North - Northwest Austin | September 2023

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North Northwest Austin Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 SEPT. 28OCT. 31, 2023

2023 Voter Guide

Historic heat highlights need for water solutions

BY KATY MCAFEE

As Austinites look forward to cooler weather this autumn, residents are still being asked to conserve water as the city reached its most intense form of restrictions in over a decade. Amid the severe drought condi- tions, this summer was one of the driest summers in Austin on record, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority. In addition to a near- record-high number of days over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Lake Travis’ water level is the fourth lowest on record, data from water level tracker Go Lake Travis shows. In response to rising concerns, Austin Water ocials have been ramping up on long-term conserva- tion eorts to ensure residents have access to clean water now and in the future. These eorts include using reclaimed water for irrigation. “There’s no one simple easy solution to meet the complexity of our future,” Austin Water Assistant Director Kevin Critendon said. “So we’re going to have to look inward and do things dierently.”

Bull Creek is one of many local waterways seeing lower levels due to ongoing drought conditions.

CONTINUED ON 24

GRACE DICKENSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue

Impacts: Wine-focused restaurant Sixty Vines coming soon (Page 6)

Voter guide: Travis County holds $509.5M bond election (Page 13)

Education: 17 private schools in North-Northwest Austin (Page 20)

Business: Local shop provides authentic tea time (Page 29)

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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE Mobility Authority

Navigating the tolling landscape can be complicated. We’re the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, and we’re here to help you understand important pieces of the tolling puzzle, like what we do and how your toll bill works.

The Mobility Authority is not the only toll operator

If Mobility Authority bills are not paid by the due date, late fees apply. Late fees are a fixed amount and not a percentage of the toll. The fee schedule is outlined on every bill to alert customers to the consequences of paying late.

Late payment fees do apply

The Mobility Authority is not TxTag

We accept a variety of electronic tags

There’s a reason you might get a bill in the mail even if you have an electronic tag

XX.XX BILL

There are payment options everywhere

Keep your electronic tag account in good standing

We use your address on file with the Texas DMV for bills

XX.XX +LATE FEE

Learn what to do when you sell your car

Using the Pay By Mail program costs you more

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP

To learn more fast facts about paying your Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority toll bill, visit us at MobilityAuthority.com/tolling101.

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Impacts

2 Falafel Burger Offering dine-in, takeout and patio seating, the burger shop blends the traditional American burger with the Middle Eastern flavors found in a falafel. • Opened July 10 • 11506 N. RM 620, Austin • www.falafelburgeraustin.com 3 Juicy Claws The seafood-based restaurant offers a variety of items, such as small plates featuring different clam and mussel options, sandwiches, lobster, chicken, and Louisiana and garlic butter boils with varying levels of spice. • Opened June 27 4 JustFoodForDogs The in-store kitchen opened at Petco off Great Hills Trail and offers veterinarian-designed menus of human-grade pet food options prepared daily by trained chefs. • Opened Sept. 9 • 9828 Great Hills Trail, Ste. 400, Austin • www.justfoodfordogs.com 5 Northern Tool + Equipment A Minnesota-based, family-owned retail store located in the Lake Creek Festival Shopping Center offers in- person and online options for customers to shop for tools, generators, tool storage, equipment and more. • Opened Aug. 26 • 13729 US 183, Ste. 1200, Austin • www.northerntool.com • 13729 US 183, Ste. 800, Austin • www.juicyclawsrestaurant.com 6 Bouldin Acres Restaurant and drinkery Bouldin Acres opened a second location on Braker Lane with a full kitchen operated by CM Smokehouse, pickleball courts, a full-service bar, a dog-friendly patio, a children’s playground and lawn games. The spot also has 1,700 square feet of covered outdoor space and is located less than a mile from Q2 Stadium. • Opened Sept. 8 • 1806 W. Braker Lane, Austin • www.bouldinacres.com

45 TOLL

620

3 5

WELLS BRANCH PKWY.

LAKE CREEK PKWY.

183

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

ROCK ROSE AVE.

JOLLYVILLE RD.

MOPAC

4 13

ESPERANZA CROSSING

WALNUT CREEK PARK

GREAT HILLS TRL.

360

183

2222

SPICEWOOD SPRINGS RD.

ANDERSON LN.

CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Express. One of the bestselling items on the menu is the carnitas combo, which features pork fried in its own lard

Now open

in a copper pan with herbs. • Opened in early September • 2309 W. Parmer Lane, Austin • www.carnitaselguero.com

1 Carnitas El Guero The Mexican restaurant created by Gustavo Reyes replaced the former Filipino quick-bite eatery Carabao

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BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Coming soon

7 Dirty Dough Cookies A new cookie shop on Parmer Lane will offer “super-stuffed cookie bombs” that feature various combinations of layers, mix-ins and fillings baked into the dough. Some of the cookie options available include a raspberry toaster tart and a triple-wrapped fudge, peanut butter and chocolate cookie with Reese’s on top. Gluten-free options are also available. • Opening in December • 6301 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 503, Austin • https://dirtydoughcookies.com 8 Vintage Wine Storage The wine storage facility offers a temperature- and climate-controlled space for customers to keep their wine collections. Vintage Wine Storage also offers the option to have wine shipped to the warehouse directly. • Opened Sept. 12 • 10615 Metric Blvd., Austin • www.vintagewinestorage.com 9 Pin Seeker’s Golf Lounge The family-friendly entertainment spot is owned by veteran Ed Amadis. The space provides customers with options that include an indoor golf lounge with multisport virtual game simulators. • Opened late September

10 Sixty Vines The wine-focused restaurant with both indoor and patio seating will offer a seasonal food menu to pair with its eco-friendly on-tap selections. With 60 wines to choose from, options will include bubbles, whites,

reds and roses. Menu items will range from shared plates to pastas, main dishes and more. • Opening in fall 2024 • 3401 Esperanza Crossing, Austin • www.sixtyvines.com

12 Haywire This Texas cuisine-inspired restaurant will open a location in Domain Northside. Haywire offers locally sourced cuts of steak, salads, soups, sides and more. The new two- story location will have two bars. • Opening in late fall 2024 • 11501 Rock Rose Ave., Ste. 100, Austin • www.haywirerestaurant.com 13 Ike’s Love & Sandwiches A sandwich shop with vegan, meat and halal options will open in The Arboretum. • Opening this fall • 9828 Great Hills Trail, Ste. 120, Austin • www.ikessandwich.com

• 6001 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 230, Austin • www.pinseekersgolflounge.com

Coming soon

11 Happy Chicks The chicken eatery opening in the former Baby Greens building near US 183 offers both sweet and savory options with 15 housemade dipping sauces to choose from in addition to vegan “chicken,” sides and desserts. • Opening in early fall • 10611 Research Blvd., Austin • www.happychicks.com

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Government

City appoints interim Austin police chief Robin Henderson began leading the Austin Police Department as interim police chief on Sept. 3, following approval from City Council on Aug. 31. Former Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon retired Sept. 2, ending his 25-year career at the Austin Police Department and a more than two- year tenure as chief. Henderson has been with the APD for 26 years and most recently served as Chacon’s chief of sta overseeing department operations and managing its specialized units. Henderson will remain in the role until a permanent police chief is chosen by Austin’s city manager and conrmed by council. “I value the trust [Chacon] has put in me to move the organization forward in a positive direction,” Henderson said in a statement. “I am truly honored and humbled, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your interim chief.”

County expands paid family leave program Travis County employees will get 12 weeks of paid parental leave as commissioners approved a program expansion Sept. 12. Zooming in Texas AFLCIO representative Emily Amps said paid parental leave reduces the likeli- hood of women leaving their jobs the rst year after giving birth by 50%.

Robin Henderson was conrmed as Austin’s interim chief of police on Aug. 31, eective Sept. 3.

COURTESY CITY OF AUSTIN

The context Chacon rst became the APD’s chief on an interim basis in spring 2021 following the retirement of former Chief Brian Manley. He was later selected to stay on a permanent basis, and City Council conrmed his appointment in September 2021. “Chief Chacon led the Austin Police Department with integrity and a deep commitment to the peo- ple of the department as well as our community,” Mayor Kirk Watson said in a statement.

“As a parent, I know how important those rst few weeks are with a newborn.” ANDY BROWN, TRAVIS COUNTY JUDGE

COURTESY TRAVIS COUNTY

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BEN THOMPSON & KATY MCAFEE

Austin Energy charge increase coming in October Austin Energy customers can expect to see their power bills increase slightly beginning in October, a change utility ocials attributed to “extraordinarily high” electricity costs spurred by this summer’s record heat. This is ahead of a separate billing change coming in November. What’s happening limits are billed $0.04371 per kilowatt-hour for the PSA; that will jump to $0.0459 per kWh. For the typical AE residential customer using 860 kWh per month, the PSA increase means a $1.88 monthly billing increase, or about $22.60 per year.

Austin ocials push for A/C requirement A new rule to ensure all housing across the city is equipped to keep residents cool could be in place as soon as next summer. What happened? While Austin requires residential appli- ances to be in working order, there’s no city mandate for air conditioning in housing in the rst place. As Austinites endured dozens of 100-degree-plus days this summer, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes proposed a new requirement to keep all rooms in a residence at a “comfortable” level well below outside temperatures. Following council’s Aug. 31 approval of that measure, a city code amendment process will go underway before a nal ordinance solidies any new rules.

One month after the PSA change goes into eect, AE will begin billing customers under a new schedule of charges stemming from the 2022 base rate update process.

AE’s utility bills include several components, some of which are based on customers’ monthly power usage and some of which are standardized across all bills. For example, AE’s “customer charge” is a at $13 per month for residents regardless of how much power is used. However, base energy charges have rates on a tiered scale that increase with power usage. On Oct. 1, one charge on customers’ bills tied to power usage—the Power Supply Adjustment, or PSA, charge—will increase 5%. In September, residential customers inside city

Bill increases

5% increase in the Power Supply Adjustment charge

$1.88 more a month for the average ratepayer

$22.60 more annually for the average ratepayer

SOURCE: AUSTIN ENERGYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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Election

BY GRACE DICKENS

Voter Guide

2023

Williamson County, Proposition A The issuance of $825 million of bonds for roads and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay principal of and interest on the bonds. Williamson County, Proposition B The issuance of $59 million of bonds for park and recreational purposes and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay principal of and interest on the bonds. Round Rock ISD, Proposition A Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $0.9190 per $100 valuation in Round Rock Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 0% in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the District for the current year as compared to the preceding year. Read more about RRISD’s tax rate election on Page 14 . Statewide constitutional amendments There are 14 statewide constitutional amendments on the ballot as well. Learn more on Page 15 .

Dates to know

Sample ballot

Oct. 23: First day of early voting Oct. 27: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 3: Last day of early voting Nov. 7: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 8 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Travis County, Proposition A The issuance of $233.06 million of road bonds for the purpose of the construction, maintenance, and operation of macadamized, graveled, or paved roads and turnpikes, or in aid thereof, including acquiring land and rights-of-way therefor, road drainage, bike lanes, sidewalks, and shared use paths, and replacement and improvement of road bridges and culverts, and the levying of the tax in payment thereof. Travis County, Proposition B The issuance of $276.44 million of bonds for the purposes of constructing and improving county parks and the acquisition of land and interests in land in connection therewith, including the acquisition of open space park land, and the acquisition of conservation easements for authorized purposes in connection with or for the benefit of county parks, and the levying of the tax in payment thereof. Read more about the Travis County bonds on Page 13 .

Where to vote

Residents in Travis County can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.votetravis.com for a complete list of polling locations.

SOURCES: TRAVIS & WILLIAMSON COUNTIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY KATY MCAFEE & DARCY SPRAGUE

Travis County voters to decide on $509.5M bond

A closer look

Travis County commissioners approved a list of projects for the bond after over six months of community input. The most expensive item is $200 million set aside for land acquisition in an eort to preserve land before it’s used for development or prices inate. See a list of bond projects below:

130 TOLL

Roads

Rowe Lane

Travis County voters will weigh in on a $509.5 million bond aimed at improving roads and parks this November.

Proposition A includes improvements to several roadways. Projects include adding or improving sidewalks, bike lanes or shared-use paths. A project in Northwest Austin up for approval is a shared-use path on the south side of Howard Lane from McNeil Drive to McNeil-Merriltown Road. Intended to address a gap in the existing shared-use path network, the $18 million project would provide pedestrians and bicyclists continuous access to the Capital Metro Red Line station on MoPac.

45 TOLL

Howard Lane

Pyramid Drive and O’Reilly Drive

183

$509.5M

MOPAC

Arterial A

for road and safety projects Prop A: $233.06M

Cameron Road

620

290 TOLL

Austin

130 TOLL

Bee Creek Road

360

183 TOLL

973

Blake Manor Road

for parks and green- space projects Prop B: $276.44M

290

MOPAC

45 TOLL

SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

130 TOLL

Parks

Arkansas Bend Park

45 TOLL

Gilleland Creek Greenway

Proposition B includes funding for new trails, parks improvements, a new building at Arkansas Bend Park, and sports elds at Bee Creek Sports Complex and Southeast Metro Park. It would also fund land acquisition near the following areas: • Cow Creek • Gilleland Creek • Lake Travis • Onion Creek • Pedernales River • Post Oak Savannah and Springs • Wilbarger Creek

183

What's next

620

290 TOLL

MOPAC

Bee Creek Sports Complex

If both propositions are approved by voters, it would cost the average Travis County homeowner an additional $4.78 in taxes per month. Residents can learn more about each project at www.traviscountytx.gov.

360

183 TOLL

Southeast Metropolitan Park

Onion Creek Greenway

290

130 TOLL

Austin

45 TOLL

MCKINNEY FALLS PKWY.

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NORTH NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Election

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Seeking a solution to budgetary restrictions limiting their ability to adequately increase teacher pay, Round Rock ISD will hold a voter-approval tax ratification election, also known as a VATRE, on Nov. 7. The tax rate election represents a localized solution to a widespread problem: increases in recapture payments due to the state alongside other budgetary pressures. These issues limit school districts’ abilities to provide raises to teachers that keep pace with inflation. This is the first VATRE called by RRISD. While school districts did receive some additional funding under House Bill 100, it is not enough to cover the cost of giving the additional compensation increases. RRISD to hold tax rate election

Changing taxes

What’s next

While the overall tax rate is lower due to state- mandated compression, the district is expecting the new rate to generate more tax revenue.

Approving the new tax rate would result in: • $19 million in new tax revenue for the district • An additional 3% compensation increase for staff Not approving the new tax rate would result in: • Budget cuts for district programs, such as fine arts and electives • Elimination of some support staff positions to retain teaching positions $19M Amount new tax rate would generate $33M Deficit should VATRE fail $77M+ Recapture payment

$1.0626 * FY 2022-23 tax rate

Proposed FY 2023-24 tax rate

$0.919 *

For a home worth $500,000, the total annual impact is expected to cost voters $752 less than the previous year.

Terms to know Voter-approval tax ratification election: An election must be held if district officials want to raise the tax rate beyond the voter-approval rate. Recapture: Tax revenue raised locally exceeding what the district is allowed to keep based on a formula is sent back to the state.

*PER $100 HOME VALUATION

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 14 state propositions on the Nov. ballot

Texas voters will find 14 propositions to amend the state constitution on the Nov. 7 ballot. Community Impact spoke with Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, to break down each proposition. Constitutional amendment elections give Texans “a window into the policy process” and a “chance to participate” in state affairs, Rottinghaus said.

Proposition 10

Proposition 5

SJR 87 What it’s asking: Proposition 10 would prevent medical and biomedical manufacturers from paying taxes on their tangible personal property, which the majority of businesses are currently taxed on. Officials said this exemption would strengthen Texas’ medical industry.

HJR 3 What it’s asking: The state’s National Research University Fund would be replaced with the Texas University Fund. Four universities—Texas Tech University, the University of Houston, the University of North Texas and Texas State University—would qualify for the research endowment. Roughly $273 million would be set aside for 2024-25.

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

Proposition 1

House Joint Resolution 126 What it’s asking: This proposition aims to increase landowners’ rights to regulate what happens on their property and limit state or federal interference.

Proposition 11

Proposition 6

SJR 32 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the El Paso County Conservation and Reclamation District. Various counties and regions in Texas have similar districts, which tax local residents to support the creation and development of water services and other facilities.

SJR 75 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to establish the Texas Water Fund, which would support new and existing water projects across the state. The Texas Water Development Board would oversee the new fund.

Proposition 2

Senate Joint Resolution 64 What it’s asking: City and county governments would be allowed to offer a property tax exemption to child care facilities. Rottinghaus said this would reduce property tax burdens on child care organizations, which many families rely on.

Proposition 7

Proposition 12

SJR 93 What it’s asking: This proposition would establish the Texas Energy Fund, which would finance the construction, maintenance and operation of electric facilities to ensure the state power grid remains reliable. The Public Utility Commission of Texas would oversee the new fund.

HJR 134 What it’s asking: This proposition would eliminate the Galveston County Treasurer’s Office. If approved, other county officials would take over the duties of the treasurer. All Texas voters can vote on the proposition, but it only takes effect if a majority of Galveston County voters authorize it.

Proposition 3

HJR 132 What it’s asking: This proposition asks voters to prevent a wealth tax, which is based on a person or entity’s assets, from being imposed in the future. Texas does not currently have any form of wealth taxes.

Proposition 8

Proposition 13

HJR 125 What it’s asking: Proposition 8 asks voters to authorize the creation of the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which would help expand high-speed internet access statewide. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts would oversee the new fund.

HJR 107 What it’s asking: Voters can decide whether to raise the mandatory retirement period from 70-75 years old to 75-79 years old for justices and judges on appellate, district and criminal district courts.

Proposition 4

HJR 2, from the second special session What it’s asking: Voters can decide to authorize a $100,000 property tax exemption for Texans’ primary homes; establish a temporary 20% limit on annual value increases for nonhomestead properties worth $5 million or less; require members of appraisal boards in counties of over 75,000 people to serve staggered four-year terms; and prevent funds allocated for property tax relief from going against the state’s constitutional spending limit.

Proposition 9

Proposition 14

HJR 2, from the regular session What it’s asking: Voters can approve a cost-of- living adjustment for many former teachers. To combat inflation, teachers who retired before 2001 would get a 6% adjustment, those who retired between 2001-13 would get a 4% adjustment, and those who retired between 2013-20 would get a 2% adjustment.

SJR 74 What it’s asking: This proposition would create the Texas Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, which would support the creation and improvement of state parks. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would oversee the new fund.

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Number of homes sold

August 2022

August 2023

Residential market data

25 21

18 32

-16%

+77.78%

78727

78758

Home sales were up in the North-Northwest Austin market in August, according to data from the Austin Board of Realtors.

15 16

33 33

45 TOLL

+6.67%

+0%

78729

78759

620

MOPAC

183

29 34

+17.24%

78750

360

2222

Average home sales price

2022

2023

78727 78758

78729 78759

78750

78727

+18.3%

$550K

$465K

78729

-0.1%

$495K

$495.5K

Homes sold in the North-Northwest Austin area by price point

78750

-4.49%

$585K

$612.5K

August 2023

78758

+12.52%

$411.2K

$365.5K

$900,000+

78759

-4.73%

$681.1K

$715K

$700,000-$899,999

Average days on market

$500,000-$699,999

+19.4%

+16.67%

+176.19%

+109.52%

+127.27%

$300,000-$499,999

<$299,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS 512-454-7636 • WWW.ABOR.COM

78727

78729

78750

78758

78759

Closings

New listings

Months of inventory

August

2022

2023

August

2022

2023

August

2022

2023

North-Northwest Austin

134

126

192

141

2.3

3.2

Central Austin

277

284

424

454

2.6

5.2

Southwest Austin

325

277

410

366

2.4

3.7

Round Rock

227

171

278

2.5

3.2

Pflugerville

136

2.3

2.4

Cedar Park

105

2.6

1.8

Austin metro

2,924

2,939

4,121

4,084

NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Health care

Development

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

BY BEN THOMPSON

Plans to turn a former Northwest Austin hotel into a supportive housing complex for people exiting homelessness can move forward after a Williamson County judge rejected a lawsuit from Williamson County aimed at halting the city’s project. For years, Austin has been working to convert a former Candlewood Suites hotel at 10811 Pecan Park Blvd., Bldg. 2, into a permanent supportive housing project called Pecan Gardens as part of its overall homeless strategy. On Aug. 23, District Court Judge Scott K. Field sided with Austin and dismissed the county’s suit, stating the courts have no authority to act on Williamson County’s request to block housing on the site. Pecan Gardens progresses

Senior living clinic opens

What’s next

Dig deeper

Pecan Gardens will: • offer 78 one-bedroom apartments • open in early 2024 • provide housing for vulnerable populations of homeless residents Pecan Gardens will oer housing for chronically homeless clients with substance use disorders, mental or physical illness, or developmental or physical disabilities. The supportive housing complex was initially expected to open at some point in 2023. According to the city, move-ins may now begin after renovations wrap up in early 2024. Council will vote in the future on whether to extend the renovation agreement at least through next March due to ongoing repairs.

The clinic oers primary care physician services through nurse practitioner Paul Linson, along with laboratory and diagnostic services and a pharmacy on-site. Linson said he is also be able to make home visits to provide care, if preferred. The integrated health care model is a rst for Central Texas senior living communities, Maravilla Executive Director Mark Ranno said. “To have that suite of services under one roof for residents is a huge convenience,” Ranno said. “Residents don’t have to go outside of the community to get their therapy or be seen by a nurse practitioner.” Along with the new clinic, Maravilla oers residents a post-hospital care program, respite care, and a variety of mind and body wellness programs, such as workout classes, interactive workshops and social events.

Health care services for residents of retirement community Maravilla at The Domain will be easier to access following the completion of a new on-site health clinic through EmpowerMe on Sept. 18.

Austin plans to house dozens of formerly homeless individuals and oer supportive services at a converted Northwest Austin hotel.

Maravilla at The Domain opened its new on-site clinic Sept. 18.

Services oered

AMY DONOVAN PLAZA

45 TOLL

Primary care

On-site pharmacy

620

Respite care

183

Wellness programs

SOURCE: PAUL LINSON, APRN, CPCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316

ARBORETUM 10515 North Mopac Expressway (512) 342-6893

Education

Private School Guide

2023

Acton Academy Northwest Austin Type: Nontraditional Grades served: K-5 Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: 50 Tuition: $13,310 • 8508 White Cliff Drive, Austin • www.actonacademynwaustin.org Arbor Montessori Academy Type: Montessori Grades served: 1 year old-first grade Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: Spanish, gymnastics Enrollment: 110 Tuition: $15,000-$22,000

Hill Country Christian School of Austin Type: Religion based Grades served: pre-K-3-12th grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: athletics, Distributive Education Clubs of America, robotics Enrollment: 717

Austin Jewish Academy Type: Religion based Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: Jewish Extracurricular activities: athletics, music, art

Enrollment: 90 Tuition: $18,680 • 7300 Hart Lane, Austin • www.austinjewishacademy.org

Tuition: $6,578-$18,471 • 12124 N. RM 620, Austin • www.hillcountrychristianschool.org Holy Family Catholic School Type: Religion based Grades served: pre-K-8 Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: athletics Enrollment: 420 Tuition: $8,725-$11,125 • 9400 Neenah Ave., Austin • www.holyfamilycs.org

Brentwood Christian School Type: Religion based Grades served: pre-K-3-12th grade Religious orientation: Church of Christ Extracurricular activities: athletics, fine arts, after- school clubs Enrollment: 685 Tuition: $10,495-$11,795

• 11726 Jollyville Road, Austin • www.thearborschool.com

• 11908 N. Lamar Ave., Austin • www.brentwoodchristian.org

CONTINUED ON 22

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Austin

Austin Classical School Type: Religion based Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: athletics, yearbook, motor lab, art, music Enrollment: 315 Tuition: $4,100-$10,750 • 10500 Jollyville Road, Bldg. A, Austin • www.austinclassical.org

Casner Christian Academy Type: Religion based Grades served: 2 years old-kindergarten Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: Spanish, music, athletics Enrollment: 110

Tuition: available upon request • 3838 Steck Ave., Austin • www.casnerchristian.org

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Avery Ranch (PS–G8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–G1) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Education

Private School Guide

2023

Magellan International School Type: International Grades served: pre-K-3-8th grade Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: after-school clubs, athletics Enrollment: 584 Tuition: $14,000-$21,000

North Austin Montessori School Type: Montessori Grades served: 1 year old-first grade Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: Spanish, gymnastics Enrollment: 50 Tuition: $15,000-$22,000 • 12400 Amherst Drive, Austin • www.nams-ami.com Redeemer Lutheran School and Preschool Type: Religion based Grades served: 15 months-8th grade Religious orientation: Lutheran Extracurricular activities: athletics, music, STEM, art, music, performing arts, library Enrollment: 550 Tuition: $9,500 (KBR-eighth grade); varies (preschool) • 1500 W. Anderson Lane, Austin • www.redeemerschool.net

CONTINUED FROM 21

Holy Word Christian Academy Type: Religion based Grades served: 8 weeks old-pre-K Religious orientation: Protestant Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: 100 Tuition: available upon request • 10601 Bluff Bend Drive, Austin • www.holywordchristianacademy.net

• K-8: 7501 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • Preprimary: 7130 Chimney Corners, Austin • www.magellanschool.org

Nicholson Early Childhood Education Center Type: Nontraditional Grades served: 18 months-5 years Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: 75 Tuition: $3,360-$7,500 • 12233 N. RM 620, Ste. 201, Austin • www.nicholsonececenter.com

Hyde Park Schools Type: Religion based Grades served: pre-K-4-12th grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: athletics, student council Enrollment: 770 Tuition: $14,799-$23,191 • 3901 Speedway Blvd., Austin • www.hpaustin.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMANDA CUTSHALL

Austin

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School Type: Religion based Grades served: 18 months-kindergarten Religious orientation: Christian/Episcopal Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: 175 Tuition: $3,870-$10,665 • 8135 Mesa Drive, Austin • www.stmatthewsschoolaustin.com Wholesome Generation Type: nontraditional Grades served: 18 months-6th grade Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: fine arts, culinary arts, beekeeping, STEAM, sustainability and entrepreneurship Enrollment: 78

Tuition: available upon request • 12251 Running Bird Lane, Austin • www.wholesomegeneration.org

The Ivy International School Type: International Grades served: 18 months old-second grade Religious orientation: N/A Extracurricular activities: N/A Enrollment: 120

Tuition: $8,000-$15,000 • 9511 N. RM 620, Austin • www.ivyinternationalschool.com

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

Historic heat highlights need for water solutions From the cover

Diving in deeper

Two-minute impact

such as golf courses and large industrial buildings, to use non-potable water for irrigation, cooling and cleaning. Austin Water is giving all its customers new digital water meters by 2025. The meters show customers their water usage in real time and notify them of any leaks. “Water Forward is really preparing us for what we expect to be a bit of an uncertain future,” Critendon said. Per-person water usage has decreased since 2011.

After the region’s last major drought in 2011, city leaders put together a task force—now called Water Forward—to prepare for future growth and unpredictable weather conditions in Austin for the next 100 years. The plan includes about 20 strategies that focus on how Austin can conserve and reuse water and avoid any unnecessary water loss in the roughly 4,000 linear miles of pipeline. At the center of that plan is encouraging more big customers,

and Stillhouse Hollow Lake, are similarly low. “Given how long our [rainfall] deficits go back and how significant they are, we’ll continue to see drought impacts through the end of this year, almost guaranteed,” National Weather Service meteorologist Keith White said. “The good news about the El Niño, though, is that it will tilt our odds toward wetter conditions by the time we get into the winter time. So we can hopefully start to make up some of those deficits in December, January and February of next winter.”

Central Texas was hit with a double threat this summer: record-breaking high heat and little rainfall. The region has seen temperatures over 100 degrees nearly every day since July 8, causing increased evaporation of local water reservoirs, dried-out soil and increased wildfire risk. Lakes Travis and Buchanan collectively dipped to 44% capacity in August, the lowest they’ve been since 2013, according to the Lower Colorado River Authority. Other regional water sources, including the Edwards Aquifer, Lake Georgetown

Austin water usage Average daily water usage typically goes up during the summer due to outdoor irrigation and other discretionary uses of water, city officials said, which, along with the drought, causes the need for water usage restrictions. 2011 2022

Exceptional drought —or Level D4 drought—is the most intense drought category on the U.S. drought monitor

195

and occurs when the region experiences 98% dryness.

183

Williamson County

Exceptional drought (D4)

250

205.7

Travis County

100% of Hays, Travis and Williamson counties are in exceptional drought 1.02M Travis County residents are in drought areas 3rd -driest July on record in 129 years in Travis County

200

130 TOLL

194.6

150

290

Hays County

100

SOURCE: U.S. DROUGHT MONITOR/COMMUNITY IMPACT *AS OF SEPT. 21

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Jun.

Jul.

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KATY MCAFEE

KEY

Current water restrictions as of Sept. 21

What happened

Drought restrictions information

All of Austin’s water comes from surface water from the Highland Lakes purchased through the LCRA, making customers more susceptible to low lake levels, Critendon said. Lakes Travis and Buchanan dipped below 850,000 acre feet in August, leading the utility to impose its most severe level of watering restrictions since 2012. The Highland Lakes hav- en’t been full since 2019. Officials are encouraging residents to conserve. “It takes all of us together exhibiting good, responsible water use behavior to really make this work,” Critendon said. “We’re looking forward to work- ing with the community on that.”

Stage

Austin

Automatic irrigation is allowed once a week from midnight-8 a.m. and 7 p.m.-midnight. Hose-end sprinkler watering is allowed twice a week from midnight-10 a.m. and 7 p.m.-midnight.

Automatic irrigation hours cut off at 5 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. Hose-end watering is limited to once a week before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

Patio misters may operate from 4 p.m.-midnight. Restaurants may not serve water unless requested. Car washing with a bucket is permitted.

Automatic watering is allowed once a week from midnight-6 a.m. Hose-end watering is allowed between 7-10 a.m. and 7-10 p.m.

Outdoor irrigation is prohibited.

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Individual solutions Kristen Parkhurst, marketing director of lawn care services company Emerald Lawns, offered several tips on how residents can preserve their lawns and conserve water.

Regional water solutions When the city is out of drought conditions or experiences flooding, Austin is considering pumping excess treated water into an underground aquifer to store for later use. The project would help prevent water loss from evaporation and provide the city an additional reservoir. “One thing that Water Forward has taught us is that there’s no one simple easy solution to meet the complexity of our future,” Critendon said.

What’s next

Central Texas will need to see weeks of heavy rainfall, specifically near Fredericksburg to refill water basins, to end drought conditions, said Aaron Abel, water services manager for the Brazos River Authority. “We’ve got to do what we can to extend the last of the water supply in these reservoirs, and that’s by enacting our drought contingency plans and trying to reduce water use,” Abel said.

Plant drought-tolerant grasses, such as Bermuda and Zoysia.

Utilize top dressing, which adds nutrients back into soil after it’s been depleted by the sun.

Aerate soil to loosen compact soil, which restricts root growth.

Consider xeriscaping, a landscaping process that requires little irrigation by utilizing succulents, mulch and other drought- tolerant plants.

SOURCE: EMERALD LAWNS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NORTH - NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION

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