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South Central Austin Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 5 AUG. 27 SEPT. 27, 2024
Families showed support for a tax rate election Aug. 13 at the Travis County Courthouse
HALEY MCLEOD COMMUNITY IMPACT
an additional $77 million annually—an estimated $288 increase to the average homeowner—to fund a multi-pronged approach to reduce the challenges for the community’s vulnerable populations. After an outpouring of support from local child care advocates, Travis County commissioners approved a measure Aug. 13 to ask voters for a tax increase on the November ballot. BY HALEY MCLEOD Travis County tax hike proposed for child care costs Property owners across the metro are being asked to support lowering annual child care costs. Currently, the cost for one child to attend daycare in Travis County is comparable with a year of tuition at the University of Texas at Austin, o cials said. If approved by voters, the increase would raise
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Impacts: Local wine bar relocates after 16 years (Page 9)
Education: A guide to Central Austin private schools (Page 21)
AUSTIN IS IN STAGE 2 DROUGHT WATER RESTRICTIONS
Watering one day per week
6 Automatic irrigation and hose-end sprinkler watering is restricted to one day per week. 6 Automatic irrigation watering times are before 5 a.m. or after 7 p.m. The runtime is reduced by 3 hours with cutoff at 5 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. 6 Hose-end sprinkler watering times are before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. 6 Hand watering or watering with a refillable receptacle such as a bucket is allowed on any day or time.
6 Water waste is prohibited. 6 Restaurants may serve water only upon request. 6 Charity car washes are prohibited, and home car washing is only allowed while using a bucket. 6 Patio misters at commercial properties, including restaurants and bars, may operate only between 4 p.m. and midnight. 6 Large ornamental fountains can no longer be operated. 6 New landscape variance required for watering outside of scheduled day
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Impacts
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
NORTH AUSTIN
also add nutrition enhancers, such as whey protein, to their drink. • Opening estimated late 2024, early 2025
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OWN-TECH BLVD.
• 1000 W. 39th St., Austin • www.smoothieking.com
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5 Dog Day Coffee The coffee shop, from Mark Tovar and Erika Luck, is relocating beneath the Marq on Burnet apartment complex after sharing a space with pub Nosh and Bevvy, at 8440 Burnet Road, Austin since 2021. Dog Day Coffee specializes in nitro coffee, a caffeinated drink infused with nitrogen gas, which creates a foamy top layer. • Opening Aug. 31 • 6701 Burnet Road, Austin • www.dogdaynitro.com
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2 Hello Dancer The dance studio will specialize in teaching dance to children aged two months to nine years old. Hello Dancer is owned and operated by married couple April and Thomas Peters, who said they opened the studio to teach dance in an environment free of the performance pressures of recitals and competitions. • Opened Aug. 17 • 4410 Burnet Road, Austin • www.hellodanceraustin.com
In the news
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6 Highland Lanes Local bowling alley Highland Lanes was able to extend its lease and will remain open through 2025, despite rumors the business would close at the end of the year. However, the future of the 40-lane bowling alley remains uncertain.
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• 8909 Burnet Road, Austin • www.highlandlanes.com
North Central
3 Austin Rising School North Austin Rising School has served students for over 10 years in South Austin, and this year has opened a new school in North Austin. The homeschooling co-op is open three days a week and serves grades 1-8. • Opened Aug. 10
Closings
Now open
7 Lights Fantastic Pro The lighting showroom closed in August, according to showroom manager Shelley Kravet, who said the decision was “unexpected.” Lights Fantastic Pro offered products to design home lighting. There were a total of four showrooms in Texas, and all have ceased operations. • Closed Aug. 8 • 7532 Burnet Road, Austin • www.lightsfantasticpro.com
1 Valor North Austin The new 51,407-square-foot addition to the existing school building includes a new gymnasium, a theater, a library, art and music rooms, science labs and general- use classrooms. The three-story building will serve sixth through 12th grade students and will allow Valor North Austin to serve over 1,200 students. The school will welcome its first graduating class of 15-20 students this year. • Opened Aug. 6 • 14200 N. I-35, Austin • www.valoreducation.org
• 7500 Woodrow Ave., Austin • www.austinrisingschool.com
Coming soon
4 Smoothie King The juice bar will be joining the array of businesses near the Triangle, just north of the University of Texas Austin Campus, offering a variety of smoothies. Customers can
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Impacts
BY ELLE BENT, SARAH HERNANDEZ & HALEY MCLEOD
daughters Mackenzie, Madison and Brooke Bain. Pvolve uses patented resistance-based equipment such as a P. ball which targets the thigh, gluteal and core muscles. Bain said they are planning to open the first Pvolve studio in downtown Austin this winter. They are also looking at areas in Westlake, Bee Cave and North Austin for the other locations. • Slated to open this winter • Locations TBD • www.pvolve.com
Coming soon
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E. DEAN KEETON ST.
In the news
4 Tómalo Taquería Tómalo Taquería will take over what was Mexican restaurant Bacalar, which closed after opening in September 2023. Urbanspace Hospitality owned Bacalar as well as Tómalo, which will operate through a pick-up window until it fully reopens in the old Bacalar space. • 44 East Ave., Ste. 100, Austin • www.tomaloatx.com 5 University of Austin The first semester for the University of Austin begins this fall. The four-year, nonprofit university is currently in the process of becoming accredited. The university’s initial cohort will have a student-to-teacher ratio of 1-to-5, and students will be awarded $130,000 in scholarships. • 522 Congress Ave., Ste. 300, Austin • www.uaustin.org 6 Black Sheep Coffee The London-based cafe chain will open a storefront with a kitchen and dining area in the Sixth and Guadalupe tower. The cafe’s opening date hasn’t been announced, but construction on the retail space will be completed by late October, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. • 600 Guadalupe St., Ste. 150, Austin • www.leavetheherdbehind.com
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2 Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods This will be the Texas-based store's 16th Austin area location. Spec's is slated to open as early as September, according to the store's representatives, and is taking over the space that was previously Goodwill. The family-owned business opened in Houston in 1962 and now has more than 100 stores throughout the state. Spec’s first came to Austin in 2007 offering alcohol, cigars, gifts and more. • Opening this fall • 914 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.specsonline.com
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Downtown/West Campus
Coming soon
3 SusieCakes The bakery sells specialty frosted layer cakes in flavors such as Southern red velvet, old-fashioned chocolate and carrot, among others. The store will also offer delivery services for bakery customers. • Opening this fall • 1111 W. Sixth St., Bldg. A, Ste. 110, Austin • www.susiecakes.com Pvolve The functional fitness company with locations across the U.S. will open four studios in Austin. Marci Bain is spearheading the new franchise along with her
Now open
1 Jewboy Cantina The Mexican restaurant is Mo Pittle’s newest concept in Austin. Jewboy Cantina, found behind venue Hole in the Wall, offers tacos, burritos, nachos and sliders. Pittle also owns JewBoy Burgers. • Opened in April • 2513 San Antonio St., Austin • www.jewboycantina.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Impacts
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Relocations
Now open
5 House Wine The local wine bar from Kerry White opened in a new location, offering global wine selections, cheese boards and food. After 16 years off Josephine Street, House Wine closed in May in order to relocate further south. • Opened June 29 • 1711 S. 1st St., Austin • www.housewineaustin.com 6 Thrive Pet Healthcare - South Lamar The veterinary office relocated from its original space on Oltorf Street to a bigger space on South Lamar Boulevard. The practice’s name is now Thrive Pet Healthcare - South Lamar to reflect the change. The business’s services include wellness exams, vaccinations, spay and neuter, pet dental care and more. • Relocated Aug. 15 • 3318 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.thrivepetcare.com
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3 New Balance The footwear and apparel brand opened its first Austin retail space on South Congress Avenue. Customers can browse a selection of athletic and lifestyle merchandise, including trending shoes, in a different store layout than nearby New Balance factory outlets like the location in San Marcos. • Opened July 25 • 1007 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 125, Austin • www.newbalance.com
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In the news
7 Ego’s Karaoke bar Ego’s, off South Congress since 1979, announced a potential closure as the building’s pipes keep collapsing. The bar is working with the landlord to stay open, but Ego’s is unsure if they can continue to
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South Central
Barton Creek Square. Spirit Halloween sells costumes, makeup, decorations and more Halloween-themed items. • Opened in August • 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.stores.spirithalloween.com
operate through September. • 510 S. Congress Ave., Austin • Instagram: egosbaratx
Now open
Closings
1 IMAGE Studios The beauty salon suites are owned by Ray and Pia Arthur. IMAGE Studios provides salon suites for beauty professionals including hairstylists, massage therapists, tattoo artists, estheticians, barbers and more. • Opened August • 4403 South Congress Ave., Austin • www.imagestudios360.com
Coming soon
8 Elementary After a year in business, restaurant Elementary has closed. Owners Colter Peck, Chris Arial and Allan Bautista have not indicated any future plans; however, the wine bar next door, Hopscotch—also co-owned by the trio—will remain open. • Closed Aug. 10
4 Radio Rosewood Opening in the former Try Hard Coffee space, a new Radio Coffee & Beer—Radio Rosewood—will offer coffee, espresso drinks, cocktails, and food. Radio, owned by Greg and Jack Wilson, has two other locations in Austin.
• Opening in summer 2024 • 1115 East 11th St., Austin • www.radiocoffeeandbeer.com
• 2026 S Lamar Blvd, Austin • www.elementaryatx.com
2 Spirit Halloween The seasonal store will open in the former Rue 21 at
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Impacts
BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON
EAST AUSTIN
as restaurant and bar Balcón in San Marcos—opened early August. The new sports bar and eatery’s menu includes appetizers, sides, main dishes and desserts, while the bar serves beer, wine and house cocktails. Afternoon happy hour is offered Tuesday through Friday, and weekend bottomless mimosa brunches are on Saturdays and Sundays. Live DJ sets are also featured on
Coming soon
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weekend nights. • Opened Aug. 2 • 1630 E. Sixth St., Ste. 100, Austin • www.recreationeatx.com
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In the news
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5 Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar Cisco’s was awarded $50,000 in grant support from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation July 29 to upkeep the historic building. The East Austin staple occupies a 110-year-old building that originally housed a local meat market, before founder Rudy Cisneros moved his cafe into the East Sixth Street location in the mid-1900s.
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2 Nando’s Peri Peri Originating from a small town in South Africa, Nando’s specializes in the spicy, tangy flavors of Peri Peri chicken. Every item on the menu is made to order in the heat level of choice. The restaurant serves its flame-grilled chicken in sandwiches and wraps, with sides or on salads. • Opening this fall • 1825 McBee St., Austin • www.nandosperiperi.com
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• 1511 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.ciscosaustin.com
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973 6 Muzzy’s Bagels The bagel shop recently made a change in chefs, management and menu. Free from sugar, commercial yeast and preservatives, Muzzy’s claims to provide one of the healthiest bagels on the market. The long fermentation process also reduces the bagel’s glycemic index, which makes it more accessible for individuals
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East Austin
• 408 N. Pleasant Valley Road, Austin • www.mercadosinnombre.com
130 TOLL with blood sugar concerns. • 2902 E. 12th St., Austin • www.muzzysbagels.com
Now open
3 Feels So Good A second location of the record and print shop Feels So Good opened, offering records, vintage clothing, screen printing, embroidery and more. Founded in 2007 by Justin Weems and Anthony Sanchez, Feels So Good can also be found at 211 E. Alpine Road, Austin. • Opened July 25 • 1008 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.fsgprints.com 4 Recreation Sports and Social Origin Hospitality—which also owns the Mexican restaurant Ma’Coco down the block and in Buda as well
71 1 Mercado Sin Nombre The neighborhood cafe, owned by Julian Maltby, is now serving several Mexican coffee drinks, with specialties including a cortado and horchata cold brew. The menu also features food items like kolaches and masa-based Twinkies. Maltby said the lack of a distinct name—”sin nombre”—was meant to shift focus to the producers behind the coffee that’s sourced both locally and in Mexico, and roasted in Austin. The cafe is open on select days through its soft opening this summer. Maltby said he’s planning a grand opening later this summer. • Opened in July
Closings
7 Hi Hat Public House Hi Hat Public House announced its closure on social media this summer after 12 years of serving pub food and craft beer and offering regular live music performances at its East Austin location. • Closed in July • 2121 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.hihatpublichouse.com
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Government
BY BEN THOMPSON
Travis County leaders OK housing grant plan Travis County commissioners approved a ve-year plan for federal Community Devel- opment Block Grant funding on Aug. 6. By the numbers The county is expected to receive more than $1.6 million in CDBG funding for scal year 2024-25, and $426,704 from local and state a ordable housing programs. Based on public feedback, county sta proposed improvement projects using CDBG funding over the next year: • Cardinal Hill Estates road design and construction: $1 million • Northridge Acres wastewater system: $150,000 • General infrastructure: $149,772 • Administration and planning: $324,943
Lisa Davis was con rmed as Austin’s next police chief on Aug. 6 following her appointment by City Manager T.C. Broadnax (left). She’ll succeed interim Police Chief Robin Henderson (right) in September.
BEN THOMPSON COMMUNITY IMPACT
Lisa Davis con rmed as new Austin police chief City Council unanimously con rmed Lisa Davis as chief of the Austin Police Department Aug. 6. The overview Davis will o cially succeed interim Police Chief Robin Henderson after the Labor Day holiday in September. She was hired on a $275,000 salary.
Davis most recently served as assistant chief in Cincinnati, and will be the second-ever permanent woman chief in Austin. Zooming in Broadnax said he picked Davis given “resound- ingly positive” feedback he received from city o cials and community members. Davis said her approach will be based on e ective, equitable and ethical policing strategies, and that she’ll work to address APD’s sta ng shortage and o cer morale.
Austin o cials OK $5.9B city budget, tax increase Austin City Council passed a $5.9 billion budget and a 7% property tax rate increase for scal year 2024-25, in a 10-1 vote on Aug. 14. The big picture
City of Austin tax rates The city's scal year 2024-25 tax rate will be over 7% higher than the current rate, costing the owner of a median-valued home about $188 more in taxes next year. Property tax rate
$2,000 in taxes over the next year, according to city estimates. Utility charges and city fees are projected at about $3,500 in total. The spending plan includes funding for many initiatives including some aimed at homelessness, public safety, parks maintenance and climate planning. Austin’s next scal year starts in October.
$0.6 $0.5 $0.4 $0.3 $0.2 $0.1 0
$0.541 $0.5335
$0.4776
$0.4458 $0.4627
Council approved a tax rate of $0.4776 per $100 of property value for the upcoming scal year. The owner of a median-valued home in Austin— assessed at $524,082—can expect to pay nearly
2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
2020-21
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY BEN THOMPSON
Safety initiative looks to bolster downtown EMS presence
Lady Bird Lake waterfront deaths Accidental drowning Suicide Murder
A city initiative launched last year in response to safety concerns around Rainey Street will likely become a permanent fixture as part of an expanded EMS presence downtown. The medic deployment helped dozens of people and officials said likely prevented several injuries or deaths near Lady Bird Lake between June 2023 and early April. On average, one paramedic and one EMT staffed a special response unit, or SRU—a golf cart-sized vehicle flexible for medical responses in the busy entertainment district on weekends. Medics logged responses to dozens of incidents over the course of the pilot, including multiple water rescues, according to EMS records. An EMS spokesperson said the pilot “abso- lutely” helped prevent injuries or deaths in the area, and Austin EMS Association President Selena Xie said the program’s impact was likely far greater than the nearly 50 formally reported responses.
Overdose
Natural causes
Undetermined/other
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
2015
2016 2017
2018 2019 2020 2021 2024 *OF THE FIVE ACCIDENTAL DROWNINGS IN 2023, FOUR TOOK PLACE BEFORE THE EMS PILOT PROGRAM BEGAN AND THE FIFTH WAS ON A WEEKDAY NIGHT WHEN NO MEDICS WERE STATIONED ON RAINEY STREET. 2022 2023*
SOURCE: AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Of five accidental drownings reported in 2023, four took place before the EMS pilot program began, while the fifth occurred when no medics were stationed in the area. This year, a person who died of an undetermined cause was found in the lake about a week after the program ended.
What’s next Following the perceived success of the pilot, City Council voted to establish a permanent EMS command for the downtown area starting in October. A similar safety pilot will also begin in The Domain.
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SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Government
BY ELLE BENT
Austin undergoes process to fund climate-related projects The projects that would be funded by a potential bond are not yet nalized but may likely include land acquisition, tree planting, water conservation and ood mitigation, according to the resolution. Council would have to approve any potential projects at a later date. The speci cs “There is a real urgency to this, [and we’re] trying to do this in a collaborative way, consistent with past processes.” MAYOR KIRK WATSON
A resolution passed by City Council on July 18 will enact a formal process of creating a climate-re- lated bond package before Austin voters see a one on a ballot. The overview The resolution, authored by Mayor Kirk Watson, enacts the following: • Directs council to create a bond election advisory task force to consider speci c projects to include in a bond package • Directs Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax to conduct brie ngs on the city’s bond ratings and debt status • Directs Broadnax to propose a bond package that includes funds for climate-related projects to be placed on the ballot no later than November 2026 • Directs Broadnax to identify other funding sources for climate projects, such as federal grants or utility fees
Discussion surrounding a bond to fund cli- mate-related projects began in February, when council member Ryan Alter authored a resolution to search for additional funding sources toward already-implemented climate goals, such as the Austin Climate Equity Plan. Alter, alongside other council members, including Vanessa Fuentes, previously expressed a need to place a bond on the ballot this November, noting the e ects of climate change “can’t wait.” City nancial sta recommended not to go for another bond until at least 2026, as multiple bond projects are still underway.
City sta often tout Austin as a national leader in climate action, with over 15 years of sta working toward initiatives, such as the goal established in the 2021 Climate Equity Plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This means local greenhouse gas emissions would be removed from the atmosphere through reductions, storage or carbon o set credits. Alter told Community Impact in February his initial resolution addressed the types of investments o cials need to make to reach the already-set goals.
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Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Capital Metro halts electric bus plans An underestimation of the logistics in implementing an all-electric bus route has led Capital Metro officials to halt converting the entire fleet to battery-electric buses. In 2021, CapMetro officials approved a $255 million purchase of 197 electric buses. However, the change in plans is a result of shipping delays and infrastructure issues. The largest producer of electric buses, Proterra, went bankrupt, so supply chain problems have led to long wait times to receive a bus. Additionally, there is not enough opera- tional charging station infrastructure and the time it takes to charge puts a bus out of commission. Officials are evaluating alternatives, like hybrids of electric batteries and diesel or hydrogen fuel systems.
Safety improvements headed to downtown Improvements to a series of transit options along San Jacinto Boulevard and Trinity Street in downtown Austin began this month. More details Enhancements will improve cyclist and pedes- trian safety as well as support bus efficiency and operations, thanks to a joint effort between the city and Capital Metro. Plans for the two roadways, running from East Cesar Chavez Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, include: • Adding bus-only lanes at 10 existing routes along this stretch • Adding protected bicycle lanes • Improving pedestrian crossings • Maintaining parking and vehicle access or other vehicle traffic
E. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD.
35
N
Operational enhancements for bus routes in the area will support the Project Connect MetroRapid line, which is expected to begin service in 2025, according to CapMetro. Drivers should expect intermittent lane closures while crews are working in the area. Improve- ments are anticipated for completion by the end of the year.
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15
SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Real estate
The Central Austin market saw some decline in home sales in July year over year; however, home sales volume increased compared to June. Residential market data
Number of homes sold in each ZIP code
Median home sales price
Central Austin
July 2023
July 2024
-40%
-25.93%
+60%
+ 8.70%
-13.79%
-28.57%
July
2023
2024
July
2023
2024
$716,500 $768,315 $112,500 $812,875
$686,125 $550,000 $1,217,500 $756,645 $347,500 $679,000 $510,000 $1,225,000 $580,000 $475,000 $620,000 $687,500
470 421
New listings
78701
78702
265 267
Closed sales
78703
Homes under contract
273 251
78704
78705 78751 78752 78756
Homes sold by price point
$290,000 $675,200 $648,600 $1,330,000 $913,750 $540,000 $655,000 $680,000
78701
78702
78703
78704
78705
78722
78757
78705
78731
July 2024
290
78722
360
87
$900,000+
78723
78723
78703
-13.89%
+81.25%
+50%
-16.67%
+16.67%
+9.68%
78701
78731
41
78722
78702
$700,000-$899,999
78704
78751
290
183
35
51
$500,000-$699,999
71
MOPAC
78752
N
55
$300,000-$499,999
78756
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512 454 7636 WWW.ABOR.COM
26
<$299,999
78757
78723
78731
78751
78752
78756
78757
BRODIE LANE 4970 Hwy 290 W (512) 366-8260 SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Road S (512) 280-7400
Welcome to Whisper Valley, the master-planned community of the future! Where sustainability meets healthy living to create a lifestyle like none other. Where residents enjoy life’s finest pleasures– over 600-acres of parks, trails and organic gardens, a resort pool, fitness center, dog park and playgrounds. And where friendships are nurtured through community events, activities and lifestyle programming built on shared values. Come explore our enriching lifestyle at Whisper Valley today. Just 20 minutes from downtown in East Austin.
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PACESETTER HOMES • GFO HOME • THURMAN HOMES • AHA DREAM HOMES • TERRATA HOMES • INSTABUILT HOMES ZERO ENERGY CAPABLE HOMES from the $300s to $600s | whispervalleyaustin.com | 512-720-7467
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY ELLE BENT
Austin ISD asks voters for tax increase to offset $119M deficit
Austin ISD officials are depending on voters’ approval of a tax rate increase in order to lessen a looming budget deficit of $119 million. At an Aug. 19 meeting, the AISD board of trustees voted 8-1, with board member Kevin Foster voting no, to place the issue on the November ballot. Foster cited that more money would be given to the state due to recapture—when the state takes local property tax dollars from a district to redistribute to other public school districts— and would do little to ease the deficit. Recapture payments would increase with a voter-approval tax rate election, or VATRE, by an additional $130 million. Officials predict a VATRE would generate $41 million after recapture in revenue under a tax rate of $0.9505 per $100 valuation. This would be a $34-per-month increase to the average homeowner and is an 8.3% increase from the current tax rate of $0.8595 per $100 valuation. A VATRE would give way to adjust employee pay
Comparing tax rates How the average Austin ISD taxpayer will be affected by a potential tax increase:
FY 2023-24 CURRENT
$0.8595 per $100 valuation
$34 monthly increase
PROPOSED FY 2024-25
$0.9505 per $100 valuation
For the average $553,493 appraised home, the average homeowner would pay $4,310 in Austin ISD taxes. An estimated $821M would be taken by the state due to recapture.
For the average $553,493 appraised home, the average homeowner would pay $3,897 in Austin ISD taxes. An estimated $691M would be taken by the state due to recapture.
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
been in support of a pay increase through the VATRE. Additionally, four seats on the board of trustees are up for election in November.
to compare with other districts and a $0.25-per- hour increase for hourly employees. Without the VATRE, the district won’t offer the pay increases. The district’s labor union Education Austin has
The Consulate General of Mexico & the Austin Saltillo Sister Cities Association invite you to the reenactment of El Grito. Sunday, September 15, 2024 Free admission | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Mariachis, Ballet Folclórico & Artisan Mercado Republic Square Park 422 Guadalupe St. | Austin, Texas
by Fidencio Durán
Is your favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or business a part of haam Day 2024? if not, take them this ad and get them to sign up as a community supporter!
19
SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Keep plastic bags and styrofoam out of your blue cart. Recycle them safely in Austin. Learn more
20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education Private School Guide
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
2024
Austin Classical School Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Enrollment: 343 Tuition: varies by grade level • 10500 Jollyville Road, Bldg. A, Austin • www.austinclassical.org Austin Jewish Academy Type: religious-based Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: Jewish Enrollment: 95 Tuition: $20,000 • 7300 Hart Lane, Austin • www.austinjewishacademy.org Austin Rising Type: micro-school, homeschool co-op Grades served: 1-8 Religious orientation: N/A Enrollment: 20-30 Tuition: $7,550 • Austin Rising North, 7500 Woodrow Ave.; Austin Rising School, 6211 Parkwood Drive, Austin • www.austinrisingschool.com Cathedral School of Saint Mary Type: project-based Grades served: pre-K3-8 Religious orientation: Catholic Enrollment: 170 Tuition: $6,000-$7,500 (depending on how many children you enroll)
AHB Community School Type: micro-school Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: N/A
• 2901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin • www.austingifted.com
Enrollment: 90 Tuition: $12,700
The Girls’ School of Austin Type: All-girls school Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: N/A
Griffin School Type: college-preparatory Grades served: 9-12 Religious orientation: N/A
Enrollment: 150 Tuition: $21,000
Enrollment: 160 Tuition: $21,600
• 910 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin • www.smcschoolaustin.org
• 2007 McCall Road, Austin • www.thegirlsschool.org
• 5001 Evans Ave., Austin • www.griffinschool.org
CONTINUED ON 22
21
SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Education
Enrollment: 163 Tuition: $13,800 • 2512 S. First St., Austin • www.sjdchs.org
• 306 W. 29th St., Austin • www.kirbyhallschool.org
CONTINUED FROM 21
Huntington-Surrey School Type: college-preparatory Grades served: 9-12 Religious orientation: N/A
Magellan International School Type: International Baccalaureate Grades served: pre-K-9; 10th to start in 2025 Religious orientation: N/A Enrollment: 620 Tuition: $20,000 • 7130 Chimney Corners, Austin; 7501 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.magellanschool.org Redeemer Lutheran School and Preschool Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K-8 Religious orientation: Lutheran/Christian Enrollment: 171 (pre-K), 382 (K-8) Tuition: $6,710-$13,860 • 1500 W. Anderson Lane, Austin; Sister high school is Concordia High School, 1201 S. Heatherwilde Blvd., Pflugerville • www.redeemerschool.net San Juan Diego Catholic High School Type: religious-based, college-preparatory Grades served: 9-12 Religious orientation: Catholic
St. Andrew's Episcopal School Type: college-preparatory Grades served: K-12 Religious orientation: Episcopalian Enrollment: 980 Tuition: $30,700-$37,000
Enrollment: 30 Tuition: $17,635
• 4700 Grover Ave., Austin • www.huntingtonsurrey.org
Hyde Park Schools Type: religious-based, college preparatory Grades served: 4K-12 Religious orientation: Christian Enrollment: 791 Tuition: $15,630-$25,233 • Elementary and middle school campus: 3901 Speedway, Austin; High school campus: 11400 North Mopac Expressway, Austin • www.hpaustin.org
• Upper school campus: 5901 Southwest Parkway, Austin; Lower and middle school campus: 112 W. 31st St., Austin • www.sasaustin.org St. Austin Catholic School Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K3-8 Religious orientation: Catholic (Paulist Fathers) Enrollment: 180 Tuition: $11,500-$12,500 • 2026 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.staustinschool.org
Kirby Hall School Type: college-preparatory Grades served: pre-K4-8 Religious orientation: N/A Enrollment: 68 Tuition: $7,475-$20,625
St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K3-8
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Religious orientation: Catholic Enrollment: 160 Tuition: $7,000-$9,000 • 120 W. Oltorf St., Austin • www.school.st-ignatius.org St. Theresa Catholic School Type: religious-based Grades served: pre-K3-8 Religious orientation: Catholic
Enrollment: 385 Tuition: $11,000 • 4311 Small Drive, Austin • www.st-theresa.org
Studio Preparatory Type: project-based, homeschool co-op Grades served: 3-12 Religious orientation: Christian Enrollment: 63 Tuition: $6,000-$10,000 annually • 5925 Dillard Circle, Ste. B, Austin • www.studioprep.org This list is not comprehensive.
Headwaters School Type: Montessori, International Baccalaureate diploma program Grades served: 18 months-12th grade Religious orientation: N/A Enrollment: 505 Tuition: $15,700-$28,400 • Spring Campus, 6305 Menchaca Road; Creek Campus, 9607 Brodie Lane; River Campus, 801
St. Louis King of France Catholic School Type: religious-based Grades served: K-8 Religious orientation: Catholic
Enrollment: 300 Tuition: $9,026 • 2114 St. Joseph Blvd., Austin • www.st-louis.org
Rio Grande St., Austin • www.headwaters.org
23
SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Travis County tax hike proposed for child care costs From the cover
What’s happening?
The Austin region has the most expensive child care in Texas, according to a recent Texas Workforce Commission report. TWC data reveals the average cost of child care for just one kid in Travis County is an estimated $13,300 annually—comparable to the $13,500 cost of in-state tuition at The University of Texas in Austin. “With tuition for early education being more expensive than rent and more expensive than college, low and moderate income families have to make really hard choices,” said Colin Swanson, the executive director of nonprofit early child care center Mainspring Schools. Staff working on the commissioners’ initiative provided an update June 25 regarding several specific programs that would enhance access to affordable child care throughout the county that will be brought to voters: • Increase subsidy spots in early childhood daycares; create incentives for providers to offer reduced-tuition spots
• Increase after-school and summer care spots • Expand nontraditional-hours child care—options outside the regular 9-to-5 workday for parents who work atypical hours • Cover gaps in state subsidy funding A child care subsidy is financial assistance provided by the government to help families pay for child care services. Individuals apply for these through TWC and must satisfy low-income eligibility and employment requirements. These programs are expected to create an estimated 9,800 additional child care opportunities for kids countywide by both increasing subsidy slots, and regular full-tuition after-school and nontraditional care slots, according to county documents. Recent census data indicates there are an estimated 298,634 kids under the age of 19 living in Travis County, with 72,531 under the age of 5—one of the primary populations targeted by the Creating Access for Resilient Families, or CARES, initiative.
TravCo exceeds state averages
Capital area State
Licensed in home providers cost Licensed child care centers cost
$60
$50
$40
$30
$20
/
0
SOURCE: TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION/UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
The why
The rocky state of child care is nothing new, said Cathy McHorse, an early childhood consultant and advocate with the Affordable Child Care Now coalition. The problem is multifaceted, she said, describ- ing a systemic breakdown since even before the COVID-19 pandemic. A lack of state investment is one reason for the long wait lists for child care financial assistance in Travis County, said Cody Summerville, chief executive officer of advocacy group Texas Associa- tion for the Education of Young Children. “One of the drivers of the waitlist, not just in Travis County but across the state, is that the state of Texas currently only invests what is the minimum requirement by the federal government into child care,” Summerville said. Federal relief dollars initially helped stave off the economic hits for child care providers, Sum- merville said; however, pandemic funding expired at the end of 2023. Today, state subsidy funding often does not cover the full cost of tuition, leaving providers or families responsible for the remaining balance. Just under half of providers, or 45.5%, offer subsidy enrollment in the capital area, according to TWC 2023 data.
Child care deserts A child care desert is a ZIP code where the number of children younger than 6 with working parents is at least three times greater than the capacity of licensed child care providers in that area.
620
290
71
MOPAC
183
360
130
290
Child care desert
71
35
SOURCE: TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
to operate at full capacity, which leads to lower enrollment and lower revenue for a business that has many fixed costs, like rent and power. Operating a reduced capacity also leads to increased waiting lists for families looking for open spots. In Travis County, there are 14 ZIP codes that do not have enough child care providers or capacity to service the children living there, something known as a child care desert. “The challenges of affordability are also making it difficult to recruit staff,” McHorse said.
Another significant barrier to affordable child care stems from staffing issues, Summerville explained. Child care is a “labor heavy” industry, where operators spend between 60%-80% of oper- ating costs on their workforce, he said. “The average wage of a child care teacher in the state of Texas is about $12 an hour,” Summerville said. “As you can imagine, $12 an hour just is not very competitive in today’s job market, and so it is tricky to retain your workforce with those low wages, and it’s also hard to replace your workforce as turnover occurs.” Without a full staff, child care centers are unable
24
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY HALEY MCLEOD
How it would work
Program Slots created Annual cost
Description
Ages served
Increase accessibility and availability of full day, year-round care for income-eligible infant and toddler families Increase accessibility and availability for afterschool and summer care Increase availability and accessibility to care during early mornings, evenings, overnight and weekends Cover funding gaps in the cost of tuition for a child and the amount paid by state and federal funding towards subsidy slots Incentivize businesses and employers to contribute to the child care cost of their employees by matching county funding to employer contributions
Expand early child care
Infants and toddlers
1,878
$34.8M
If voters approve the funding, county officials’ plans emphasize increasing financial-assisted spots, followed by expanding after-school and summer programs. “This is one of those situations where we really are building a plane as we’re flying it,” Korey Darling, planning manager at Travis County Health and Human Services, told commissioners June 25. Darling said there is still a lot of work needed for programs to be implemented by their projected timeline, starting as early as summer 2025 in a phased roll-out.
Expand afterschool and summer care slots Expand nontraditional hours Fill subsidy spot funding gaps Offer co-subsidized slots, employer incentives
Pre-K through 12th grades
3,897
$11.4M
1,407
$6.4M
All ages
Infants and toddlers
1,476
$6.7M
Infants and toddlers
1,143
$4.9M
NOTE: THE REMAINING $12.48M FUNDING WILL BE USED FOR STAFF TRAINING AND EDUCATION, AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Put in perspective
The outlook
The impacts of unaffordable child care reaches across both low and high income levels, Austin parent Geno Gargas said. “I personally wouldn’t support this tax increase… My wife and I have already made a large sacrifice,” Gargas said. “The choice after our first son was born, based on her income level, was we either pay for daycare or she stops working. The cost was pretty much the same.” A supporter of the tax rate increase, local North Austin parent Erin Gurak said this is an issue that impacts everyone. “I think it’s a really important issue that is not always talked about,” Gurak said, “[Child care has become] a choice that I think sometimes families might feel boxed into making… Do we work and try to supplement and pay for multiple children in child care, or exit the workforce?”
Gurak said this election affects everyone, even those without children.
Travis County tax rate breakdown
“It’s a workforce issue, an economic development issue, a supporting your community issue,” Gurak said. “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Texas’s economy loses about $9.4 billion annually due to breakdowns in child care, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. However, Gargas said local tax increases add up. Travis County's base tax rate increase plus the child care tax, if approved by voters, would cost the average's homeowner $288 more per year. Election Day is Nov. 5.
Proposed tax rate increase (per $100 of property value)
$0.025
Projected property tax revenue
$76.75M
Estimated annual impact to average Travis County homeowner
$122.39
Estimated monthly impact to average homeowner
$10.20
SOURCE: TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
25
SOUTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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