Frisco | October 2024

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Frisco Edition VOLUME 12, ISSUE 3 OCT. 11NOV. 8, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

$1.08B bond seeks to aid aging schools

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools

380

Mary M. Boals

Sam and Ann Roach

Bennett & Alma Grin

Dr. Erwin & Elisabeth Pink

Lucille Rogers Ashley

ELDORADO PKWY.

DNT TOLL

Wilma Fisher

Benton A. Staley

Izetta Sparks

MAIN ST.

Bessie Gunstream

Cal & Walt Wester

Bright Academy

Pioneer Heritage

423

Frisco High

Centennial

Bert & Eloise Isbell

Calvin Bledsoe

Shawnee Trail

Otis Spears

Adelle R. Clark

20 schools will be updated under

FRISCO ISD

Ruth Borchardt

Jessie Marie Riddle

Proposition B as they are reaching 25 years of age. Staley would also be rebuilt and other schools will undergo maintenance, if approved.

SRT TOLL

Staley Middle School, which is one portion of Proposition B, would be rebuilt, if approved. The school was built in 1973.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

COURTESY FRISCO ISD

Voters to see items on tennis center, technology updates

schools to accommodate growth, but rather we need to focus on upcoming aging facilities.” No new campuses will be built through the bond, though Staley Middle School would be rebuilt. The campus was built in the 1970s and formerly housed Frisco High School. Other bond propositions include updating tech- nology and creating an outdoor tennis complex.

three bond propositions. Voters will also see a tax rate election on the ballot. The largest portion of the $1.08 billion Nov. 5 bond package goes to refreshing 20 FISD campuses that are reaching 25 years of age. “Frisco ISD is no longer a fast growth district,” said Jamie Heit, an FISD parent and member of the bond exploration committee, during a board workshop. “We no longer need to build additional

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

With Frisco ISD’s student growth projected to slow down in the coming years, the district is looking to address its aging infrastructure through

CONTINUED ON 16

Also in this issue Elections: Check out a sample ballot for November election (Page 13)

Higher Education Edition premium sponsors

INSIDE

Dining: Unicorndog oers Korean-style corndogs in Frisco (Page 39)

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FRISCO EDITION

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FRISCO EDITION

Impacts

North Frisco

Now open

1 Durkin’s Pizza The restaurant offers a number of pizzas in traditional, specialty and Indian fusion flavors. It serves pasta, salads, chicken wings and sandwiches and features beer and wine. Durkin’s Pizza also has a location in McKinney. • Opened in late August • 4350 Main St., Ste. 140, Frisco • www.durkinspizza.com 2 Frisco Driving School The driving school offers lessons for teenagers and adults ages 18 and older. Prices for classes range between $49-$625 depending on if the classes are online-only, parent-led or private behind-the-wheel lessons. Students can also register for a six-hour defensive driving course. • Opened Sept. 3 • 11547 Independence Parkway, Ste. 540, Frisco • www.friscodrivingschool.info/index.html 3 Pei Wei Asian Kitchen The restaurant offers a number of Asian dishes such as beef and broccoli, Mongolian chicken and more. Pei Wei also offers vegan options such as firecracker tofu as well as appetizers, wings and soup.

UNIVERSITY DR.

380

PGA PKWY.

VIRGINIA PKWY.

LEWISVILLE LAKE

PANTHER CREEK PKWY.

2478

Frisco

ELDORADO PKWY.

289

423

KING ST.

MAIN ST.

DNT TOLL

ROLATER RD.

S TONEBROOK PKWY.

PARKWOOD BLVD.

SRT TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

GAYLORD PKWY.

WARREN PKWY.

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• Opened Sept. 6 • 11411 Coit Road, Ste. 110, Frisco • www.theupsstore.com

• Opened Aug. 19 • 1795 US 380, Ste. 200, Frisco • www.peiwei.com

Coming soon

4 Session Pilates This is the first Session Pilates in Frisco, according to a news release from the company. Session Pilates offers 50-minute, music-driven, high-intensity reformer Pilates classes that focus on quick transitions, according to the release. The Pilates studio chain opened its first studio in 2016 in Dallas and has expanded to five locations around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including the now-open Frisco location. • Opened Sept. 2 • 5105 Eldorado Parkway, Ste. 180, Ste. 16, Frisco • www.sessionpilates.com/frisco-location 5 Sushi Box The restaurant serves a number of sushi and sashimi rolls with tuna, salmon, yellowtail and more. • Opened in July • 2215 University Drive, Ste. 300, Frisco • www.sushiboxfrisco380prosper.menu11.com 6 UPS Store The business offers a number of services, including international and domestic shipping, notary services, printing, passport photos and more.

Coming soon

7 Hustle House Fitness The business offers resistance-based High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) group workout classes led by personal trainers. This will be Hustle House Fitness’ second Texas location. The other is located in The Colony, according to its website. • Opening Jan. 1, 2025 • 12005 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 200, Frisco • www.hustlehousefitness.com

9 Chick-fil-A Officials shared they are actively pursuing a new location in Frisco, near the intersection of Coit Road and Eldorado Parkway, according to an emailed statement from the company. Chick-fil-A serves chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, fries and more through drive-thru, dine-in and carryout service. • Opening TBD • Located on the southwest corner of Coit Road

Closings

8 Heavenly Donuts The shop sold a number of doughnuts and other pastries in various flavors as well as sausage rolls and breakfast sandwiches. According to signage at the location, the shop is relocating to Allen and will reopen in October. • Closed Aug. 31 • 8981 2nd St., Frisco • No phone number or website is available

and Eldorado Parkway • www.chick-fil-a.com

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UNIVERSITY DR.

380

Impacts

PGA PKWY. South Frisco

ROCKHILL PKWY.

VIRGINIA PKWY.

massages, facials and waxing services. • Opened July 25 • 8425 FM 423, Ste. 200, Frisco • www.massageluxe.com/locations/west-frisco-tx 5 Pizza Twist and Taco Twist The restaurant offers pizza with Indian fusion flavors such as butter chicken and chicken tikka masala. The location is also home to Taco Twist, which also serves Indian fusion flavors and uses naan bread instead of tortillas. • Opened Sept. 15 • 6950 Lebanon Road, Ste. 104, Frisco • www.pizzatwist.com; www.tacotwist.com 6 Pop Mart Toys sold include Disney accessories, comic book character figurines, plush toys and more. • Opened Aug. 24 • Stonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Ste. 2160, Frisco • www.popmart.com/us

HILLCREST RD.

PANTHER CREEK PKWY.

2478

289

423

DNT TOLL

ELDORADO PKWY.

Frisco

KING ST.

MAIN ST.

ROLATER RD.

WADE BLVD.

STONEBROOK PKWY.

LEWISVILLE LAKE

OHIO DR.

SRT TOLL

PRESTMONT PL. 2

LEBANON RD.

6 7

WARREN PKWY.

GAYLORD PKWY.

Coming soon

Plano

7 Uniqlo The store will sell apparel for men, women, children and babies, according to the company website. • Opening Oct. 25 • Stonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Ste. 2164, Frisco • www.uniqlo.com/us/en

MAP NOT TO SCALE

PARKWOOD BLVD.

South Frisco

individual sushi rolls and entrees. • Opened Aug. 14 • 9188 Prestmont Place, Ste. 102, Frisco • https://order.toasttab.com/online/hachi-sushi- omakase 3 Little Gym of Frisco West The business is a national franchise offering noncompetitive gymnastics classes and imaginative play for children aged 4 months-12 years old. • Opened Aug. 31 • 252 W. Stonebrook Parkway, Ste. 710, Frisco • www.thelittlegym.com/texas-frisco-west

Now open

Relocations

1 Dutch Bros Coffee The business serves a number of coffee drinks such as lattes, cold brew and Americanos. • Opened Sept. 12 • 9272 Lebanon Road, Frisco • www.dutchbros.com 2 Hachi Sushi & Omakase The restaurant serves both modern and traditional Japanese dishes in Frisco, owner Ferry Jatikusuma said. Dishes available at Hachi Sushi & Omakase include

8 Brain Train Center Frisco The business moved from its location on Preston Road building into a new space. Brain Train Center locations use neurofeedback therapy, a method that involves scanning and recording brainwave patterns to create a roadmap for personalized treatment. • Relocated Sept. 13 • 8501 Wade Blvd., Ste. 1310, Frisco • www.braintraindfw.com

4 MassageLuXe This spa franchise offers a variety of therapeutic

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

the Addison location’s lease is ending, he said. It reopened Aug. 31. • 1125 Legacy Drive, Ste. 100, Frisco • www.zerolatencyvr.com

In the news

Now open

9 Egg Posh Adam Ademi said he and his brother, Bennie Ademi, took over ownership of the restaurant Aug. 1. They plan to expand the menu adding desserts, and is still working to finalize new options, Adam Ademi said. Another change the new owners made is adding alcohol to the menu. • 4851 Legacy Drive, Frisco • www.eggposh.com 10 PuroClean Restoration Specialists The business opened in July 2009 and operated out of owner Jim Bauer’s garage, Bauer said in an email. PuroClean has been at its facility location for 10 years. It offers restoration services in homes or commercial properties, according to its website. • 122 Rose Lane, Ste. 103, Frisco • www.puroclean.com/frisco-tx-puroclean-restoration- specialists 11 Zero Latency VR The virtual reality play area first closed in March because it was too close to another Zero Latency in Addison and the two were “cannibalizing from each other,” location owner Tim Wright said. The Frisco location is reopening at the same location now because

Closings

12 Mash’d The restaurant served a variety of menu options including chicken wings, turkey burger, rib sandwich, meatloaf, salmon, pizza and more, according to its website. The restaurant also served brunch options such as a french toast sandwich. Its Fort Worth and San Antonio locations are still open. • Closed Aug. 29 • 3401 Preston Road, Ste. 1, Frisco • www.mashd.com 13 Round Table Pizza The restaurant served specialty pizzas named for characters in Arthurian legends such as King Arthur’s supreme pizza, Montague’s all meat marvel and Guinevere’s garden delight. The first Round Table Pizza location opened in 1959, according to its website. The McKinney location is still open. • Closed Sept. 16 • 7777 Warren Parkway, Ste. 350, Frisco • www.roundtablepizza.com

14 Black Rock Coffee Bar The coffee shop offers drip and specialty coffee drinks as well as hot chocolate and lemonade, according to the company’s website. Black Rock Coffee Bar has nine North Texas locations with 28 total in Texas, a company representative said. • Opened Sept. 27 • 155 Old Newman Way, Frisco • www.br.coffee

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FRISCO EDITION

Government

BY ALEX REECE

Fourth Street Plaza construction begins

Frisco’s FY 202425 budget updates tax rate, utility fees Frisco’s budget for scal year 2024-25 includes a lower tax rate as well as raises for its employees and additional funding across multiple departments. Frisco City Council members approved a $273.42 million general fund budget and a $0.425517 per $100 valuation property tax rate during a Sept. 17 meeting. The overview The city’s $0.425517 per $100 tax rate will be allocated toward: • $0.283406 per $100 valuation to mainte- nance and operations • $0.142111 per $100 valuation to interest and sinking, which pays back city debt

Construction zone

Construction on Frisco’s Fourth Street Plaza is underway and projected to nish in 2026. Frisco City Council members approved an $18.72 million contract for construction and continued design of Fourth Street Plaza, a roughly two-acre outdoor pedestrian plaza nestled between Oak and Elm streets, during a Sept. 4 meeting. Construc- tion later broke ground in mid-September. Included in the contract total is a $500,000 contingency fee, according to meeting documents. The details The contract includes advancing construction to the next steps and continuing the design of the plaza, according to meeting documents. The design has been consistent with what was rst approved in the city’s 2018 downtown master plan update, which will be used for the nal product before construction starts.

Key features of the plaza include: • Rail-themed public gathering place

• Shaded rail-themed paths • Outdoor performance stage • Large lawn with open seating • Public restroom facility • Gathering areas with outdoor furniture and seating Plaza construction is anticipated to nish in spring 2026.

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BY ALEX REECE

‘Good to be here’: Frisco unveils new Rail District branding

Frisco ocials say a new brand will encourage spending and foot trac in The Rail District throughout its ongoing reconstruction. What happened? Frisco ocials unveiled a new brand for The Rail District on Sept. 12, giving the historic downtown a new color scheme, identity and tagline. “This is just the start,” said Cori Powers, Visit Frisco’s director of marketing and communications. Visit Frisco is the city’s ocial destination marketing organization. Its sta, including Powers, were the driving force behind the rebrand alongside consultants from marketing rm Verb Interactive, and have been working to deliver the nal product in a months-long initiative. The results of the community surveys and inter- views can be found in the new brand. For example, the new “good to be here” tagline is a direct pull from stakeholder and council member discussions. Other elements of the new brand were chosen

deliberately, such as a color scheme, logo and pattern to allow the city and local businesses to use them on stickers, shirts or coasters, Verb Chief Creative Ocer Troy Woodland said. Zooming out The new brand comes a little over one year into The Rail District’s redevelopment, a nearly $70 million construction project. Roadwork currently taking place along Main Street has been cited as a pain point for local businesses as customer parking is removed or relocated. Shannon Hammond, co-owner of The Game Show Experience, said her business is beginning to feel the eects of ongoing construction. Hammond and fellow co-owner Danny Mehta were among multiple downtown business owners to attend the Sept. 12 launch. “We’re hopeful that the little eorts that the city makes like this will be benecial to us ... until all the construction is done,” Mehta said.

The Rail District’s new brand and tagline should help encourage foot trac downtown, city ocials said.

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FRISCO EDITION

Government

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Final decision on Frisco Center for the Arts to come in 2025 ‘ahs’ we hear when we see a Broadway production on stage in front of us, draws that in and helps to drive the revenue in a way that helps to propel the rest of the facility with trust in that facility,” Buhler said. Then vs. now Project consultants have changed plans for the halls slightly based on partner and community feedback, according to a June 25 presentation.

Frisco officials are still looking into the feasibil- ity of building and operating a Broadway-capable performing arts facility. During a Sept. 17 Frisco City Council meeting, council members confirmed they are still inter- ested in the Frisco Center for the Arts project and on track to pick a location in January 2025. A final decision on the project is expected in July 2025. Long story short Plans for the Frisco Center for the Arts and a path to a Broadway partnership were first pre- sented at a June 2023 city council summer work session. During the most recent project update to council members in June 2024, consultants with Keen Independent Research and Theatre Projects said they had an interested Broadway partner. The center is not possible without a Broadway deal, said Gena Buhler, a principal with Theatre Projects. “The attraction of Broadway, the ‘oohs’ and

Original plans January 2024

Updated plans June 2024

A Broadway partnership would have the same effect on the theater that the Dallas Cowboys part- nership had on The Star, council member Tammy Meinershagen said. The cost Estimated costs for the center sit at around $350 million, a $100 million drop from a past estimate that included additional venue spaces. The city has access to $160 million that would not involve a property tax increase, according to a meeting presentation. A cost and payment model is expected to be presented to council in May 2025. “There’s still a lot of work to do,” Mayor Jeff Cheney said. “There’s no question about that. But I feel like we’ve never been closer.”

2,000-seat large hall

2,800-seat large hall

Club seating in large hall

Broadway partnership Broadway partnership

650-seat community hall

400-seat community hall

Outdoor venues

No outdoor venues

100- to 200-seat flexible hall

No flexible hall

SOURCES: CITY OF FRISCO, KEEN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH, THEATRE PROJECT CONSULTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

BY SAMANTHA DOUTY

Voter Guide

2024

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 21: First day of early voting Oct. 25: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Nov. 1: Last day of early voting Nov. 5: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)

Denton County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting; however, election day locations are by precinct. Visit www.votedenton.gov for polling locations. Collin County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.collincountytx.gov/elections for polling locations.

SOURCES: COLLIN COUNTY ELECTIONS, DENTON COUNTY ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATION /COMMUNITY IMPACT

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat G Green L Libertarian R Republican *Incumbent

State Senator, District 8 R Angela Paxton* D Rachel Mello L Ed Kless State Senator, District 12 R Tan Parker* D Stephanie Draper State Senator, District 30 R Brent Hagenbuch D Dale Frey State Board of Education, District 12 R Pam Little* D George King State Representative, District 57 R Richard Hayes* D Collin Johnson L Darren Hamilton State Representative, District 61 R Keresa Richardson D Tony Adams State Representative — District 66 R Matt Shaheen* D David W. Carstens State Representative — District 106 R Jared Patterson* D Hava Johnston Local elections Denton County Sheriff R Tracy Murphree* D Fredrick Bishop Denton County Commissioner — Precinct 1

Denton County Constable, Precinct 6 R Richard Bachus* D Ransom Funches Collin County Tax Assessor Collector R Scott Grigg D Stephanie Cooksey Collin County Commissioner, Precinct 3 R Darrel Hale* D Yvette Johnson Collin County Constable, Precinct 3 R Sammy Knapp* D Cesar Avila

Sample ballot

Federal elections President

R Donald Trump D Kamala Harris L Chase Oliver G Jill Stein U.S. Senate R Ted Cruz* D Colin Allred L Ted Brown US Representative, District 3 R Keith Self*

Frisco ISD Proposition A: Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.056900 per $100 valuation in the Frisco ISD for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 1.92% in the maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $11,500,000. Proposition B: The issuance of bonds in the amount of $986,000,000 for school facilities with priority given to constructing, renovating, updating, maintaining, securing, and equipping school buildings and the purchase of new schools buses and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. This is a property tax increase. Proposition C: The issuance of bonds in the amount of $88,200,000 for district-wide technology improvements and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. This is a property tax increase. Proposition D: The issuance of bonds in the amount of $11,200,000 for a district tennis center and the levy of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds. This is a property tax increase.

D Sandeep Srivastava L Christopher Claytor US Representative, District 4 R Pat Fallon* D Simon Cardell L Mark Boler US Representative, District 26 R Brandon Gill D Ernest R. Lineberger III L Phil Gray State elections Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 2 R Jimmy Blacklock* D DaSean Jones Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 4 R John Devine* D Christine Vinh Weems Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 6 R Jane Bland* D Bonnie Lee Goldstein L J. David Roberson

R Ryan Williams* D Tommy Bedford

FRISCO EDITION

Election

BY SAMANTHA DOUTY

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent

Denton County Sheri

How do you plan to address these issues?

What are the biggest challenges facing the county?

Tracy Murphree did not respond to requests for comment.

Tracy Murphree* Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to requests for comment

I consistently hear concerns about the perceived “us against them” mentality of law enforcement. This sense of division stokes fear and resentment and prevents citizens from pursuing justice. The alarming attrition rates have left Denton County citizens vulnerable with too few deputies in our growing county.

I will focus on establishing strong community partnerships with governmental, nonprot organizations and local leaders through consistent communication and presence to remind the public we’re here to help everyone. I’ll treat my employees with that same respect and focus on growth opportunities to improve job satisfaction.

Fredrick Bishop Occupation & experience: law enforcement teacher, retired detective, Dallas Police Department, Army drill sergeant 940-553-0743 www.bishop4sheri.com

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

KEY: D Democrat R Republican

Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector

Why are you running for Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector? The tax office collects over $4.5 billion annually and Collin County needs a Tax Assessor-Collector with the skills and experience to ensure taxpayer money is protected. My decades of experience with multibillion-dollar companies and skillset gives me the unique ability to properly protect taxpayer money and ensure every cent is reconciled.

What are the biggest challenges facing the tax assessor-collector’s office? Collin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country and growth comes with many challenges. With over a million vehicles to register, the challenge will be to make sure that all the needs of the taxpayers are taken care of without sacrificing superior customer service.

Scott Grigg Occupation & experience: 35 years audit/accounting/finance experience, six years with county tax office, former finance manager www.electscottgrigg.com 469-834-3588 Stephanie Cooksey Occupation & experience: Starting two trucking companies, founding member of an AI Tech company. Underwriter and small business owner www.Cooksey4texans.com

To improve the quality of life for all residents by ensuring a more efficient, transparent, and equitable system that benefits all. I aim to keep Collin County thriving and well-prepared by modernizing the tax office, supporting property tax relief, safeguarding taxpayer information, and being a watchdog in county government.

A couple of the biggest challenges are making sure we keep up with continued growth of the county and safeguarding taxpayer information.

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FRISCO EDITION

$1.08B bond seeks to aid aging schools From the cover

The big picture

Proposition B is the largest part of the bond program at $986 million . On top of renovations, it includes furniture and equipment upgrades for campuses not included in the 25-year refresh and general maintenance. It also includes turfing softball and baseball fields, landscaping and transportation needs. The district’s tax rate for debt payments will remain unchanged with the bond. A proposition to increase the district’s day-to-day operations

The former Staley campus would house Aspire, a special education program for ages 18-21. The program would move there after the campus undergoes renovations from the district’s 2018 bond package, said Greg Perkins, assistant principal at Cobb Middle School and bond member committee. “A new Staley Middle School would give those students and staff the best opportunity for equity with new campuses,” Perkins said.

tax rate will be on the Nov. 5 ballot. There’s a perception that everything in FISD is new, but the district has 42 buildings built between 2000 and 2010, Heit said. Of the district’s 13 high schools, 46% were built while 61% of its 18 middle schools and 55% of 45 elementary schools were built in that timeframe. Proposition B includes $102.3 million for a new Staley Middle School.

Frisco ISD schools opening by year Frisco ISD opened 42 schools in 2000-10, 52% of all of the district's campuses.

2006 bond $798M

2014 bond $775M

2003 bond $478M

0 1 2 3 4 5

2000 bond $298M

2018 bond $691M

Rogers Elementary School

Staley Middle School

1998 bond $118M

SOURCE: FRISCO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Sorting out details

The district needs a new bus wash as the current wash no longer works and bus drivers are using power washes to clean their vehicles, Heit said. New fuel pumps are needed to replace outdated ones as replacement parts are unavailable.

riders the past three school years, according to data provided by FISD. School buses need to be replaced every 15 years or 100,000 miles, accord- ing to the board workshop. Collectively, FISD buses travel an average of 13,820 miles each day.

Proposition B also includes $34.8 million for new school buses, work trucks, fueling stations and a truck wash. It will replace 175 buses, 22 white fleet vehicles and four box trucks. The district has had an average of 12,800 bus

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Another detail

Other projects

On the ballot

Frisco ISD operates with a 1:1 student to technology ratio, meaning all students have their own device to use for learning. Middle and high school students are able to take home their devices, while elementary students use them on campus, according to FISD’s website. Technology included in the bond would support FISD’s 1:1 initiative, network updates and provide additional wireless access points, Warstler said. The $88.2 million technology refresh, included in Proposition C , is not just for Chromebooks, Heit said. It will also add addi- tional wireless access points to provide greater accessibility on campuses and allow for large group electronic testing, which is now required by the state for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR exams. Technology refreshes are completed on a five-year schedule, and would start in 2025 if the bond proposition is approved.

Proposition D at $11.2 million includes a 16-court outdoor tennis center. Along with the courts, the bond proposition includes spectator seating, concessions and restrooms. The center would be large enough to host district and regional meets. It also increases the number of courts available for the community to rent when FISD is not using them, according to the board workshop presentation. The courts would be a possible revenue generator for the district. It costs $11 to book a tennis court for 90 minutes at any court owned by Frisco ISD, according to Frisco Community Tennis. District tennis courts brought in $356,651 in revenue the past two school years, according to district data.

FISD voters can also expect a tax rate election on the November ballot. Voters will consider raising the maintenance and operation tax rate by $0.0294 per $100 valuation in a tax rate election, or VATRE, in Proposition A . M&O funds payroll and general maintenance. A VATRE is used when a district needs to increase its tax rate above a certain threshold. FISD’s last tax rate election was in 2018, which was approved. The district’s total tax rate would be $1.0569 per $100 valuation. This is broken down between $0.7869 for M&O and $0.27 for debt payments. The average FISD homeowner can expect their tax bill to increase by $759. If the increase passes, $158 would be due to the tax rate while $601 will be a result of increasing home appraisals.

Frisco ISD 2024 bond propositions

Maintenance and operations Interest and sinking Historical Frisco ISD tax rates

Frisco ISD voters will consider the district’s tax rate for FY 2024-25 in Proposition A.

$1.5

Proposition D $11.2M

Current technology inventory

$1.2

Proposition C $ 88.2M

61,000 Chromebooks

Proposition B $986M

$0.9

$0.6

17,000 Computers and laptops

$0.3

Total $1.085B

16,500 iPads

Fiscal year

3,000 printers

*FRISCO ISD HELD A TAX RATE ELECTION TO INCREASED THE OPERATIONS TAX RATE BY 13 CENTS.

SOURCE: FRISCO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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FRISCO EDITION

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THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS

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Education

BY ALEX REECE

Higher Education Edition 2024

Welcome to Community Impact’s annual Higher Education Edition. This guide features the latest updates and resources about local higher education institutions in your community. All the stories were written by our team of local journalists. In this year’s edition, our team of reporters bring you stories about the University of North Texas, Amberton University and Collin College.

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What's inside

Collin College continues to see program growth (Page 23)

Find a local college, university in North Texas (Page 24)

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Amberton University sees new president, looks to future

Frisco’s oldest university, Amberton University, is under new leadership. Amberton University President Carol Palmer stepped into her new position June 1, according to a university news release. In the months since, every day has been a little bit dierent, she said. “Right now, I’m spending a lot of time looking at the future of our academic programs and building a new strategic plan and seeing where we want to go from here,” Palmer said. Palmer is the university system’s third president and second female president. She rst joined Amberton University as an adjunct business professor in 2010 before working her way up to full-time and eventually served as an Amberton University dean, director and vice president. Staying competitive Amberton University started oering online classes in the mid-1990s and recently began oering a hybrid project management degree for

Frisco students, Palmer said. The university will begin oering an Applied Articial Intelligence for Business course this winter and incorporate conversations about AI in all of its classes starting in 2025. “Articial intelligence is huge in our world,” Palmer said. “We’re looking at how we teach our students to work with it and not work against it because it’s here to stay.” Other future oerings include a heavier empha- sis on information technology, counseling and skills certications. Palmer said ocials either add new university courses or update existing ones frequently to stay modern. The context Amberton University was founded in Garland in 1971. The institution’s Frisco campus, located on Parkwood Boulevard, opened in 2007. The university is slightly dierent from other local higher education options, Palmer said.

“I follow in pretty large footsteps. I feel very honored for that but I also have

my own plan and my own thoughts about where we can take the university from here going forward.” CAROL PALMER, AMBERTON UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

Classes are mostly online, mostly for graduate programs and geared toward working adults. Despite operating in Frisco for nearly two decades, not many people seem to know about the university, Palmer said. “We’re kind of a well-kept secret, like a little hidden gem that we would love more people to know about,” she said.

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Education

BY SHELBIE HAMILTON

Collin College sees growth in cybersecurity degree programs

Collin College saw an over 20% increase in enrollment for its cybersecurity programs from the 2022-23 academic year to the 2023-24, according to college data. Damien Smith, director of the college’s cyberse- curity program, says the increase is tied to growth in the cybersecurity industry, as well as business growth in the region. “Dallas-Fort Worth, [the] North Texas area, is growing massively, exponentially, and there’s denitely some opportunities for people with certain skills in cybersecurity to ourish in that environment,” Smith said. The details Collin College began oering a dedicated cybersecurity program in fall 2008 and 18 stu- dents enrolled the rst semester. The Bachelor of Applied Technology in cybersecurity was intro- duced in spring 2020, with 24 enrolling the rst semester.

The school now has over 2,000 students enrolled with a declared major in cybersecurity, Smith said. About the program The cybersecurity industry has various focuses, Smith said, such as information assurance, aimed at protecting personal data and health infor- mation. Other focus areas include penetration testing, ethical hacking, digital forensics and risk management. “Technology is playing more of a role in every- one’s lives, whether it’s the car you drive or the appliances you use at home, they’re all connected to the network somehow, someway,” Smith said. “Protecting that data that [the] technology uses and relies upon is crucial, and we need trained professionals that understand that technology.”

Degree growth

Students enrolled

Bachelor's of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 24 67 195 323 444

Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Cybersecurity

538

2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24

790

1,203

1,489

1,735

SOURCE: COLLIN COLLEGECOMMUNITY IMPACT

FRISCO EDITION

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Education

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

University of North Texas offers new wine, beer program

University of North Texas students now have the opportunity to learn how wine and beer is made at an industrial level. The Enology and Brewing Undergraduate Minor program launched at UNT at Frisco in the fall 2024 semester. The 18-hour program includes courses on enology, the study of winemaking, and the brewing process for beer. It also offers cross-disci- pline courses in business and marketing. UNT’s program is unique with only about half a dozen universities across the United States offer- ing a similar program, clinical professor Andrew Snyder said. He explained UNT’s program is not focused solely on textbook information, but allows students to use the equipment and work directly in the development process. “This will be a very hands-on program, both on the brewing side and the winemaking side,” Snyder said. “That’s where you get the best experiences.”

About the program The minor program gives students the skillset to work in the wine and beer industry. This includes leadership, teamwork, sales and marketing, distribution methods and merchandising, among others. Texas is in the top 10 states for the number of craft breweries and wineries, which contribute over $20 billion in economic value to the state, according to the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association. This includes more than 500 wineries and 443 growers across 4,000 acres dedicated to grape-growing. Having a minor in enology and brewing will help boost student’s resumes for wineries and other distributors, Snyder said. “A program like this will supply the wine industry,” Snyder said. “This is a program that’s in need.”

Potential jobs

• Enologist • Wine buyer • Cellar master • Vineyard manager • Retailer

• Production planner • Sales manager • Warehouse manager • Restaurant or bar manager

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Looking ahead A possible program expansion includes the program earning a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Com- mission license that would allow the university to sell the wine and beer students make. Program leaders are also pursuing establishing a sister city relationship for the city of Frisco with another enology or brewing city. “This is another opportunity for Frisco to be on the map,” Snyder said.

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FRISCO EDITION

Education

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

College Guide

University of North Texas College type: four-year

2024

Levels of degrees offered: bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and certificate programs Admission rate: 72% (whole school) • 1155 Union Circle, Denton • www.unt.edu University of North Texas at Frisco College type: four-year Levels of degrees offered: bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees Admission rate: 72% (whole school) • 12995 Preston Road, Frisco • www.frisco.unt.edu University of Texas at Arlington College type: four-year Levels of degrees offered: bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees Admission rate: 81% • 701 S. Nedderman Drive, Arlington • www.uta.edu This list is not comprehensive.

Amberton University — Frisco College type: two-year, four-year Levels of degrees offered: bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees Admission rate: 100% • 3880 Parkwood Blvd., Bldg. 7, Frisco • www.amberton.edu

Levels of degrees offered: bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees Admission rate: 43% • 2800 S. University Drive, Fort Worth • www.tcu.edu Texas Wesleyan University College type: four-year Levels of degrees offered: bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees Admission rate: 58% • 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth • www.txwes.edu Texas Woman’s University College type: four-year Levels of degrees offered: bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, certificates Admission rate: 93.6% • 304 Administration Drive, Denton • www.twu.edu

• Locations in Bowie, Corinth, Denton, Flower Mound, Gainesville and Graham • www.nctc.edu Southern Methodist University College type: four-year Levels of degrees offered: bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees

Admission rate: 52.3% • 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas • www.smu.edu

Dallas College College type: two-year, four-year

Collin College College type: two-year, four-year Levels of degrees offered: associate degrees, some bachelor’s degrees, noncredit and certificate programs Admission rate: 100% • Locations in Allen, Celina, Farmersville, Frisco, McKinney and Plano • www.collin.edu

University of Texas at Dallas College type: four-year Levels of degrees offered: bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees Admission rate: 65% • 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson • www.utdallas.edu

Levels of degrees offered: associate degrees, some bachelor’s degrees, noncredit and certificate programs Admission rate: 100% • Locations in Coppell, Dallas, Garland, Irving, Mesquite, Pleasant Grove and Richardson • www.dallascollege.edu

Tarrant County College College type: two-year Levels of degrees offered: associate degrees Admission rate: open-admission institution (100%) • Locations in Arlington, Fort Worth and Hurst • www.tccd.edu

North Central Texas College College type: two-year Levels of degrees offered: associate degrees Admission rate: 100%

Texas Christian University College type: four-year

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