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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 AUG. 5 SEPT. 1, 2023
EDUCATION EDITION 2023
“TIME HAS RUN OUT. THIS IS THE LAST GENERATION OF CHILDREN THAT WILL GO THROUGH PUBLIC EDUCATION BEFORE THE
Bellaire eatery competes in national contest EDUCATION EDITION 2023
7
SKILLS GAP IS LOCKED IN FOR
THE NEXT 30 YEARS.” MIKE MILES, HOUSTON ISD SUPERINTENDENT
District data
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Bellaire approves new, larger dog pound site
City & county
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New Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles, appointed to the position by the Texas Education Agency on June 1, speaks at a community event at Marshall Middle School on July 13. Miles is ushering in reforms at the district, but some of his proposals are sparking outrage and concern among community members. (Shawn Arrajj/Community Impact)
West U business owner launches fajita revolution
HISD to begin school year under state-appointed leadership
16
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries
BY SHAWN ARRAJJ
board of trustees in June, replacing them with a new board of managers and superintendent. The new HISD superintendent is Mike Miles, who formerly served as superintendent of Dallas ISD from 2012-15 and also founded a public charter school network that spans several states. He’s been tasked with helping HISD improve
its accountability ratings and board governance across the district. He said his top concern is pre- paring students for a future where he predicts a “locked in” skills gap between those who develop read- ing, math and technology skills and those who do not. “Time has run out,” Miles told the CONTINUED ON 14
Another school year is set to begin Aug. 28 for students at Houston ISD, but this year will look di erent from any in the past. The Texas Education Agency, the branch of state government that oversees public school districts, ousted former HISD Superinten- dent Millard House II and its elected
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Jay McMahon SENIOR EDITOR Shawn Arrajj REPORTER Melissa Enaje GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jatziri Garcia ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Holly Nunez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Schafler COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara SENIOR ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Kaitlin Schmidt CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281-469-6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES bmwnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING bmwads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM JAY: It’s that time of the year when we see students and educators return to campus for the 2023-24 school year. Our August issue includes our Education Edition, and our front-page story discusses how Houston ISD will look very different this year under state-appointed leadership as directed by the Texas Education Agency. Jay McMahon, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM SHAWN: In addition to our front-page story on changes being rolled out at Houston ISD, our paper this month also includes data on HISD enrollment, salaries and demographics, as well as a story from Reporter Melissa Enaje on how the growth in eviction filings in the HISD service area affects students who attend classes in the district. Shawn Arrajj, SENIOR EDITOR
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BELLAIRE - MEYERLAND - WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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RENOVATIONS 7 After a renovation process that incorporated design and technological improvements across all its departments, o cials announced the reopening June 27 of the family-owned Mike Calvert Toyota dealership at 2333 South Loop W., Houston. Renovations include a rede- signed waiting area, restroom upgrades and out tting the main shop for electric car needs. 713-558-8100. www.mikecalverttoyota.com CLOSINGS 8 Just under one year after opening in July 2022, the last day of service took place June 30 for CounterCommon Beer- works & Kitchen . The brewpub operated in the Bellaire Triangle, 5413 Bellaire Blvd., specializing in Asian and Latin menu items while also o ering an array of freshly brewed German beer. IN THE NEWS 9 Owners of the Bellaire eatery Dan- delion Cafe made it to the nal round of the “United States of Breakfast” contest hosted by ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Dandelion ultimately lost to Philadelphia restaurant Middle Child. Co-owned by JC Ricks and Sarah Lieber- man, Dandelion Cafe has been serving in-house, made-from-scratch breakfast and brunch favorites since 2016 at 5405 Bellaire Blvd. Owners won an earlier round by preparing a plate that featured a cornbread wae topped with 24-hour marinated crispy chicken thighs and a homemade spicy butter. 832-988-9210. www.dandelionhouston.com
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3 O ering contemporary women’s out ts, the second location of Saint Lo opened July 10 at 2592 Amherst St., Houston, in Rice Village. Saint Lo o ers women’s tops, pants, dresses and jewelry from a variety of labels. 832-968-4050. www.saintloboutique.com 4 Personal injury law rm Funk Law Group opened July 1 at 4909 Bissonnet St., Bellaire. Managing Partner Adam Funk said the boutique law rm provides legal services for cases including those who have been injured due to a car crash, medical malpractice, negligent security
and air-conditioned patio. Burgers are handcrafted with 100% Angus beef, made-to-order and served medium on toasted, classic style buns. Guests can also choose from shakes in avors such as vanilla, strawberry, peanut butter and even “Rocket Fuel” made with alcohol. www.burgerjointhtx.com 6 Life sciences venture capital rm Portal Innovations announced June 21 plans to open a new 30,000-square-foot lab and o ce space at the Texas Medical Center’s Helix Park by the second quarter of 2024. The Chicago-based rm will operate its lab and o ce at the TMC3 Collaborative Building, one part of the 37-acre life science campus slated to open in the fall o Bertner Avenue. The space will o er large coworking spaces, multiple conference rooms and more than $2 million worth of modern equipment, including wet and dry labs. The rm is actively looking for investments and o ering lab facilities and development resources for the next generation of life science startups. 773-498-5643. www.portalinnovations.com
COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ & MELISSA ENAJE
NOW OPEN 1 A new location of Austin-based Lick Honest Ice Creams opened July 16 in Braes Heights, 3821 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. 3D, Houston. The shop uses locally sourced and sustainably grown and harvested ingredients in its wide range of avors, including vegan options. Flavors include caramel salt lick, co ee with cream and Texas sheet cake. Another Houston-area location is coming soon to the Autry Park mixed-use development o Dallas Street near Montrose. 346-867-6146. www.ilikelick.com 2 Luvish Nails Lounge opened July 14 at 5600 Kirby Drive, Ste. 1, West Univer- sity Place, in the shopping center along Kirby Drive. Services o ered include man- icures; pedicures; arti cial nails; eyelash applications; facials; waxing; and med spa cosmetic applications, such as Botox and other injectables. 281-576-8050. www.luvishnailslounge.com
and others. 713-449-5771. www.funklawgroup.com COMING SOON
5 Anticipated to open in summer 2024, partners Matthew Pak and Shawn Bermu- dez announced that The Burger Joint ’s fourth Houston location will be near West University Place. The eatery will take over the former Village Plumbing & Air site at 5403 Kirby Drive. The restaurant will include a 1,600-square-foot covered
2280 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030 713-357-7391 www.ascentemc.com
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Free electric on-demand shuttle launches in Houston’s Third Ward
COMPILED BY MELISSA ENAJE & SHAWN ARRAJJ
PROJECT UPDATE
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A new transportation service for Third Ward residents that aims to enhance their mobility and accessibility to essential services in their area launched at the end of June, according to o cials from the eco-centric transportation solutions company RYDE. The details: RYDE partnered with nonpro t Evolve Houston and Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, District D Houston City Council member, to bring the free, 100% electric and on-demand local shuttle to residents. The initiative, according to a June 27 news release, is a three-month pilot program that provides residents free rides to any destination within the coverage area. RYDE o cials said they are actively seeking additional funding partners to support the expansion of the project.
“This service represents our commitment to sustainable and accessible transportation for all, empowering Third Ward residents to travel conveniently within their community while contributing to a cleaner environment,” RYDE co-founder Jesse Landry said in a news release. RYDE operates similar services in other parts of Texas, including the downtown areas of Austin and Dallas and the western parts of Dallas. For the three-month program in the Third Ward, residents can request free shuttle rides during regular busi- ness hours on weekdays to services such as employment, health care, education and public transit. How it works: Third Ward residents should download the Ride Circuit App from the App Store or Google Play.
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JULY 31. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT BMWNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. in late June a proposed route and station locations for a new rapid bus corridor service coming to Gulfton. The project is being pitched as a way to provide improved mobility and connectivity to employment, recre- ational, educational and cultural op- portunities, including the Westpark/ Lower Uptown Transit Center. Several stations have been proposed along Hilcroft Street, Gulfton Street, Chim- ney Rock Road and Westpark Drive. Timeline: 2024-26 Cost: TBD Funding source: METRO Gulfton Corridor O cials with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County announced
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• Using the app, residents can gain access to the on-demand, point-to- point local ride-sharing service in the coverage area. • The shuttle operates Mondays-Fri- days from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Quote of note: “By providing an inclusive, zero-cost transportation solution, RYDE aims to bridge the gap in mobility options for residents of the Third Ward, fostering connectiv- ity and independence,” Landry said.
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2023 EDUCATION EDITION COMMUNITY IMPACT IS PROUD TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS.
SILVER SPONSOR
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DISTRICT DATA
Data and information from local school districts
COMPILED BY SHAWN ARRAJJ
English learners Economically disadvantaged students STUDENT STATISTICS, 2022 23
SOURCES: HOUSTON ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Enrollment is projected to fall in Houston ISD, with the district starting the 2023-24 school year with an estimated 184,099 students. Enrollment has fallen by 6.5% since the 2020-21 school year, and the number of teachers has been cut by a similar amount over that time. HOUSTON ISD
Special education students
37%
9.2%
79.5%
Statewide
62%
23.02% 12.74%
STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Percent change from 2020-21 6.5%
TOTAL TEACHERS AND SALARIES
Total number of teachers*
-6.6%
13,000
11,000
9,000
7,000
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24*
5,000
*PROJECTED
0
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
REVENUE SOURCES, 2020 2024
*PROJECTED
*TOTAL IS THE FULL TIME EQUIVALENT AND MAY INCLUDE PART TIME POSITIONS.
Starting teacher salary
+13.1%
2021 22
2022 23
2023 24*
2020 21
$90,000
$70,000
$2.139B TOTAL REVENUE:
$2.107B TOTAL REVENUE:
$2.21B TOTAL REVENUE:
$2.225B TOTAL REVENUE:
$50,000
$1.816B LOCAL $228.7M STATE $61.2M FEDERAL
$1.923B LOCAL $217.5M STATE $69.5M FEDERAL
$1.966B LOCAL $196.7M STATE $62.5M FEDERAL
$1.815B LOCAL $295.7M STATE $27.7M FEDERAL
$30,000
$10,000
0
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
HOUSING Invisible evictions: How housing insecurity a ects Houston ISD students
2023 EDUCATION EDITION
EVICTIONS ON THE RISE Eviction lings jumped in 2022 in Bellaire, Meyerland, West University Place and surrounding areas. Experts have been tracking the e ects of evictions on students at Houston ISD.
BY MELISSA ENAJE
his research to suggest that, in areas where large numbers of eviction lings are taking place, vulnerable student populations are attending schools located close by. Wraparound Services are available at every HISD school and provide campus-speci c plans to assess student needs and integrate critical noninstructional support for their physical, mental and social-emo- tional development, according to HISD information. HISD o cials said they were not able to comment for this story as the department under- goes a reorganization under new Superintendent Mike Miles. Hepburn said he thinks HISD is taking the issue seriously, but more could be done to reduce the overall number of evictions in the county. “Otherwise, not only are you creating a problem for families, but you’re shifting a greater burden onto the school,” he said. For more than 30 years, Sharon Reynerson has represented low-in- come families throughout Texas facing education-related issues, such as eviction or unjust disciplinary actions, as litigation director with Lone Star Legal Aid. “You could have 100 lawyers doing all this in a third of Texas, and it would not be enough,” she said. Reynerson said she wishes more families knew about the federal McKinney-Vento Act, which states schools must allow students who are considered homeless to remain enrolled until the end of the aca- demic year and provide them with transportation to the school. Out of the roughly 10% of HISD students facing repeated threats of eviction, students of color were most at-risk for having an eviction led against their parent or guardian, Hepburn said. More than 70% of the students living in a household facing eviction were Black, roughly 25% Hispanic and less than 5% white. “The big picture here is that evic- tion is something that is happening to a lot of kids in your community,” Hepburn said. “It’s costing them, and it’s sort of setting them back on their educational trajectories.”
EVICTIONS FILED ANNUALLY
Bellaire 2020: 55 2021: 21 2022: 90 2023*: 53 Braeswood 2020: 219 2021: 291 2022: 752 2023*: 264
Meyerland 2020: 338 2021: 432 2022: 683 2023*: 436 West U Place 2020: 19 2021: 32 2022: 39 2023*: 22
As families across the largest school district in Texas prepare for the upcoming academic year Aug. 28, some of the 189,000-plus students will face challenges related to unsta- ble housing situations. Close to 10% of Houston ISD students face the threat of eviction on multiple occasions throughout the school year, according to ongoing research from the Kinder Institute’s Houston Education Research Consortium and the Eviction Lab at Princeton University. “When we look at those kids and what happens to them after that [eviction] ling comes through, we see that they’re much more likely than their peers to change schools; they’re much more likely than their peers to simply not be in the HISD records the subsequent academic year,” said Peter Hepburn, associate director of the Eviction Lab and assis- tant professor of sociology at Rutgers University-Newark. “They either move to another district or drop out entirely. They have much lower levels of stability year after year.” The Eviction Lab reached out to school districts across the U.S. to match data about school enrollment with eviction ling records. They developed an algorithm that found close to 20,000 HISD students faced the threat of eviction multiple times in a single academic year during the 2002-2016 timeframe. Before the pandemic, Harris County recorded close to 60,000 eviction lings in a given year, according to data from the analytics rm January Advisors. Since pan- demic protections for renters lapsed in July 2022, the number of lings spiked to almost 80,000 that year, according to the rm’s March housing report. Connect the dots In Bellaire, Meyerland, West University Place and surrounding areas, January Advisors found more than 3,700 eviction cases were led between January 2020 and July 24, 2023. Hepburn said there is evidence in
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SOURCES: JANUARY ADVISORS, HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURTS, EVICTION LAB COMMUNITY IMPACT
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AT-RISK RACIAL AND GENDER DISPARITIES Students of color enrolled in Houston ISD face the largest risk of having an eviction led against their parent or guardian, according to district data analyzed by researchers from 2002-2016.
In Houston ISD: • Close to 20,000 HISD students faced the threat of eviction multiple times in a single academic year. • 3 months was the typical length of time between multiple eviction lings in a single academic year. • Out of a 189,934 student population, 150,922 students are considered economically disadvantaged.
When an eviction was led: • 70% of households were Black. • Around 25% were Hispanic. • Less than 5% were White.
SOURCES: KINDER INSTITUTE FOR URBAN RESEARCH AT RICE UNIVERSITY, THE EVICTION LAB, HOUSTON ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
UNDERSTANDING STUDENT RIGHTS Under the federal McKinney-Vento Act, youth experiencing homelessness and economic hardship are entitled to certain rights and services. Until the end of the academic year, student rights include: • Transportation to the school, including preschool, is required. • At a local level, schools must designate a liaison who coordinates services, such as keeping students enrolled in a school, even if they lack documents or missed applications during any period of homelessness. • States must have procedures in place that ensure children can participate in academic and extracurricular activities.
Other resources available to families in need: The Covenant House:
The Montrose Center: www.montrosecenter.org Star of Hope Mission: www.sohmission.org Coalition for the Homeless: www.homelesshouston.org
www.covenanthousetx.org Bread of Life Inc. Houston: www.breado ifeinc.org Houston Area Women’s Center: www.hawc.org
SOURCES: SCHOOLHOUSE CONNECTION, NATIONAL CENTER FOR HOMELESS EDUCATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
CITY & COUNTY
News from Bellaire, Harris County & West University Place
Harris County Commissioners Court will meet for its regular meeting at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 at 1001 Preston St., Ste. 934, Houston. Meetings are livestreamed at www.harriscountytx.gov. Bellaire City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 7 at 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire. www.bellairetx.gov West University Place City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at 3800 University Blvd., West University Place. www.westutx.gov Houston City Council will meet for public comment at 2 p.m. Aug. 8 and regular business at 9 a.m. Aug. 9 at City Hall, 901 Bagby St., Houston. www.houstontx.gov/htv MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS BELLAIRE The future of Bellaire’s downtown commercial corridor won’t include a Methodist Hospital o ce building and three other retail buildings, at least in the immediate future, after the Bellaire City Council voted unanimously to postpone making a decision on the developer’s application July 18. However, council members left open the possibility of revisiting the proposal in the future.
Bellaire o cials approve new o -site dog pound facility
County considering a ordable housing tax exemption policy HARRIS COUNTY A policy that will consider property tax exemptions for a ordable housing owners is moving forward after a unanimous Commis- sioners Court vote July 18. BY MELISSA ENAJE $20,000/year $35,000/year $50,000/year $75,000/year HOUSING COST BURDEN A countywide housing needs assessment and 10-year strategy in October 2021 found nearly 500,000 families are paying more than they can a ord for their homes.
West U’s Wier Park could get up to $1M in upgrades in new plan
BY MELISSA ENAJE
per year. • The existing facility on Edith Street will be used as a temporary hold and transfer center to reunite lost dogs in Bellaire with their owners. The cost: The total cost for the two-facility proposal is estimated between $130,000-$150,000, accord- ing to agenda documents. Costs for the West Bellfort location will cover landscaping, remote-enabled mon- itoring of the site and installing an Americans with Disabilities Act-com- pliant ramp. The existing facility on Edith Street will undergo repairs not to exceed $50,000, including fan installation and sunshades. What they’re saying: Atthe July meeting, Bellaire Chief of Police Onesimo Lopez Jr. said his depart- ment seeks to handle animal care in a humane way, including both the needs of the animals, and the safety and welfare of the community.
BELLAIRE The city’s existing open- air dog pound site will be repaired and joined by a new o -site facility after Bellaire City Council approved plans at a July 10 meeting. What’s happening: After nearly two years of discussion, council voted in favor of a hybrid dog pound system that will encompass both the existing 4300 Edith St. location and a new facility at 2328 W. Bellfort Ave., in an industrial area within Houston city limits. • The new modular building and its associated improvements, valued up to $200,000, will be donated by the Rubenstein Foundation, according to agenda documents. The West Bellfort location will be the primary dog pound, where Bel- laire animal control will operate. • Texas Pipe and Supply Company owns the land where the new facility will be housed and o ered to lease the site to Bellaire for $1
BY MELISSA ENAJE
Annual household earnings Families paying more than they can a ord
WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE Wier Park could gain an estimated 6,500 square feet of usable space that could include upgrades such as extending the park’s arti cial turf, and adding more seating and open green space. West University Place City Council voted unanimously July 10 to accept the park’s concept design presented by the city’s parks and recreation board. The main items under consider- ation for upgrades include removing the parking area on Nottingham Street to increase open green space, adding accessible pathways and repainting the play structures in the kid play areas, among other items. Mayor Pro Tem John Montgomery said the majority of funding will come from individual donations.
The design for Bellaire’s main dog pound includes eight kennels. RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF BELLAIRE
Why it matters: An existing Texas tax code already provides exemptions to certain organizations that meet low-income housing requirements, but each local governing jurisdiction has to approve the tax exemption and specify the allowed threshold amount, said Mary Lawler, the CEO of Avenue, a Houston-based nonpro t a ordable housing builder. “We are struggling right now with rising costs for our apartments and our ability to keep our rents a ordable to working families and seniors who are really in need,” she said. How we got here: In April, commis- sioners directed several county depart- ments to establish a policy related to the approval of tax exemptions for
• 128,767 renters • 46,849 owners
• 124,019 renters • 44,083 owners
• 58,109 renters • 35,582 owners
• 27,751 renters • 34,462 owners
Dog pound 1
Occupations • Fast-food and counter workers • Home health and personal care aides
• Retail
• Truck drivers • Administrative assistants • Bookkeepers
• Elementary school teachers • Skilled trade workers
salespersons
• Cashiers • Customer service • Waiters • Medical assistants
EDITH ST.
representatives
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SOURCES: HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, KINDER INSTITUTE FOR URBAN RESEARCH, TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
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certain low-income housing projects. O cials presented a preliminary policy to commissioners in July, and the nalized exemption policy is projected for completion by the end of August.
What else: Thepolicy could make it more nancially feasible for organi- zations to build a ordable housing. A 2021 study found nearly 500,000 households in the county are paying more for housing than they can a ord.
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The years ahead Houston ISD starts the 2023-24 school year Aug. 28 under state-appointed leadership, including a new superintendent, Mike Miles. The Texas Education Agency took over the district June 1 as part of an intervention to improve academic outcomes.
June 1
June 2
June 22
Mike Miles rst day on job
Miles announces New Education System • 28 schools identi ed, largely in low-income neighborhoods • All teachers at the schools were made to reapply for their jobs.
HISD adopts budget Miles shifts $106M toward his District 2035 vision, which involves rolling out NES at 150 schools by 2025, including: • $30M from central o ce budget • $50M from vendor contracts • $25M in salary commitments from coronavirus relief funds educator who nished her career as a teacher in charge of libraries at Shearn Elementary School, said librarians serve a vital role in fostering an inter- est in reading among students. Under a recent push, HISD had libraries oper- ating at 90% of its schools in the 2021- 22 school year, up from 48% the year before, she said. “It’s not like we’ve had libraries for 40 years in these schools and it didn’t work,” she said. “Just give it a chance. So many kids become true lovers of reading because of coming into a library.” Miles said the decision to remove librarians and media specialists from NES schools came down to prioritizing limited resources. It is more important to direct resources to the teachers that are teaching students how to read at those schools, Miles said. Miles also said he plans to keep dual language programs at schools that have them, but said teaching children to read and write in English at grade level will be the priority. This has raised con- cerns among Spanish-speaking HISD parents, who said they worried what would happen if Spanish instruction takes a back seat. “With taking away the dual-language program, you’re going to take away that communicative language children have with their parents because most households only speak Spanish,” said Crystal Aguilar, a parent of students at Pugh Elementary School in an inter- view done in Spanish and translated to English. Miles said he aims to extend the NES to 150 of the district’s 274 schools by 2025. After announcing the opportu- nity in June for other HISD schools to voluntarily opt into the system ahead of schedule, principals at 57 more schools opted to operate under the NES in the 2023-24 school year. Few schools in the Bellaire, Meyer- land and West University areas have signed on for the NES. Nearby schools include Fondren Middle School in the Braeburn area.
SOURCES: HOUSTON ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
A New Standard As Houston ISD o cials work to improve state accountability ratings, changes are coming in September to how those ratings are calculated. STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Current: Calculated as a combination of State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test results, graduation rates, and college, career and military readiness, or CCMR, evaluations. Proposed: The “cut score”—the percentage of students who must be deemed ready for college, career or the military for a school or district to be rated an A—will be increased from 60% to 88% . SCHOOL PROGRESS Current: Calculated based on improvements students make on STAAR tests from one year to the next, taking a school’s economically disadvantaged population into account. Proposed: Changes to the CCMR cut score applied to the student achievement rating will also be applied here . CLOSING THE GAPS Current: Students are broken into groups based on race, language and special needs. Groups are measured based on academic achievement, graduation rates, English language pro ciency and CCMR, either being given a 0 for failing or a 1 for passing. Proposed: Instead of rating districts on a 0-1 scale , they will be rated on a 0-4 scale . The changes are meant to help better track growth.
curriculum] and they’ll be set, but it doesn’t work that way in the class- room,” said Alison Chapin, who formerly taught second grade at Scar- borough Elementary School before making the di cult decision to leave the district this summer amid the changes being announced. “The more authentic it is, the better it sticks for kids. Is that going to happen with a scripted curriculum?” A new system The NES was among the rst ini- tiatives announced by Miles during a June 2 news conference, one day after his rst day on the job. Schools that fall within the system will pay teach- ers more, take responsibilities o their plates and use premade lesson plans. The concept was initially going to be rolled out at 28 schools in August. Most of those schools were part of feeder patterns leading up to three high schools that received unaccept- able state accountability ratings during one or more years since 2017: Wheat- ley, Kashmere and North Forest high schools. Wheatley, which received unacceptable performance ratings seven times between the 2010-11 and 2018-19 school year, was speci cally named as one of the reasons for the state intervention by TEA o cials. However, Wheatley was given a pass- ing rating by the TEA for the 2021-22 school year. Teachers at the schools were told they would have to reapply for their jobs, but also that the average teacher salary for those speci c schools was being bumped up to $85,000. Several elements of Miles’ plan for the NES schools raised concerns among community members, includ- ing that librarians would be removed from the campuses and libraries would be converted to Teams Centers, rooms where students will take part in group projects, but also where students who disrupt class would be sent to watch lessons virtually with a learning coach. Lisa Robinson, a retired Houston ISD
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
New Education New Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles announced in June his New Education System at certain schools. HOSPITAL MODEL Teachers will teach using a “hospital model,” where nonclassroom tasks are given to other employees. • Discipline handled by administrators • Lesson plans created by curriculum developers • Papers graded by support personnel PAY FOR PERFORMANCE Teachers will be paid in part based on students scores on state-administered standardized tests. The new model won’t go into e ect until the end of Miles’ second year. TEAM CENTERS Students who are disruptive in the classroom will be sent to separate rooms to watch instruction virtually. ROLLOUT • 85 schools will be included in the initial rollout in fall 2023. • 150 schools will be included by 2025.
audience at a July 20 community event. “This is the last generation of children that will go through pub- lic education before the skills gap is locked in for the next 30 years. That’s my prediction.” So far, Miles’ announced plans include revamping HISD’s special education services and rolling out his New Education System—a classroom style centered on shifting teacher responsibilities at certain schools so they can focus solely on teaching. Later on, he also plans to implement pay-for-performance measures where teacher salaries are informed in part by student test results. Miles’ appointment has not come without controversy. A coalition of teachers, parents, local leaders and public education advocates has formed to call attention to what they see as shortcomings with Miles’ plans, including that instruction would be more scripted and too closely tied to standardized tests. “It sounds like every teacher just needs to read [the scripted
SOURCE: HOUSTON ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
2023 EDUCATION EDITION
accountability ratings, several signi - cant changes are on the horizon. The TEA is implementing changes to how ratings will be calculated starting with the 2022-23 school year. Miles said the changes could result in lower ratings at some schools. However, he said he thought the new ratings would be a more accurate re ection of how well the district is doing. HISD will be allowed to return to elected board leadership once the district meets three standards set by the TEA: • Have full compliance with special education laws • Have no schools that fail to meet state standards for two years • Demonstrate board procedures and conduct that “focus on student outcomes” Once those standards are met, three elected trustees would return to their positions each year for three years, until all nine trustees have returned.
Sept. 28
Aug. 28
July 12
July 17
Accountability ratings to be released for 2022-23 school year
HISD cuts more than 2,347 positions from its central o ce as part of broader e ort to shrink central o ce spending. • 672 sta cut or reassigned • 1,675 vacant positions removed Prior to the cuts, HISD had 10,204 positions in its central o ce. The cuts represented about a 23% reduction in the size of the district’s central o ce.
Principals at Jack Yates, Worthing and Sharpstown high schools are reassigned to positions that are to be decided.
First day of school • 85 schools begin year under New Education System after more schools voluntarily opt in
Moving forward Leading up to the 2023-24 school year, Miles reduced the size of the dis- trict’s central o ce by 2,347 positions, a process that involved cutting or reas- signing 672 people and removing 1,675 vacant positions. When the board of trustees adopted the district’s budget for the 2023-24 school year in June, Miles largely kept plans in place that were set by the pre- vious administration. However, he shifted $30 million in central o ce funding to go toward his plans for the NES rollout. The need to cut central o ce spending has been on the radar of HISD leadership dating back to House’s administration. House, who
was superintendent from July 2021 through Miles’ appointment June 1, froze central o ce hiring in March 2022 and called for cutting central o ce spending by $60 million in the 2022-23 budget. The reason, House said at the time, was that the dis- trict was approaching a “ scal cli ” caused by declining enrollment. The cost of the NES expansion for the initial 28 schools for the 2023-24 school year is $106 million. Mean- while, the district is facing a projected budgetary shortfall of $168.5 million that year. Meanwhile, the timing of when HISD returns to elected leadership depends on how quickly the district can meet three requirements set by
the TEA. HISD must be in full compli- ance with special education laws; it must have no schools that fail to meet state standards for two years; and it must demonstrate board procedures that “focus on student outcomes,” according to TEA information. However, even after HISD meets those requirements, only three elected trustees will be allowed to return each year from that point. Appointed board members will serve their positions until the elected lead- ership is allowed to return. There is no speci c timeline or requirement set for when Miles will step down, a decision left entirely to TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. As HISD o cials try to improve
For more information, visit communityimpact.com .
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FAJITA FLAVORS
“I SAW A GAP IN THE MARKET. WHY BE ANOTHER MOM AND POP MEXICAN RESTAURANT WHEN I CAN GO AND CREATE A NEW MARKET?” PEDRO "PETE" MORA, OWNER
Fajitas come with guacamole, tortillas, lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, rice and beans.
MELISSA ENAJE COMMUNITY IMPACT
PEOPLE
Fajita Pete’s owner Pedro “Pete” Mora stands in the West University Place location of his business and headquarters.
MELISSA ENAJE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Pedro ‘Pete’ Mora Fajita Pete’s founder O n any given day, one might BY MELISSA ENAJE
his catering business in 2008. Mora described the early years as a “typical immigrant story.” His family immi- grated to Houston from Colombia when he was young. “We made all the tables in our garage, painted the whole place and lived in it basically for the rst three years. We worked before sun up and well after sun down,” Mora said. Wherever they open a location, Mora said they choose to support the local community. When they opened in West U in 2008, Mora said they helped serve food in the area during Hurricane Ike that year. Fajita Pete’s locations have also been involved with the Little League teams in West- bury and Bellaire for years, he said. Fast forward 15 years, and Fajita Pete’s is still known for its fajitas. “It’s the marinade. It’s the lime and pineapple that we marinate the meat in,” Mora said. “It’s keeping the menu simple enough so that you can produce a quality product every time.”
The restaurant makes fresh tortillas for customers.
Fajita Pete’s also o ers its customers margaritas to-go.
nd Pedro “Pete” Mora sit- ting at one of the few tables at the original Fajita Pete’s location in West University Place. Mora is the owner behind the Tex- Mex chain that has expanded to more than 25 locations throughout the U.S. with 100 franchise developments in the works. By 9 a.m., most catering orders are prepared and getting ready to be delivered. That’s because Mora’s business operates under what he calls a “closed kitchen” concept, which he said is like a takeout-only model. “I speak on panels, and they say, ‘How did you come up with the rst closed kitchen?’” Mora said. “Why be another mom-and-pop Mexican restaurant when I can go and create a new market?” Growing up, Mora’s family ran Poblano’s Mexican Grill in the Meyerland area from September 2002 until Mora developed the idea to start
MELISSA ENAJE COMMUNITY IMPACT
COURTESY FAJITA PETE’S
TOP 5 BUSINESS TIPS FROM FAJITA PETE'S OWNER
1 “De ne success and what it means to you. Remember, this can change along the way as you expand your goals and improve your trajectory.” 2 “Make sure your de nition of success is something you can live with. Be proud of achieving your goal but be proud of how you got there as well.” 3 “Everything you needed to learn about business you already learned in the rst grade: Don’t lie; don’t cheat; don’t steal; be nice to people; treat
Fajita Pete’s 6719 Weslayan St., West University Place 713-723-8100 www.fajitapetes.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sat. noon-8:30 p.m., Sun. noon-8 p.m. them like you like to be treated.” 4 “If people aren’t there when you need them, then maybe you don’t need them. We all have limitations and need to be surrounded by people that share our vision and values.” 5 “Have mentors and role models but don’t compare their Chapter 25 to your Chapter 1. Starting looks di erent for everyone, and that’s OK.”
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16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
REAL ESTATE
Featured Neighborhood Featured neighborhood
COLONIAL TERRACE, 77005 Colonial Terrace is a community of just over 560 single-family properties within the city of West University Place. Colonial Park can be found within the community, featuring playground equipment, two lighted tennis courts and a youth tness course.
YEAR OVER YEAR MARKET DATA: JUNE The total number of homes sold was lower in three of ve local ZIP codes in June when compared to June 2022, rising in the 77096 ZIP code. In the three ZIP codes where total home sales fell, 77401
59
77005
Median home value $1,604,222
610
77030
the median price of homes sold rose when comparing the two months.
77025
77096
288
Homes on the market* 5 Homes under contract 1
90
NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD
N
77005
77025
77030
77096
77401
Year
BELLAIRE BLVD.
N
2022 2023
33
43
4
33
28
Build-out year: 2020 Square footage range: 1,100-6,000 Schools: West University Elementary School, Pershing Middle School, Lamar High School Property taxes (in dollars): Houston ISD 1.0372 City of West University Place 0.2774 Harris County 0.34373 Harris Health System 0.14831 Houston Community College 0.09557 Harris County Flood Control District 0.03055 Port of Houston Authority 0.00799 Harris County Department of Education 0.0049 Total (per $100 valuation) 1.94565
32
27
4
42
21
Average days on the market* 25 Median annual property taxes** $25,496 Median price per square foot $431.93
MEDIAN PRICE OF HOMES SOLD
WITH YEAR OVER YEAR PERCENTAGE CHANGE
2022
2023
77005
77025
77030
77096
77401
Sale price
+28.3%
$2.4M
$2M
$1.6M
+21.5%
*AS OF JULY 1 **BASED ON MEDIAN PRICE OF HOMES SOLD IN PAST YEAR; EXEMPTIONS NOT INCLUDED
3.5%
$1.2M
+9.5%
4.7%
$800K
NEIGHBORHOOD DATA PROVIDED BY ALINA ROGERS SPARROW REALTY • 281 961 2944 SPARROW_REALTY YAHOO.COM WWW.SPARROW REALTY.COM
$400K
$0
Recently sold homes in Colonial Terrace
4230 Byron St. 4 beds/3.5 baths
4115 Oberlin St. 5 beds/5 full, 2 half baths
4115 Marlowe St. 5 beds/4.5 baths
4122 University Blvd. 4 beds/2.5 baths
2,894 sq. ft.
4,553 sq. ft.
3,687 sq. ft.
3,500 sq. ft.
Sold for $1,240,001-$1,430,000 on July 7
Sold for $2,180,001-$2,500,000 on July 5
Sold for $1,640,001-$1,890,000 on June 16
Sold for $1,640,001-$1,890,000 on June 15
Say YES to strong public schools
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BELLAIRE MEYERLAND WEST UNIVERSITY EDITION • AUGUST 2023
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