Northeast San Antonio Metrocom Edition | September

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Northeast San Antonio

Metrocom Edition VOLUME 3, ISSUE 12 SEPT. 14 OCT. 11, 2024

2024 Education Edition

Districts adjusting to tighter budgets

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Judson ISD and Schertz-Cibo- lo-Universal City ISD are working to fund essential student and sta needs as they grapple with budget shortfalls. JISD’s original budget shortfall of nearly $36 million was oset by the use of disaster pennies, bringing the shortfall closer to $24 million. SCUCISD approved a budget with a nearly $11 million shortfall in the general fund and around a $4 million shortfall in additional budgets. Keeping wages competitive, keeping up with rising costs and retaining employees remains chal- lenging, SCUCISD Finance Director Brian Moy said. “The single biggest [budget] item that increased is our expenditures for teachers, and our pay raise,” Moy said.

Judson ISD teacher Rebecca Eller works through a lesson with her students. The district opted to provide 1% raises this school year.

CONTINUED ON 16

COURTESY JUDSON ISD

Also in this issue Transportation: New hiking trail funding was approved in Live Oak, see where (Page 9)

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INSIDE

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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

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Thalia Guzman Shaheryar Khan Parks Kugle Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers Alissa Foss

Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia Joseph Veloz Account Executive Krisha Sanchez Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara

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Impacts

Garden Ridge

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7 Calhoun Law Firm PLLC The rm oers legal services to homeowners, business owners, consumers, injured persons. The rm started in 2016, and moved to Universal City in August. • Opened Aug. 2 • 2060 Universal City Blvd Ste. A, Universal City • www.calhounattorneys.com 8 Daniels & Daniels Real Estate Owners Roy and Fran Daniels opened the real estate agency in 2017, oering services to sellers, buyers and investors. In September, the agency opened in Universal City. Services include multiple listing services, pricing and real estate counseling, new home sales, custom home sales and more. • Opened Sept. 6 • 2117 Pat Booker Road, Ste. A, Universal City • www.danielsanddanielsrealestate.com

2252

3009

Selma

1604

CIBOLO VALLEY DR.

1103

Cibolo

1518

N. MAIN ST.

UNIVERSAL CITY BLVD.

PFEIL RD.

Universal City

8 9

1518

Live Oak

MAP NOT TO SCALE

9 Farmers Insurance - Hickman Insurance Agency

1604

4 The Ready Room The nautical-inspired beer, wine and coee bar features a selection of craft, draft and domestic beers as well as local coee and pastries. • Opened Aug. 24 • 4470 Green Valley Road, Ste. 145, Cibolo • www.readyroomtx.com 5 Virtuosa GYN The women’s health clinic opened an expansion to Methodist Plaza II, located adjacent to Methodist Hospital Northeast. Virtuosa GYN oers wellness care for ovarian cysts, endometriosis, gynecology and more. • Opened July 31 • 12500 Judson, Suite 210, Live Oak • www.virtuosagyn.com 6 Spicy Pot A new Asian restaurant opened its doors in Universal City. Spicy Pot oers a selection of Vietnamese dishes including hot pot and Bun Cha. The restaurant also oers boba tea. • Opened Aug. 13 • 2921 Pat Booker , Universal City • Facebook: Spicy Pot 10 Schertz

Now open

Farmers Insurance Agent Jennifer Hickman opened an oce in Universal City in September. The business oers insurance policies for home, life, auto, renters and other options. • Opened Sept. 6 • 2117 Pat Booker Road, Ste. B, Universal City • www.farmers.com

1976

1 Exquisite Ink Tattoos The tattoo studio oers realism, portrait, custom designs, anime, black and gray tattoos and more. • Opened July 19 • 18817 FM 2252, Ste. 5103, Garden Ridge • www.exquisiteinktattoos.org 2 Hillside Medical Group The local chain of primary care facilities in the Central Texas region opened a new facility. The new facility specializes in medical weight loss, preventative care and more. • Opened Aug. 6 • 12881 I-35, Live Oak • www.hillsidemedicalgroup.com 3 NuSpine Chiropractic Drs. Kevin Davis and Cori Picazo oer chiropractic care, hydrotherapy massage, adjustments. • Opened Aug. 9 • 18238 N. I-35, Ste. 131, Cibolo • www.nuspine.com

Coming soon

10 Frenchie’s Coee Roasters Frenchie’s Coee Roaster will be opening a brick- and-mortar storefront oering a selection of coee beverages through a drive-thru and a walk-up window.

• Opening in September • 200 Pfeil Road, Cibolo • www.frenchiecoffee.com

11 Howzit Hawaiian Kitchen The restaurant serves a variety of beef, chicken, seafood and noodle dishes including Hawaiian salted pork, Spam musubi, Korean chicken wings, desserts and more. The new eatery will be located near Randy G’s Homemade Ice Cream.

OCTOBER 10-13 4 DAYS. 4 DISTINCT EVENTS. IN GRUENE TEXAS

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GrueneMusicAndWineFest.org

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BY THALIA GUZMAN & JARRETT WHITENER

• Opening late September • 1420 Schertz Parkway, Ste. 290, Schertz • Facebook: Howzit Hawaiian Kitchen

• Opening in December • 813 Cibolo Valley Drive, Ste. 144, Cibolo • Facebook: Luxxe Salon Suites

Now open

12 KidStrong KidStrong is a science-based kids training program designed to help parents raise strong, condent children, incorporating movement and fun into the

15 Gruene Botanicals A new location of Gruene Botanicals will open in Universal City. The hemp and CBD store has locations in New Braunfels, Seguin and San Antonio. • Opening mid-September • 613 Pat Booker Rd, Universal City • www.gruenebotanicals.com

learning process. • Opening Sept. 16 • 1347 FM 1103 Ste. 124, Cibolo • www.kidstrong.com/locations/cibolo

In the news

13 The Learning Experience The Learning Experience is a private, early-childhood academy that oers programs for children from 6 weeks old to 6 years old. The academy features original characters that are part of the curriculum. • Opening Sept. 4

16 Quick Quack Car Wash A listing through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation states the business plans to open in July 2025. • 12591 Judson Road, San Antonio • www.dontdrivedirty.com 17 Clean Eatz Founded in 2013, Clean Eatz focuses on helping people make nutritional lifestyle choices. The cafe oers a selection of menu items alongside meal planning assistance. • 2935 Pat Booker Road Ste. 120, Universal City • www.cleaneatz.com

18 Boujee Bowls The business oers acai, passion fruit, pitaya, coconut, overnight oat bowls and smoothies. The smoothie menu features a variety of protein and fruit-based beverages. • Opened Aug. 19 • 1248 FM 78, Ste. 103, Schertz • Facebook: Boujee Bowls

• 4629 Roy Richard Drive, Schertz • www.thelearningexperience.com/ centers/north-schertz

14 Luxxe Salon Suites The salon suite will lease space to professionals oering a variety of beauty services, including haircuts, nails, waxing, lash extensions and more. Luxxe Salon Suites is located next to Cibolo Modern Dentistry.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Government

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Cibolo residents to vote on tax rate increase Cibolo voters will have a tax ratication election Nov. 5 to increase the tax rate to $0.4990 per $100 valuation. Cibolo City Council set the rate and approved an order calling for the election to support the city budget of around $71.82 million Aug. 19. What you need to know At a home value of $350,621, a homeowner would pay around $1,749 in annual taxes to the city, Financial Director Ana Miranda said. If voters do not approve the proposed rate, city council will hold another discussion on the tax rate, and the maximum rate that can be set is $0.4769 per $100 valuation. The home valued at $350,621 would have around $1,672 in annual city taxes at a rate of $0.4769 per $100 valuation. One of the challenges the city is facing is an

Guadalupe County budget approved Guadalupe County Commissioners Court on Sept. 3 approved the county budget and set the tax rate for residents. What you need to know The tax rate for scal year 2024-25 is $0.3167 per $100 valuation. Property owners will see an increase in taxes paid due to appraisal value increase. According to the budget, the new prop- erty value for the year is approximately $855 million. The budget has an estimated revenue of $151.73 million with estimated expenditures of $167.84 million. According to an Aug. 15 budget overview, the budget includes funds for road construc- tion, ood and drainage study, and a master plan of more than 160 acres.

“We absolutely want our veterans to continue to receive the tax break and not pay any property taxes.

What this resolution is asking for is for the state of Texas to reimburse the cities for the revenue that we are losing.” CIBOLO MAYOR MARK ALLEN

increase in the number of homestead exemptions for disabled veterans. Miranda explained that the homestead exemp- tion for disabled veterans has grown from around 11% of households in 2019 to around 20% of house- holds in 2024. Next steps The tax rate increase will be on the Nov. 5 ballot alongside city council seats and two bond proposi- tions for a public safety facility and animal shelter facility.

Universal City City Council supports tax rate decrease Universal City City Council on Sept. 3 approved the tax rate to support the city budget. The rate is $0.514382 per $100 valuation. What’s being done This rate was approved following an Aug. 20 presentation, the postponed items include $40,000 for mobile equipment purchases and $60,000 for a parks and recreation vehicle purchase. These items will be added to a future budget.

Budget postponement $100,000 total budget reduction from tax rate $60,000 postponed for a Parks and Recreation vehicle $40,000 postponed for mobile equipment purchases

The approved rate is a decrease from the pre- vious budget cycle, but residents may still pay additional taxes due to increasing appraisal values. A home valued at $300,000 would pay around $1,543 in annual taxes at the approved rate.

compromise by city council. The new rate would cause a $100,000 postponement to budgeted items, city sta said. According to the budget

SOURCE: CITY OF UNIVERSAL CITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Trail funding approved from Shin Oak Drive to Village Oak Drive Funding for a trail project connecting Shin Oak Drive to Village Oak Drive in Live Oak was approved by City Council on July 30. The overview Public Works Director Mark Wagster said the trail would connect the Village Oak area near the swimming pool to Main City Park using sidewalks and trails. The project will include around 1,960 feet of new trail and around 250 feet of sidewalk reconstruction to bring it in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, Wagster said. The lowest bid for the project came in at $274,834, which is higher than the budgeted amount of $200,000. To accommodate the higher price, council also

$710k in roadwork slated for Hillview Universal City City Council on Aug. 6 authorized the city manager to accept a bid for street improvements on Hillview Drive. About the project The project will be completed by D&D Contractors, who submitted the lowest bid at $710,056, according to documents submitted by city sta. This project includes grant funding from the Bexar County Community Development Block Grant Program.

TRAIL CONNECTION

1604

approved $100,000 in funding from the Live Oak Economic Development Corporation. According to documents submitted to City Council, the cost with authorization for a change order would be around $302,317. This funding is supported under the capital projects fund supported by the Live Oak EDC. Wagster said the project is expected to begin in August, and the contractor has 110 days to be completed.

NORTHVIEW DR.

UNIVERSAL CITY BLVD.

HILLVIEW DR.

Let’s Get

Vaccines play an important role in protecting against diseases our community safe.The City of SanAntonio Metropolitan Health District reminds and keeping our you to stay up to date on your routine vaccines. For more information, talk to a healthcare provider or visit SA.gov/Health or call Metro Health at 210-207-8790.

#LetsGetVaccinated

Scan QR code for more information.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Development

BY JARRETT WHITENER

1 Park35 Project: The Park 35 project, spearheaded by Investment and Development Ventures, LLC, will bring a six-building industrial park featuring 1.4 million square feet of warehouse space in the northern part of Schertz. Update: The project has been under construction since April, with the expectation of completing the rst four buildings by the end of 2024. The four buildings will total around 774,000 square feet. Two of the four buildings are on schedule to be nished by September and October, while the remaining two are scheduled to be completed by the end of December. The second phase of the project will include the construction of two additional buildings. • Location: 23000 North I-35, Schertz • Timeline: April 2024-end of 2024 (Phase I) • Size: 1.4 million square feet 2 Core 5 Logistics Center Project: Located at I-35 and Loop 1604, the project will feature four buildings constructed over two phases. Phase I of the project broke ground in 2022, with buildings designed to oer functionality to distribution tenants. Update: Construction on buildings A and B is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, totaling approximately one million square feet. This would complete the rst phase of the project. The second phase will consist of two buildings totaling 788,940

CORPORATE DR.

1604

1518

3 Corporate Drive Industrial Complex Project: The project, located across from Selma City Hall, features two tilt-wall warehouse buildings. Ackerman & Co. broke ground on the project in 2023. Update: Partners Real Estate Group in June arranged a lease with KW Automotive Inc. for around 75,000 square feet of space. Both buildings include large glass openings. • Location: 9388 Corporate Drive, Selma

square feet. A delivery date for Phase II has not been established. • Location: I-10 and Loop 1604, Schertz • Timeline: December 2022-December 2024 (Phase I) • Size: 1.8 million square feet

• Timeline: 2022- late 2024 • Size: 511,000 square feet

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Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

2P Education Edition

2024

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What's inside

TEA set to approve new textbooks (Page 13)

Texas State Technical College expands locally (Pages 1415)

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Bob Popinski discusses Texas public school funding challenges Amid high operating costs and stagnant state funding, many public school districts across Texas have adopted budget shortfalls for scal year 2024- 25. Last year, public education advocates urged lawmakers to increase the basic allotment—which is the base amount of money schools receive per student and has not changed since 2019. Community Impact interviewed Bob Popinski, the senior policy director for education policy nonprot Raise Your Hand Texas, to learn more. How are Texas public schools funded? Right now, Texas is in the bottom 10 [states] for per-student funding. We’re more than $4,000 below the national average, according to a new National Education Association report. [Texas uses] what is known as an equalized

system, where the Legislature sets the amount of per-student funding and a district is guaranteed that amount. [District] revenue comes from local property taxes and general revenue from the state. On average, when you look at per-student funding across the state, the funding that actually gets down into the classrooms—that pays for day-to- day operations like teachers and cafeteria workers and bus drivers and school principals—is roughly $10,000 per student, on average, across the state. What kind of stang issues are schools facing, and what can the state do to help? The state needs to implement a lot of the recom- mendations that came from the Teacher Vacancy Task Force report that was issued last year. A lot of them focused on salary; a lot focused on training and retention of teachers. School districts are strug- gling to nd certied teachers. In the 2022-23 school year, approximately 15,300 teachers were hired in Texas without certication. Hiring uncertied teachers is also causing a lot of turnover. Only about 37% of alt-certied or uncerti- ed teachers are still teaching after ve years.

COURTESY RAISE YOUR HAND TEXAS

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

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Education

BY HANNAH NORTON

Student outcomes under TEA pilot program The percentage of elementary school students in the pilot program who met grade level standards on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness increased from 2019-2024 across all grade levels and demographics, including economically disadvantaged students. Texas aims to support students, teachers with new textbooks

The Texas State Board of Education is set to approve a new collection of language arts and math textbooks this fall that state leaders hope will help close student achievement gaps and reduce time teachers spend creating lesson plans. The state-developed textbooks will be available for free online and include kindergarten through fth grade reading and language arts, kindergarten through eighth grade math, and algebra 1. If the SBOE approves the textbooks in Novem- ber, public school districts could implement the optional texts during the 2025-26 school year. The overview The TEA has tested its textbooks in trial school districts around the state such as Lubbock ISD since 2021. Some districts have recorded “tremen- dous” student growth under the state curriculum, said Shannon Trejo, the TEA’s deputy commis- sioner of school programs.

2019 2024

30% 20% 10% 0% 40% 50% 60%

• NOTE: STUDENTS DO NOT BEGIN TAKING THE STAAR TEST UNTIL THIRD GRADE. SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Learn More

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Education

BY JARRETT WHITENER

Texas State Technical College expands programs in Comal, Guadalupe counties

What else?

Stay tuned

In 2023 the New Braunfels campus began classes, oering vocational certications and programs. The program that the campus began with was part of the Texas Federation for Advanced Manufac- turing Education initiative, which allows students to attend classes while working for a local employer. “Once we got our campus designation and we got our accreditation taken care of for this site, we were able to expand our oerings,” Anderson said. Beginning in 2024, the campus was able to oer certications in Industrial Systems Mechanic-Elec- trical and in Structural Welding, according to the campus website. “There are a lot of companies in this area that we are able to partner with, and I think that is going to expand really quickly as we continue to grow in this area,” Anderson said. Diering from community colleges, TSTC receives state funding after students have been hired by a company, making student employability the primary goal.

In the future, the plan is to expand aspects of the current New Braunfels campus while making room for the construction of the full campus in Comal or Guadalupe County. Anderson said the primary goal of the campus is to work with local businesses, such as Caterpillar and other industries, to get students into the workforce. “We would certainly be interested in having something in the interim that gives us more space to use to expand the programs we have,” Anderson said. “There is nothing solid yet, but we are open to those discussions.” Anderson said applications open around early October, and students attend the college over a three-semester period with breaks in between each semester. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent by the start of the school year being applied for.

"We are designed to respond to industry. Our mission is to put more Texans in great

Texas State Technical College is working to expand its footprint around Comal County and Guadalupe County. Mike Anderson, provost of the New Braunfels campus, said the current campus in New Braunfels focuses on adjusting to demands within the job market. While the New Braunfels campus has been open for a year, the goal is to create a full campus which would oer additional programs regionally. In 2023 House Bill 4997 was approved, which added Comal and Guadalupe counties to Texas State Technical College’s territory. This bill was supported by the Economic Development Corporations of New Braunfels and Seguin, and spearheaded by state Rep. John Kuempel.

Prior to the passing of legislation, the college system oered services to the New Braunfels area as an expansion of the Hutto campus. Following the approval of the bill, the New Braunfels campus opened with limited programs oered. Anderson said there have been discussions to build a full campus featuring a larger selection of programs in Comal and Guadalupe County areas. “There have been two plots of land that have been in the news as potential spaces,” Anderson said. “At this point, that is ultimately a chancellor decision.” While there is no denitive timeline on the construction of a full campus, Anderson said he is condent that any expansions or new construction would be designed to meet the needs of the area.

paying jobs." MIKE ANDERSON, PROVOST OF TSTC NEW BRAUNFELS

As of the 2024 school year, 80 students attend the New Braunfels campus, which puts classes at capacity. For those interested in learning more about college programs and applications, information can be found on the TSTC website.

TSTC New Braunfels oers certi cation in welding as one of the new programs oered in 2024.

COURTESY TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

LIVE OAK 14623 IH-35 N (210) 651-1911

RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244

LEGACY 2003 N Loop 1604 E (210) 494-8600

STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322

Districts adjusting to tighter budgets From the cover

Zooming in

Current situation

JISD budget data Revenue

Expenses

Judson ISD During a budget presentation on June 25, JISD sta said the revenues in the FY 2024-25 budget were estimated at around $236 million with total expenses around $272 million, with a shortfall of around $36 million. With the approval of disaster pennies, which leverage a tax rate as a way to increase revenue, the total revenue was increased to around $248 million, reducing the shortfall to around $24 million. The disaster pennies will raise additional funds through an increase in the maintenance and operations, or M&O, tax rate. This strategy avoids an increase in the tax rate to taxpayers. On Aug. 15, Superintendent Milton “Rob” Fields III explained that throughout the year, budget amendments will be approved due to unexpected costs related to equipment or other emergencies. Any further budget cuts would be to essential services, Fields said. “It is not cutting fat anymore,” Fields said. “There is no fat in the budget. It is muscle, so that means we are going to have to do away with something that we felt like we thought we had to have before.” Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD For SCUCISD, Moy explained that the $11 million shortfall in the general fund will most likely not be the actual decit by the end of the scal year. This is the largest approved shortfall by the district in the past ve budget cycles. Moy said he expects that the actual decit will be much less. “We don’t spend every dollar that we allocate,” Moy said. “We will still be well above our ending fund balance targets at the end of the year.” Board President Ed Finley on Aug. 8 said the district will run out of money without some sort of

$258.6M $264.2M $278M $286.8M $297.1M $322M $315.8M $333.8M $323.3M $350.4M

2020- 21

If districts cannot nd a way to reduce budgets further, budgets might dip below the required fund balance of 90 days of operating costs, which Moy said could occur by scal year 2026-27. This means that districts would need to make essential cuts in order to sustain mandatory services for students and sta. Despite passing budgets with shortfalls, districts are increasing employee salaries and incentives to stay competitive and promote employee retention.

2021- 22

2022- 23

2023- 24

2024- 25*

*PROJECTED

NOTE: FIGURES ARE THE SUM OF GENERAL, CHILD NUTRITION AND DEBT SERVICE FUNDS.

Top budget changes JISD and SCUCISD both made changes to the scal year budgets prior to adoption, with some changes including reductions in shortfalls and raises for employees.

SCUCISD budget data Revenue Expenses

$168.6M $169.3M $173M $175.9M $188.1M $194.2M $201.1M $208.5M $205.3M $220M

2020- 21

Judson ISD $12 million in disaster pennies to oset shortfalls 1% raise to teachers, librarians, nurses and counselors

2021- 22

2022- 23

$500 incentive for all other employees $160,000 agreement with Communities in Schools to support elementary schools Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD $5.68 million in major expenditure changes 3% raise across the board $1.44 million to support items previously funded by pandemic relief funds $324.6 million in outstanding debt

2023- 24

2024- 25*

*PROJECTED

SOURCES: JUDSON ISD, SCHERTZCIBOLOUNIVERSAL CITY ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: FIGURES ARE THE SUM OF GENERAL, CHILD NUTRITION AND DEBT SERVICE FUNDS.

support from legislation. “Even a conservative district will eventually run out if they don’t help us in Austin,” Finley said.

SOURCES: JUDSON ISD, SCHERTZCIBOLOUNIVERSAL CITY ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT

Full-day Pre-K Needs Full-Day Funding

DID YOU KNOW?

The state requires full-day pre-K but only funds half the day.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JARRETT WHITENER

What’s being done

Managing the impact

Based on an enrollment of 14,865, SCUCISD spends around $10,974 per student. JISD spends around $11,200 per student, and the district’s current enrollment is 25,871. “Each one of those kids has a state revenue attached to them, so we lose state revenue when they leave,” Moy said.

Declining enrollment and increasing costs per student is becoming untenable as well, as each district loses state funding when students move or increasingly opt for schooling alternatives. State funding is calculated through a district’s average daily attendance. That per student allotment—$6,160—has not increased since 2019.

While districts are struggling with lean budgets, they continue to increase employee salaries to stay competitive in hopes of lling vacancies and retaining employees. JISD approved a 1% increase for teachers, librar- ians, nurses and counselors, keeping their starting salary at the highest compared to surrounding districts. SCUCISD also approved raises for sta , giving 3% across the board. This raise alongside changes to benets results in around $3.5 million in additional budget expenditures. Other districts are trying di erent approaches to teacher and sta retention. North East ISD for instance opted to instead o er one-time supple- ment payments for employees rather than adding pay raises, which would cost more, according to NEISD documents.

Student enrollment over time

Judson ISD

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD

25K 30K 20K 15K 10K

2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21

2021-22 2022-23 2023-24

SOURCES: JUDSON ISD, SCHERTZCIBOLOUNIVERSAL CITY ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Starting teacher salaries by ISD

Judson Comal

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City

Northeast

Northside

Going forward

$65K

Ultimately, districts will have to work on a plan moving forward to continue to support students and sta while making possible cuts to upcoming budgets if there are no changes to funding. “We have a year now to work on bringing forward some things that we can do not only during the year, but then moving forward for the next budget cycle,” Judson ISD trustee Suzanne Kenoyer said on June 25.

Moy said SCUCISD has not yet discussed the speci c details of budget cuts, but the rst areas to be looked at are positions that are not campus related, should that need arise. SCUCISD Superintendent Paige Meloni said that the district has programs and services such as software licenses that can be cut, but around 85% of the budget is compensation. Extracurricular activities and nonmandatory programs are also looked at when cuts are the only option for districts.

$60K

$55K

$50K

$45K

2020- 21

2021- 22

2022- 23

2023- 24

2024- 25*

SOURCES: JUDSON ISD, SCHERTZCIBOLOUNIVERSAL CITY ISD, COMAL ISD, NORTHEAST ISD, NORTHSIDE ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT *PROJECTED

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2 College Prep Campuses

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8012 Shin Oak Drive Live Oak, TX 78233

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Education

BY JARRETT WHITENER

2.3% raise approved for SCUCISD bus drivers In an eort to attract and retain bus drivers, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD board of trustees approved raises and incentives for transportation workers Aug. 29. How we got here On Aug. 15, trustees discussed adding incentives and raises for transportation workers. Around June, the district had approximately 18 vacancies moving into the school year, and an additional ve employees left the district in August, sta said, which led to the consolidation of bus routes. At times, mechanics and o ce sta were needed to drive routes to cover shortages. District sta said the increase of vacancies has led to the need to increase incentives within the transportation department. Incentives presented by sta included a $1,000 annual retention incentive to CDL drivers. These

Judson ISD names Selma Elementary Judson ISD’s 21st elementary school being constructed in Selma has been named Selma Elementary as of the Aug. 15 board of trustees meeting. The details Construction on the project has been underway since February, with an expected completion date prior to the start of the 2025-26 school year. The project is funded through the 2022 bond for $48.38 million.

Starting hourly pay for bus drivers

$20.40

Hays ISD

$19.95

Navarro ISD

$19.00

Southwest ISD

Schertz-Cibolo- Universal City ISD New Braunfels ISD

$18.37

$18.30 $17.85

Judson ISD

$17.25

San Antonio ISD North East ISD Northside ISD

$16.80 $17.00

$16.24

Comal ISD

SOURCE: SCHERTZ CIBOLO UNIVERSAL CITY ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

incentives would be paid with a $500 incentive in November and another $500 in May. For new CDL drivers, a $2,000 incentive was proposed. Sta explained that the starting pay for drivers is $17.95 an hour, which is comparable to surround- ing districts. The change proposed by sta would be a 2.3% increase, bringing the starting wage to $18.37.

Selma Elementary School

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Real estate

Homes for sale in the Northeast San Antonio Metrocom area stayed on the market for longer in July 2024 compared to last July, according to the most recent data. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

July 2023

July 2024

-48.14%

-3.84%

-8.88%

-11.11%

+39.39%

78266

78154

78108

78148

78233

78266

1604

Median home sales price

78154

78108

78233

July

2023

2024

78148

$395,299 $375,500 $371,875 $310,000 $267,000

$443,475 $345,000 $369,995 $237,990 $274,500

78266

78154

78108

Homes sold by price point

78148

78233

July 2024

$800,000+

$600,000-$799,999

Average days on market

$400,000-$599,999

+97.36%

+4.91%

+14.28%

+105%

+50%

132

$200,000-$399,999

<$199,999

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78266

78154

78108

78148

78233

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Events

BY THALIA GUZMAN & JARRETT WHITENER

September

Family Glow Dance A night of glow dancing will take place at Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center. The event will feature glow-in- the-dark face painting, DJ music and a photobooth. • Sept. 14, 5-8 p.m. • $10 • Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center, 12900 Mount Olympus, Universal City • Facebook: Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center Teddy Bear Tea Time Kids are encouraged to dress in their best attire and bring their favorite teddy bear for tea time at the Universal City Public Library. Parents can register their children at the circulation desk. • Sept. 14, 10 a.m. (ages 3-5), noon (ages 6-12)

RE/MAX Skylight Balloon Festival Hot air balloons will §ll the skies of Selma with the return of the RE/MAX Skylight Balloon Fest. The festival will feature local vendors, food trucks, live music from The Spazmatics, a family fun zone, and more. • Sept. 27, 5-9 p.m.; Sept. 29, 7-9 a.m. and 2-9 p.m. • $10 (adults 12 and older), $5 (children 3-11) • Real Life Center, 16765 Lookout Road, Selma • www.skylightballoonfest.com

Cibolofest The city of Cibolo is bringing back its largest celebration of the year. Cibolofest will feature live bands, a carnival, a petting zoo, pony rides and 150 food and craft vendors. • Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. • Free (admission), $5 (carnival wristbands) • Cibolo Multi-Event Center, 200 S. Main St., Cibolo • www.cibolotx.gov/community/special_events/ cibolofest.php

• Free (registration required) • Universal City Public Library, 100 Northview Drive, Universal City • Facebook: Universal City Public Library

Comal County Fair & Rodeo The 131st annual Comal County Fair & Rodeo will feature multiple events, including a barbecue cook-o, food vendors, commercial exhibits and a livestock show. The parade will occur Sept. 27 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in

downtown New Braunfels. • Sept. 25-29, times vary • $5 (children), $10-$15 (adults) • 701 E. Common St., New Braunfels • www.comalcountyfair.org

Shindig on Shin Oak Live Oak will host its annual celebration, Shindig on Shin Oak, which invites the community to enjoy live music, carnival attractions and family-friendly fun.

wrestling, a Chihuahua beauty pageant and more. The event will be for ages 21 and over. • Oct. 5, 2-11 p.m. • $59-$199 • Retama Park, 1 Retama Parkway, Selma • www.tacosandtequilasatx.com Oktoberfest Oktoberfest at 1908 House of Wine & Ale will feature live music, beer tasting, German Bites, ra«e prizes and a pet costume contest. • Oct. 17, 6-9 p.m. • $30 • 1908 House of Wine & Ale, 207 N Main St., Cibolo • www.tinyurl.com/y9kw43bu

October

• Oct. 5, 2-10 p.m. • Free (admission)

National Night Out National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes community and police partnerships. The event will host block parties, festivals, cookouts and more. • Oct. 1, all day • Free (admission) • Various participating neighborhoods • www.schertz.com/1803/national-night-out-nno

• Live Oak Municipal Complex, 8001 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak • www.liveoaktx.net

Tacos and Tequila Festival Tacos and Tequila Festival’s music lineup will feature 2000s hip-hop artists Fat Joe, Chingy, Frankie J, Ying Yang Twins, T.I. and other artists. The festival will have taco vendors, margarita and tequila bars, lucha libre

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Business

THALIA GUZMAN

Coco LeFor oers customizations or customers can purchase a premade arrangement.

Coreen Vizzini has over 20 years of experience in the oral industry.

PHOTOS BY THALIA GUZMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Coco LeFor creates wooden owers in Cibolo After becoming a professional orist and working in the industry for over 20 years, Coreen Vizzini’s dream of opening her own ower shop became a reality when she opened Coco LeFor in 2023. How it started Vizzini said she couldn’t get past wasting a

What they oer What started as a few requests ourished into a full-time oral business. Coco LeFor specializes in over 20 styles of sola wood owers, an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to fresh owers. Coco LeFor also oers preserved roses and creates customized or prearranged ower arrangements for weddings and other events. “I feel like we are kind of solving some problems with these owers because they don’t die. So for weddings, brides don’t have to stress out about them fading before their big day,” Vizzini said. Coco LeFor also oers eco-friendly vases that are 3D printed. In addition the shop sells local products such as honey, mugs, candles, popcorn and coee.

Hand-tied bouquets ($38) come in a variety of styles.

beautiful and perishable product. She worked as a oral manager and created arrangements for weddings and other events. She took a request to create a wood ower arrangement and realized it was a creative and waste-free solution. “I had my rst request for a wood ower wedding in 2016 and thought ‘Oh my goodness, this is really cool,’” Vizzini said. “I started selling at markets and it went really well.”

200 Pfeil Road, Cibolo www.cocolefor.com

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

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