter said. “For instance, during the freeze, everybody’s pipes break. Well, having 200 ttings is not going to get you very far. So we’ve upped our order points on a lot of ttings.” What else? One of the more unique features at Community Hardware is a knife case, which remains stocked with 500 knives at a time, Sorter said. In addition, Community Hardware carries hundreds of avored sodas sourced from California as well as high-end wind chimes that range anywhere from $30-$600.

Community Hardware, where he has worked for his in-laws since 1985. After they retired in 2012, Sorter became the owner of the longstanding business. Whattheyoer Opened in 1972, Community Hardware has become a staple where locals can nd home improvement supplies—including garden, electrical and plumbing supplies—as well as hardware items like nails, screws and hinges. General Manager Mike Britton said the store’s typical customers include homeowners, business owners and contractors. “We’re so close to our customers that we will go to their funeral,” Sorter said. “Everyone’s got a special story and a special place in our heart.”

Community Hardware opened in New Caney in 1972.

494

22480 Community Drive, New Caney www.doitbest.com/community-hardware

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