Keller - Roanoke - Northeast Fort Worth | August 2023

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KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 AUG. 26SEPT. 25, 2023

EDUCATION EDITION 2023 SCHOOL OF CHOICE

Toca soccer opens training center in Keller EDUCATION EDITION 2023

District data

Suddenly Sewing oers fabric, machines, classes

Students and parents attend a back-to-school fair on Aug. 5 in Northwest ISD. (Courtesy Northwest ISD)

Maple Street Biscuit Co. serving brunch in Keller

Derailed school choice bill shines a light on public school funding issues

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

BY MARK FADDEN

While Abbott’s declaration has caused some stakeholders, such as Keller private school Trinity Pre- paratory Academy, to take a wait- and-see approach on any potential legislation, others are steadfast in their stance on school vouchers. A statement from leaders at North- west ISD, which serves several por- tions of Fort Worth, Keller, Roanoke,

Trophy Club and Westlake, said, “Northwest ISD opposes any eorts to redirect public dollars to private school operations, as any redirec- tion of funds directly aects stu- dents in public schools and siphons funding away from potential salary raises for hardworking teachers and support sta.” CONTINUED ON 17

When the 88th Texas Legislature closed in May, the Texas House of Representatives Public Education Committee failed to pass any leg- islation regarding school vouch- ers. However, Gov. Greg Abbott has vowed to call legislators back into a special session later this year to breathe new life into the issue.

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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. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Lexi Canivel EDITOR Cody Thorn REPORTERS Mark Fadden, Hannah Johnson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nicolas Delgadillo ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Arlin Gold METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Leanne Libby MANAGING EDITOR Miranda Jaimes MANAGING COPY EDITOR Beth Marshall ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Chelsea Peters CONTACT US 7460 Warren Parkway, Ste. 160 Frisco, TX 75034 • 214-618-9001 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES krnnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING krnads@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

FROM LEXI: As students and educators return to school, we hope our annual Education Edition provides you with a wealth of useful information, including local district data, details on school vouchers, and more (pages 13-17). Thanks for reading and cheers to a wonderful school year ahead! Lexi Canivel, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM CODY: As the 2023-24 school year begins, it is another year of changes in administrators in our coverage areas. Last year, Northwest ISD started the year with a new superintendent. This year, interim superintendent John Allison provides new leadership in Keller ISD. A veteran educator and administrator, he was appointed to fill in for the recently-retired Rick Westfall. Allison talks about his background and goals for the school year. Read about it on Page 16. Cody Thorn, EDITOR

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KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION • AUGUST 2023

IMPACTS

1171 Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

NORTHEAST FORT WORTH

156

114

BYRON NELSON BLVD.

ROANOKE

Code Wiz

Outpost 36 Texas Barbeque

S. WALNUT ST.

114

COURTESY CODE WIZ

COURTESY OUTPOST 36 TEXAS BARBEQUE

Texas brisket chili. 817-898-3636. www.outpost36.com 6 The Roanoke Public Library an- nounced the opening of the Little Oak Street Play Learning Center on July 20 at 308 S Walnut St. The space invites children ages 2-6 and their caregivers to practice play learning. Library Director Kelly Holt said the space was designed to celebrate Roanoke’s unique charm and to oer the benets of play learning to families in the community. The Roanoke Public Library’s Little Oak Street features ve dierent play areas, which will change seasonally. 817-491-2691. www.roanoketexas.com/ 166/Library 7 Simply Eclectic Boutique is now open for business at 432 N. Main St., Ste. 500, in Keller. The boutique, which opened on July 18, specializes in women’s cloth- ing and accessories including shoes, purses, hats and custom jewelry. Own- er Jodi Piccarreto started out salvag- ing used furniture. 817-379-3340. http://simplyeclecticboutique.com 8 Simply Southern has opened its latest store in Tanger Outlets Fort Worth on July 21. The shopping center is located at 15853 North Freeway, Ste. 1175. Accord- ing to a Tanger Outlets Fort Worth news release, Simply Southern is an American clothing, accessory and gift brand that uses bright, colorful designs and incorpo- rates faith-based inspirational quotations on many of its products. 682-502-4007. www.simplysouthern.com 9 Snack bar Sugar Llamas opened Aug. 11 at 242 Rufe Snow Drive, Ste. 120, Keller, per city of Keller ocials. Sugar Llamas is a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based treat shop chain

35W

170

KELLER PKWY.

377

3 14

TIMBERLAND BLVD.

RUFE SNOW DR.

BLUE MOUND RD. E.

Southwire

KEL LER P K W Y .

COURTESY SOUTHWIRE

HICKSRD.

HERITAGE TRACE PKWY.

TOWN CENTER LN.

Keller Town Center on July 12. Owner Anthony Velinsky was inspired to open a nutrition store after successes in his wellness journey. The store oers several items: multivitamins, greens, collagen, pre- and post-workout supplements, and fat loss supplements. 682-593-0229. www.likemindednutrition.com 4 Little Lilly Sushi opened its second location Aug. 8 in Keller at 1004 Keller Parkway, Ste. 106. The menu entails a host of Japanese favorites, including sushi; sashimi; classic rolls, such as lump crab California and shrimp tem- pura; and signature rolls, such as Devil’s Breath, a ghost pepper-seasoned tuna and asparagus topped with habanero-infused masago and sriracha. 682-888-5777. www.littlelillysushi.com 5 After being plagued by delays that postponed construction, Outpost 36 Texas Barbeque opened for business July 12. The restaurant is located at 1801 S. Main St. in Keller. Outpost 36 serves up a menu that includes brisket, sausage, ribs, pulled pork, turkey and chicken to less-com- mon options like smoked bologna and

287

KELLER

MAP NOT TO SCALE

WESTERN CENTER BLVD.

NOW OPEN 1 Brakes Plus automobile maintenance shop opened at 5051 N. Tarrant Parkway in Fort Worth on June 5. Brakes Plus has ve other locations in Fort Worth. Brakes Plus oers brake services, such as inspec- tions, as well as general maintenance and repair services, according to its website. 682-400-3370. www.brakesplus.com 2 Code Wiz , a nationally recognized child education franchise committed to

transforming the way that kids engage with technology, opened its newest loca- tion May 21 at 790 S. Main St., Ste. 409, Keller. The owner Juan Duarte said some of the most popular classes so far are Roblox, Minecraft, robotics and Python—which is a general purpose com- puter coding language. 817-380-1352. www.thecodewiz.com 3 Like Minded Nutrition , a locally owned dietary supplement store, opened at 101 Town Center Lane, Ste. 115, in

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COURTESY GREATER KELLER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Toca Soccer training center opened for players age 7 years old and older in Keller.

LECTURES

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN A Toca soccer training center opened Aug. 10 in Keller, according to The Greater Keller Chamber of Commerce. The center, located at 331 Golden Triangle Blvd., is a 43,000-square-foot indoor facility that oers group and individual soccer training programs. It features tech-enabled studios, full coaching sta, and is suitable for players 7 years old or older, according featuring custom-blend coee, ice cream and a wide variety of mini doughnuts made fresh to order and served hot. Patrons can customize their doughnut selection or pick from a menu featuring over 20 suggested combinations. The Keller shop is the com- pany’s debut location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. www.sugarllamas.com 10 Sportswear maker Under Armour Factory House joined more than 70 other retailers with its store opening at Tanger Outlets on July 26. The shopping center is located at 15853 North Freeway, Ste. 600, in Fort Worth. The store will provide customers with the latest athletic perfor- mance apparel, shoes and accessories for men, women and youth. 817-464-5400. www.tangeroutlet.com/fortworth COMING SOON 11 Keller residents Patti and Ryan Gibson will open Pattea Lou’s Tea Shop this fall at 770 S. Main St., Ste. 430, Keller. The shop will oer nger sandwiches, scones, choc- olates and a variety of hot and cold teas. It will also feature a daily service cafe, formal tea room and a business center that can be rented out for work meetings, clubs and classes. Pattea Lou’s will also sell arts and craft kits for people to take home or enjoy on-site, uplifting books and a collection of gift items. 817-343-6322 12 Southwire , one of the leading manufacturers of wire and cable used in the transmission and distribution of electricity, has expanded its opera- tions and leased Alliance Westport 25. According to a company news release, the Alliance Westport 25 facility, located at 14800 Blue Mound Road, Fort Worth,

to the website. 817-379-5805. www.tocafootball.com/centers/keller

OLLI at UNT offers fun non-credit courses for adults age 50 and better.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE BLVD.

377

KELLER

is over 1.18 million square feet and is equipped with the latest in next-genera- tion logistics facilities within the Alliance Westport sector of AllianceTexas. South- wire’s expansion to AllianceTexas will employ 250 team members. The facility is under construction and is expected to be complete by the second quarter of 2024. www.southwire.com RELOCATIONS 13 Vista Eye Associates’ new lo- cation is under construction at 12652 Timberland Blvd. in Fort Worth. Owner Dr. Bhavesh Patel said that the ex- pected completion date is Feb. 1, with an April 1 opening date. The clinic—currently located at 12584 N. Beach St., Ste. 122— has been serving the community for more than 10 years and needs more space. Vis- ta Eye Associates provides comprehen- sive eye exams and medical eye exams for the northeast Fort Worth/Keller area. 817-431-4100. vistaeyeassociates.com CLOSINGS 14 Boca 31 has closed its location in Keller, according to a social media post. Owners Andres and Marlene Meraz stated the last day for the restaurant, at 101 Town Center Lane, Ste. 117, Keller, was July 15. The Latin American restaurant served empanadas, tacos, rice bowls and burritos. The social media post stated the company was at the end of the lease, and the Keller location closed after ve years. There are two other locations: Denton and Fort Worth. www.boca31.com

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KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION • AUGUST 2023

TODO LIST

September events

COMPILED BY MARK FADDEN

09 COOL DOWN A HOT DOG IN KELLER Let your dog go for a swim at the Keller Pointe pool. The pool will be open for canines on the last day of the season, with designated swim times for each weight category. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $15-$20 (per dog). 405 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller. 817-743-4386. www.thekellerpointe.com/ activities/special-events/doggie-dunk 09 16, 23 & 30 SHOP LOCAL IN ROANOKE The Roanoke farmers market is held each Saturday from April 1-Sept. 30 in the Roanoke City Hall Plaza. Free activities include: live music, yoga classes, children’s activities, a splash pad and raes. Free (admission). 8 a.m.-noon. 500 S. Oak St., Roanoke. www.roanoketexas.com/256/ farmers-market 11 HONOR FIRST RESPONDERS IN TROPHY CLUB Gather to honor those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, at the Trophy Club Fire Station. This will be an opportunity for residents and visitors to thank rst responders and volunteers. Everyone is invited to shake an ocer’s hand, hug a reghter, and exchange words of support and encouragement. 8:45 a.m. Free. 295 Trophy Club Drive, Trophy Club. 682-237-2900. https://bit.ly/3YL7wSc

15 TASTE THE TOWN’S BEST FOOD IN TROPHY CLUB Taste of Trophy Club showcases the diversity of the dining scene in Independence Park East. Activities include live music, bounce houses and lawn games. 6-10 p.m. Free (admission). 500 Parkview Drive, Trophy Club. 682-237-2900. www.trophyclub.org/ 256/Taste-of-Trophy-Club 16 LAUGH WITH A BOBCAT IN FORT WORTH Those age 18 and older can experience Bobcat Goldthwait’s comedy at Hyena’s Fort Worth. Goldthwait is a writer, director, actor, voice actor and stand- up comedian best known for his roles in the movie “Scrooged” and “Police Academy” franchise. 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $17. 425 Commerce St., Fort Worth. 817-877-5233. https://bit.ly/43YLkVS 16 GET READY FOR FALL IN KELLER Visit the Fall Fun Festival, and check out local vendors and kids activities, including face painting and goodie bags. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free (admission). 1100 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller. 817-770-6971. www.icevents.info

SEPTEMBER 07 TEE IT UP IN KELLER The Greater Keller Chamber Golf Classic will be at Sky Creek Golf Course and provided fun games throughout the course. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. $225 (individual player), $800 (team). 600 Promontory Drive, Keller. 817-431-2169. www.kellerchamber.com 08 RELAX OUTDOORS WITH LIVE MUSIC IN FORT WORTH Head down to Magnolia Green for a free concert and market featuring local artists and vendors. Blankets, lawn chairs welcome, but outside food and drinks are not for the family-friendly event. 5 p.m. Free. 1201 Lipscomb St., Fort Worth. Reach nirvana with a few two-legged friends while meeting some new four- legged ones at a goat yoga class at Heritage Sands. Goat yoga, also known as “goga,” is just like a typical yoga class, but with goats. Bring a yoga mat and enjoy photo-ops with the goats. 10 a.m. $20-$32 (kid and adult tickets). Heritage Sands Volleyball Courts, 3601 Burts Drive, Fort Worth. https://bit.ly/454FNOM www.nearsouthsidefw.org/ friday-on-the-green.html 09 PRACTICE ‘GOGA’ IN FORT WORTH

Shaquille O’Neal will host Shaq’s Bass All Star Festival in Fort Worth on Sept. 16.

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FEATURED EVENT Shaq’s Bass All Star Festival Shaquille O’Neal is hosting one of the biggest electronic dance music scene events with Shaq’s Bass All Star Festival on Sept. 16 for those age 18 and up at Panther Island Pavilion. 4 p.m.-midnight. Tickets start at $89.99.

395 W. Purcery St., Fort Worth www.shaqsbassallstars.com

FORT WORTH

PURCEY ST.

Find more or submit Keller, Roanoke, Westlake, Trophy Club and Northeast Fort Worth 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

COMPILED BY MARK FADDEN & CODY THORN

COMPLETED PROJECTS

ONGOING PROJECTS

377

ROANOKE

170

377

DENTON ST.

114

377

WESTLAKE

KELLER

PARISH LN.

Permanent closure of Roanoke Road crossover in Westlake The Roanoke Road crossover on Highway 170 is per- manently closed in Westlake. According to Texas Department of Transportation, as part of the SH 170 construction, the contractor opened the North Beach Street crossover and U-turn lanes on May 4th, and the Westport Parkway U-turn lanes were opened on May 12th. Roanoke Road will still have access to the frontage roads, but traffic will no longer be able to go directly across SH 170 at that location, according to TxDOT. Timeline: Sept. 2020-Dec. 2023 (for entire SH 170 project) Cost: $99 million (for entire SH 170 project) Funding source: TxDOT

Work along Bates Street in Old Town Keller moves forward According to Keller’s Facebook page, the arch marking the Hwy. 377 entrance to Bates Street was recently installed. A second arch will be installed on the South Elm Street end of Bates Street as part of the upcoming Elm Street reconstruction project. Previous Community Impact reporting stated the Bates Street reconstruction project transforms the street into a pedestrian-friendly destination designed for festivals. Timeline: estimated completion by end of summer Cost: $6.66 million (for entire Old Town Keller Phase 2 project) Funding sources: the city’s general fund, Keller Development Corporation, American Rescue Plan Act, TxDOT Green Ribbon grants and debt to be issued

Roanoke approves grant funding agreement for US 377 beautification Roanoke City Council approved a grant funding agree- ment with Texas Department of Transportation for the city’s beautification of US 377 from Parish Lane to Denton Street on July 11. According to city documents, funds will be used to make landscaping and irrigation improvements to US 377 along the corridor. According to TxDOT’s website, the program helps fund planting and establishing trees and plants on the state highway system that help mitigate the effects of air pollution.

Timeline: TBD Cost: $367,500 Funding source: TxDOT

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF 08/03/2023. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT KRNNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

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KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION • AUGUST 2023

CITY & SCHOOLS

News from Northwest ISD, Fort Worth, Keller & Trophy Club

Approved 202324 budget includes $2.9M decit

WHERE IT COMES FROM Breakdown of Northwest ISD funding sources

BY MARK FADDEN

pay raise for all sta for the 2023-24 school year. “Fifty-eight cents of every dollar goes straight into the classroom,” Pastusek said. He then talked about how recap- ture aects the district’s nances. “For every dollar we receive, about 6 cents goes back to recapture,” said Pastusek. “[Our recapture payment] is about twice the administrative costs, or if you add co-curricular and

administrative together, that’s about the same as our recapture [cost].” According to Texas School Coali- tion, recapture, also known as “Robin Hood,” allows the state of Texas to remove local property tax dollars from public school districts and use these dollars to help balance the rest of the state budget. Recapture removes $5 billion per year from Texas school districts.

NORTHWEST ISD The board of trustees approved the scal year 2023-24 budget at its June 26 meeting. Chief Financial Ocer Jonathan Pastusek presented a $323 million budget, which includes a $2.9 million shortfall. According to previous Community Impact reporting, the FY 2023-24 budget also includes a 3% midpoint

1% Federal

$1.00 of funding

9% State

90% property tax/local

SOURCE: NORTHWEST ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

After $7.6M in delays, new council chambers receives permit

BY MARK FADDEN

Changes that include redesigning council chambers, along with new permitting fees, accounted for $7.6 million in additional costs. According to the news release, city ocials expect to host the rst council meeting in the new facility during the winter of 2024-25.

Pier 1 headquarters site. The location will house multiple city departments in one building when completed. The council chambers footprint was altered to comply with federal regulations after Tarrant Regional Water District ocials informed city sta the council chambers construc- tion site was in a federal oodway.

FORT WORTH After permitting delays put the new city hall project on pause for several months, the city has received a Federal 408 oodway easement permit. According to the city, the permit now allows construction to begin on a new council chambers at the former

Fort Worth City Hall saw the price increase by $7.6 million after changes in the plan.

MARK FADDENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Fort Worth City Council 200 Texas St., Fort Worth www.fortworthtexas.gov Keller City Council 1100 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller www.cityoeller.com Roanoke City Council 500 S. Oak St., Roanoke www.roanoketexas.com Trophy Club Town Council 1 Trophy Wood Drive, Trophy Club www.trophyclub.org Westlake Town Council 1500 Solana Blvd., Bldg. 7, Ste. 7200, Westlake. www.westlake-tx.org Denton County Commissioners Court 1 Courthouse Drive, Ste. 3100, Denton. www.dentoncounty.gov Tarrant County Commissioners Court 100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth www.tarrantcountytx.gov Keller ISD board of trustees 350 Keller Parkway, Keller www.kellerisd.net Northwest ISD board of trustees 2001 Texan Drive, Fort Worth www.nisdtx.org For the latest news coverage from these government meetings, visit communityimpact.com. MEETINGS WE COVER

Expenditures to rise $5.8M in 202324 budget

Tillman named interim police chief

“This budget does see three big debt issuances: $15 million for Elm Street, $27 million for [Keller Sports Park], and $4 million for the third and nal round of SWIFT,” Rector said. SWIFT refers to the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas, which oers low-interest loans to cities for water infrastruc- ture projects. Revenues will increase by $4.5 million this upcoming scal year.

BY CODY THORN

TROPHY CLUB Capt. Bobby Tillman is the latest interim police chief, as announced by Interim City Man- ager Patrick Arata

BY DON MUNSCH

KELLER City Council examined the proposed tax rate and scal year 2023-24 budget at the regular meeting Aug. 1, learning the tax rate would be lower than that of FY 2022-23. Council will consider adopting the budget and tax rate Sept. 19. The proposed budget was pub- lished online Aug. 10. During a work session, Aaron Rector, director of administrative services/nance, discussed the pro- posed operating budget, which will be nearly $109 million. Personnel costs make up $35 million of the expenditures, which is part of the near $109 million. Expenditures will rise by $5.8 million in the proposed budget compared to the FY 2022-23 budget.

Capt. Tillman

during a July 25 council meeting. Arata is the chief of police but had been serving as the interim city manager since March 28. During his time away from that role, Capt. Steve Woodward has been the interim chief for the past four months. Arata’s plan was to split duties between the department’s two chiefs while he was away, according town ocials. “Capt. Woodard has done a fantastic job lling in at the police department,” Arata said. “I want to thank [him] for his hard work and learning the job and lling in.”

COST OF SERVICE

The cost for city services for the average Keller residential taxpayer is $114.49 for the upcoming 2023-24 scal year. Here is where that money goes: Police $28.68 per month

Fire $25.10 per month

Public Works $15.90 per month

SOURCE: CITY OF KELLER COMMUNITY IMPACT

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DISTRICT DATA

Data and information from local school districts

COMPILED BY MARK FADDEN & CODY THORN

SOURCES: KELLER ISD, NORTHWEST ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT

NORTHWEST ISD

KELLER ISD

With a central oce located in Justin, Northwest ISD was formed in 1949 and covers 234 square miles. The district covers towns and cities in three counties: Tarrant, Wise and Denton. District voters passed a $1.9 billion bond in 2022.

With 51 square miles, Keller ISD is the third-largest school district in Tarrant County. More than 34,000 students from nine cities attend school in the district. KISD was established in 1911.

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

TOTAL TEACHERS' SALARIES

Starting teacher salary

Percent change from 2019-2020 to 2022-23:

+11.35% +3.57%

$60,000

+16.8%

$58,750

3.37%

$57,500

$56,250

$55,000

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

STUDENT STATISTICS, 202223

STAFF SALARIES AND SUBSTITUTE PAY

Statewide

Economically disadvantaged students 26.78%

English learners

Special education students

Average salary by position, 2022-23

Teaching sta

9.46%

14.13%

Support sta

Administrative sta $97,004

Paraprofessional sta

$25,795

$75,187

$62,568

32.51%

11.38%

13.92%

$64,080

$74,219

$96,800

$23,483

Statewide

$60,716

$71,939

$92,683

$24,141

62%

23.02%

12.74%

*RANGES VARY BASED ON EXPERIENCE AND OTHER FACTORS.

KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION • AUGUST 2023

BUSINESS FEATURE

EDUCATION

2023 EDUCATION EDITION

Construction, renovations ongoing at 8 Northwest ISD campuses NORTHWEST ISD With the start of 2023-24 school year underway, eight construction projects at Northwest ISD are moving forward as expected. At the NISD board of trustees BY MARK FADDEN students in Haslet; Molly Livengood Carter Elementary School, which is located in the Northstar development and will alleviate overcrowding at Haslet Elementary School; and Johnie R. Daniel Elementary School, located

School to celebrate 20th anniversary this year Westlake Academy

BY MARK FADDEN

surrounding district. “It was former Mayor Bradley and his wife Kelly Bradley who rst introduced the idea of an Interna- tional Baccalaureate curriculum as an option,” Spicer said in the article. “It was decided that a [kindergar- ten] through 12 school, providing a challenging curriculum of higher-level academics and critical thinking skills, along with a focus on community service and global perspectives, would set the academy apart.” When rst built, the campus consisted of three buildings totaling 53,000 square feet of learning space, according to Spicer. The Sam and Margaret Lee Arts and Science building was added in 2010, followed by the multipurpose hall, the secondary building and the eld house in 2013, bringing the school’s footprint to more than 100,000 square feet.

The 2023-24 school year will mark the 20th anniversary of Westlake Academy in Westlake. School sta, parents and students will be able to celebrate the event throughout the school year. Erin Spicer, the town of Westlake’s communication manager, wrote an article earlier this year about the history of the school. In it, she said the school opened its doors in 2003 to foster a stronger sense of community. “As the town experienced a rising residential population, students were splintered between three dierent school districts, and Westlake’s small- town feeling was getting lost in the shue,” Spicer said. Former Mayor Scott Bradley and town leaders decided on a public charter school, Spicer said. To have a charter school, Westlake Academy had to oer something dierent from the

meeting July 26, Executive Director of Construction Tommy Osborne gave an update on several construction projects at various school campuses. In a nutshell: On the eight total projects Osborne referenced, the breakdown is as follows: • Three new school construction projects • Three replacements for existing schools • Renovations and additions at Northwest High School • Pre-K additions at several elemen- tary campuses The details: According to the NISD construction website, the three new schools include C.W. Worthington Middle School, which will serve 1,200

in the Pecan Square development. Three of the schools being replaced with new facilities are Hateld Elementary School and Seven Hills Elementary School, and Gene Pike Middle School. Renovations and additions to North- west High School will be opening in phases through 2025, according to the NISD construction website. The backstory: According to a district website, NISD is the fastest-growing school district in North Texas. Its boundaries span 234 square miles three counties. “In Northwest ISD’s history, our new school buildings have always opened on time for the rst day of school,” Executive Director of Communications Anthony Tosie said.

From left to right is Westlake Academy Middle School Principal Maxwell Ituah, student Garnet Ye, student Megan Flight, teacher Keith Haney, and MYP Coordinator Sarah Stack.

Additional square footage is being added to Northwest High School.

COURTESY WESTLAKE ACADEMY

COURTESY NORTHWEST ISD

OLD AND NEW There are eight projects underway at Northwest ISD campuses, which are either new buildings or renovations.

170

WESTLAKE

Westlake Academy 2600 J. T. Ottinger Road, Westlake 817-490-5757 www.westlakeacademy.org Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:50 a.m.-3:15 p.m., Sat.-Sun. closed.

Renovations and additions at Northwest High School

Three new school construction projects

J. T. OTTINGER RD.

Three replacements for existing schools

Pre-K additions at several elementary campuses

W. DOVE RD.

N. PEARSON LN.

SOURCE: NORTHWEST ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

WESTLAKE 2341 Highway 377 (817) 490-9072 KELLER 101 Keller Smithfield Rd S (817) 482-8295

PEOPLE John Allison Keller ISD’s interim superintendent

just a dierent scope and you get to see it from a dierent perspective. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT? I’m glad that I’m able to help out as the district looks for the next leader. Being able to carry on what Dr. West- fall had put in motion, and just kind of keep us focused in and steady on what we need to be doing for our students. WHAT MADE YOU GET INTO EDUCATION AND THEN ADMINISTRATION? Well, to be honest with education, I kind of back-doored into it. I didn’t start o with education as my major. I was hoping to go to medical school and then hit a physics class. That was a clear, clear sign that probably wasn’t in my future. I thought about what I wanted to do and who had impacted my life. Teachers and some of my coaches just came to the forefront. I thought “OK, I’m gonna I’m going to take a couple education courses and see what I think.” And as I got into it, I knew that’s what I wanted.

BY CODY THORN

John Allison, Keller ISD associate superintendent of education, was named interim superintendent during a special meeting held June 28. He will work with retired superintendent Rick Westfall, who will stay with KISD through Dec. 31 to assist in the transition of leadership. Allison’s rst day as interim superintendent was July 1. He started with KISD in July 2021, overseeing the education support systems, according to a news release. Allison recently sat down with Community Impact and shared thoughts on the 2023-24 school year. Answers have been edited for length and clarity. WHAT DOES THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR MEAN FOR EDUCATORS?

John Allison was named the Keller ISD interim superintendent on June 28.

MARK FADDENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

fun, I’m enjoying it. I had a couple of years where I wasn’t in this role, and that was nice, but to be able to do this, again is something I’m enjoying. WHAT MAKES YOU WANT TO KEEP DOING THIS? You know, it gives you a pretty broad perspective and an opportunity to see entire district. In my previous role I worked with campus leadership and curriculum instruction and those areas that support our campuses and it’s a more narrow lens. I really enjoyed doing that. But as superintendent it’s

WHAT MINDSET DO YOU HAVE GOING INTO A SCHOOL YEAR? That’s one of the great things about being in this profession is we get a reset every fall with the new school year. You know, I don’t know how long I’ll be in this role. Whether the board will nd the candidate, potentially by December or it’ll be the end of the [school] year or how that’s going to look but I will be working with the board on their goals.”

This is always a fun but kind of cha- otic time because we know we’ve got kids coming here. It’s always exciting to have a new start.

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE IN THE ROLE OF INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT?

When you’re acting in the role of superintendent, you’re the face of the district and there’s just a whole dierent set of responsibilities. So it’s

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

CONTINUED FROM 1

2023 EDUCATION EDITION

SPENDING PER STUDENT Local school districts, the state and the nation have all spent more per student over the years than the state basic allotment of $6,160.

NOT KEEPING UP

TWO TYPES OF VOUCHERS

The basic allotment per student has been $6,160 since the 2019-2020 school year.

Allotment per student

Allotment per student adjusted for ination

+17.59%

$15,000

Traditional vouchers and education savings accounts are two voucher programs proposed by state lawmakers.

+17.37%

$8,000 $7,000 $6,000 $5,000 $0

+9.55%

$12,000

$7,100+

+16.94%

$9,000

Traditional vouchers A state-funded voucher redeemable for tuition fees at a school other than the public school Education savings account A state-created, taxpayer- funded account parents can use to pay for private school tuition

$6,160

$6,000

Northwest ISD

Keller ISD

Texas

United States

$3,000

2019

2022

HOW THEY VOTED

The Texas House voted 86-52 for an amendment against vouchers in 2023.

programs one of his top legislative pri- orities this year, has been speaking on the subject for much of 2023. “When a school does fall short of excellence, when it strays too far from the fundamentals or simply cannot meet the unique needs of a partic- ular child, parents should be able to choose the education option that is best for their child,” Abbott said in a

on giving parents more rights, when vouchers would actually inhibit their rights by funding schools that can pick and choose whom to serve and how they serve without any public input, he said. “Local community schools have elected leaders who are accountable to all taxpayers. If you don’t like their deci- sions, you can vote them out of oce,” Brown said. “Taxation without representation runs decidedly counter to American values.”

86-52

During an NISD board meeting April 10, Superintendent Mark Foust said district ocials are against vouchers and stand with several groups such as the Texas Parent Teacher Association and the Texas State Teachers Associ- ation that also oppose vouchers and education savings accounts. “Northwest ISD will continue to oppose the concept of vouchers, and we are aligned with a number of pres- tigious organizations across Texas that feel that same way,” Foust said. Voucher validation School vouchers—sometimes called education savings accounts—give par- ents public money to put toward pri- vate school tuition for their children. Senate Bill 8, led by Sen. Brandon Creighton, RConroe, chair of the Sen- ate Committee on Education, would have given parents $8,000 per student for private school tuition and other education-related expenses, such as books, uniforms, computers, educa- tional therapies, and transportation to and from school. “There’s been a grass re across this nation for parental choice and educa- tional empowerment. This is educa- tion freedom; this is making sure that the state of Texas falls in line where we should be leading,” Creighton said on March 10 when he led the bill. Supporters said these programs allow students to leave a failing pub- lic school system and give parents more control over their children’s edu- cation. Abbott, who supports tradi- tional vouchers and education savings accounts and made school voucher

Jan. 31 speech at Annap- olis Christian Academy in Corpus Christi. “The way to do that is with educa- tion savings accounts.” According to previ- ous Community Impact reporting, Michael Barba, K-12 education policy director at the Texas Pub- lic Policy Foundation, said

PARTIAL FUNDING

"NORTHWEST ISD WILL CONTINUE TO OPPOSE THE CONCEPT OF VOUCHERS." MARK FOUST, NORTHWEST ISD SUPERINTENDENT

Tuition at many Keller-area private schools exceeds the proposed voucher amount. Families would pay the dierence.

If vouchers were to get passed in the future, local support organizations are ready to step in and help provide assistance. Education Service Center Region 11, which covers

42.54% $5,923 Student portion

average private school tuition $13,923

57.46% $8,000 State portion

he believes Senate Bill 8 would make “great progress” toward giving par- ents alternatives if they have concerns about the quality of their children’s education. Voucher opposition While critics said voucher programs take money away from public school districts, Kevin Brown, executive director of the Texas Association of School Administrators, a professional association for Texas school superin- tendents and other administrators, was more specic with his critique, saying vouchers are not only expensive but they “erode our democracy.” “The last thing our state needs to do is provide ‘welfare checks’ to wealthy families to attend selective private schools, and that is exactly what has occurred in many states that have enacted vouchers,” Brown said. Brown also claimed it was “ironic” the voucher conversation centers

10 counties in North Texas, provides professional development, technical assistance and management of edu- cational programs to 76 public school districts, including Northwest ISD and Keller ISD, 17 public charter schools, 90 charter campuses and 150 private schools. Chief Communications O- cer Lori Burton said if vouchers were to impact the districts in the region, then the center would focus its support on that aspect. “This impact could be immediate or it could be down the road,” Burton said. Vouchers and basic allotment Debate about vouchers has caused the creation of a 15-member Texas House committee—composed of Republican and Democratic lawmak- ers—that has made several recommen- dations regarding school nance, one of which is basic allotment. Basic allotment is the amount school districts receive from the state per

student, which has been set at $6,160 per student since 2019. According to Education Week’s 2021 School Finance Rankings, Texas ranks No. 42 nation- ally in per-student spending. “Our board and administration have continued to advocate for an increase in the basic allotment—which has not been raised since 2019, despite ina- tion increasing by 17% over that time,” a Keller ISD statement said on July 31. The statement also said administra- tors cut more than $17 million to bal- ance the budget approved by the board for the 2023-24 scal year. SOURCES: KELLERAREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS, KELLER ISD, RAISE YOUR HAND TEXAS, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

For more information, visit communityimpact.com .

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