Local food banks struggle to meet growing demand amid supply chain issues, ination
PROPOSITION A Eyeing a bond Lamar CISD is proposing a 2022 bond package with a $1 billion capacity to handle the district’s unprecedented growth. If passed by the board on Aug. 22, it will go to vote in November.
BY LAURA ROBB, ANDY YANEZ & HANNAH ZEDAKER
More than two years after the coronavirus pandemic rst hit the Greater Houston area in March 2020, food banks are still struggling to meet the growing demand for their services as volunteers are slow to return and donations become scarce. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse
• Career and technical education center • Portable buildings • Safety upgrades • Buses • Technology infrastructure
elementary schools • 500 added seats in gyms and cafeterias at all high schools • One middle school PROPOSITION B • Upgrades to Traylor Stadium • Land, design and
In 2020, Fort Bend County had about 80,400 people who were considered food insecure, while Harris County had 1.04 million, per the National Food Security Survey. Local food bank ocials said the pandemic has further exacerbated the issue. Food insecurity is dened as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
One ongoing 2020 bond project is installing tennis courts at Lamar Consolidated High School. Similarly, additional athletics projects will be in the 2022 bond package.
SOURCES: LAMAR CISD, GREG BUCHANANCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Lamar CISD moves toward November bond BY ASIA ARMOUR
after press time. If passed, the bond will fund four elemen- tary schools and a middle school, additions to all ve high schools, a career and techni- cal education center, renovations to Traylor
Two years after passing a bond in 2020, Lamar CISD is preparing a $956.29 million bond for the Nov. 8 ballot to keep pace with enrollment. Made of three propositions, the package will go to a board vote on Aug. 22,
SOURCE: FEEDING AMERICACOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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Your dream of owning a new home in Katy is about to be realized as Sunterra builders have dozens of homes available now or ready soon. A brand new home, Katy ISD schools and an exciting planned amenity package that includes a crystal clear lagoon—that’s a triple win, and it’s waiting for you now at Sunterra. Tour New Models by HOUSTON’S BEST BUILDERS
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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. Now in 2022, CI is still locally owned. We have expanded to include hundreds of employees, our own software platform and printing facility, and over 30 hyperlocal editions across the state with a circulation to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes.
FROM AMY: In our annual Education Edition, we’ve gathered a slew of data on Katy ISD as a district. We’ve also curated a campus-by-campus breakdown of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness results from elementary and secondary schools. Plus, we have details on the rapid growth taking place in Lamar CISD. Amy Martinez, GENERAL MANAGER
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FROM LAURA: For our front-page story this month, I spoke to local experts on food insecurity in the Katy area. I have collected some resources for individuals in need as well as opportunities for our readers to help. We also spoke to the owner of a French restaurant in Fulshear. Laura Robb, EDITOR
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COURTESY HIBISCUS HEALTH AND WELLNESS
and vision tests. It also has on-site labs and X-rays. The urgent care takes a variety of health insurance, includ- ing Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna Healthcare. 346-387-6627. www.bellvilleurgentcare.com 5 Freebirds World Burrito held a grand opening Aug. 16 at 9910 Gaston Road, Ste. 100, Katy. The restaurant oers cus- tomizable burritos, burrito bowls, nachos and quesadillas. Freebirds World Burrito has vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. 512-291-7411. www.freebirds.com 6 Natural Wonder Nails & Spa opened in mid-July at 6631 W. Crossbend Lane, Ste. 400, Fulshear. The nail salon and day spa oers manicures, pedicures, facials and spa packages. Natural Wonder Nails & Spa uses organic products. 346-707-8387. www.naturalwondernailspa.com 7 Lumin Lash , an eyelash exten- sion boutique with shops in Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, Houston and Needville, opened a new shop in the Katy/Fulshear area July 25 at 6630 FM 1463, Ste. 700, Fulshear. Aside from varying lengths and styles of eye- lash extensions, Lumin Lash also oers permanent makeup, microblading, and eyelash or eyebrow lifting and tinting services. The boutique is accepting appointments. 346-707-8607. www.luminlash.com 8 My Envy Nail Salon held a ribbon- cutting July 18 to celebrate its grand opening in Katy, oering manicures and pedicures with add-ons that include paran wax treatments, hot stones and neck massages. Other services My Envy oers include waxing, haircuts, hair coloring, facials and full-body mas-
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NOW OPEN 1 Blue Bird Live Music Restaurant & Bar opened July 30 at 1645 Winding Hollow Drive, Ste. 208, Katy. Blue Bird oers American food and specialty cocktails along with live music. This establish- ment does not yet have a website. 346-251-5090 2 Copenhagen European Kitchen & Bakery opened July 5 at 981 S. Mason Road, Ste. A, Katy. The restaurant serves
North European food, including sour- dough and rye breads, danishes and cakes. The space also features new art each month and regularly hosts art discus- sions, poetry readings and live music. 281-206-7155. www.copenhagenkaty.com 3 Hibiscus Health and Wellness , a primary care clinic in Katy, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its grand opening Aug. 4. The practice is located at 26622 Cook Field Road, Ste. 300, Katy, and is led by Dr. Jacinta Anyaoku,
who takes a collaborative approach to patient care and has clinical interests in women’s health; dermatologic procedures, especially concerning skin of color; and preventive care. 281-394-4959. www.hibiscus.health 4 Bellville Urgent Care opened July 18 at 3211 W. Grand Parkway N., Ste. 900, Katy. It oers services ranging from treatments for infections, sprains and work-related injuries to hearing
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER STAFF
The downtown plaza improvements will cost the city of Katy approximately $2.7 million.
ASIA ARMOURCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
FEATURED IMPACT RENOVATION At a July 26 Katy City Council meeting, the city released new site renderings for the continued construction and design of the city’s historic downtown plaza. This project initially broke ground in January 2019 with the creation of the Civic and Visitors Center and green space. At the meeting, council members approved an agreement with LJA Engineering, paying the rm $378,100 for professional design services of phase 4 improvements to the downtown area. Ocials intend for the plaza to become a staple in the community, they said. The funds come from the city’s general reserve fund. In the three years since its initial groundbreaking, progress was halted by construction costs, Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal also included a breakdown of the phase 4 improvements, which included a water tower and portable stage area with an electrical control 15 Ellie Mental Health will open a new location at 26077 Nelson Way Drive, Ste. 901, Katy, on Sept. 1. Ellie Mental Health, which oers community-based services, aims to match clients with a therapist who works for them and is already accepting clients. 281-528-1307. www.elliementalhealth.com 16 Not Your Average Fry , an eatery that takes typical side items and loads them with toppings, will be dropping into Katy in August or September at 2501 Fry Road,
COURTESY NOT YOUR AVERAGE FRY
sages. My Envy Nail Salon is located at 4011 FM 1463, Ste. C, Katy. 832-437-9717. www.myenvynailsalonkaty.com 9 Grand Prix Dental & Orthodontics opened June 9 in Katy at 3050 N. Fry Road, Ste. B. The dental practice—which has a lobby featuring theater-style seating in front of a projector, video games, a go-kart on display and a mini- race track—oers services to patients as young as 6 months old. Dental patients can listen to music and watch movies during treatments, which include pediatric and adult dental care, teeth whitening, crowns and llings, cleaning, root canals, braces and extractions. Grand Prix Dental & Orthodontics accepts Medicaid, CHIP and most insurances. 281-801-8000. www.grandprixdental.com 10 San Tierra , a new apartment community in Katy that is marketed as upscale and luxurious, opened its doors at 1616 Partnership Way, Katy, in July, according to a July 11 news release. Managed by Sueba USA Cos., San Tierra oers 303 apartment homes with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. 713-575-1350. www.suebausa.com/property/san-tierra COMING SOON 11 Midway Bar-B-Que will reopen at 6025 Highway Blvd., Katy, on Sept. 1 after a re forced it to close in February 2021. The restaurant has been serving custom- ers at 6191 Hwy. Blvd., Ste. 302A, Katy, but will close that location Aug. 25 to give sta time to reopen the original location. Renovations include a third smoker in the new smoke room, an expanded service kitchen, a bakery kitchen, a larger dessert
case, improvements to the semiprivate dining room and a redesign of the private banquet room. Midway Bar-B-Que serves dierent kinds of barbecue, including pork, sausage, chicken and turkey. During the week the restaurant is closed, it will serve barbecue at Midway Meat Market at 5901 Hwy. Blvd., Katy. 281-391-2830. www.midwaybbqkatytx.com 12 PJ’s Coee of New Orleans will open a new location in Katy at 2533 W. Grand Parkway N., Katy, in the fall. The coee shop’s iced coees are brewed using a cold-drip process. PJ’s Coee oers espressos, blended coee and tea. PJ’s Coee also oers breakfast sandwiches, pastries and beignets. 985-792-5776. www.pjscoee.com 13 Kid to Kid is coming soon at the end of August across from Typhoon Texas at 610 Katy Fort Bend Road, Ste. 200, Katy, according to store ocials. Kid to Kid is a one-stop shop for buying and selling children’s clothing, shoes, toys, baby equipment and maternity gear. The store pays cash up front or 20% more in-store credit for gently used and cleaned items. The store is working to have a grand opening in December. 801-359-0071. www.kidtokid.com 14 AGR Sports will open in the rst week of September at the old Glowzone at 830 S. Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy. The adventure park oers indoor paintball, laser tag, axe throwing and more with dif- ferent game modes to choose from, such as capture the ag, the Wild Wild West and Protect the President. The Katy location will not allow outside food or drinks like the Houston location does. Instead, the new location will have a full restaurant and bar. 281-657-9220. www.agrsports.com
room, a sculpture area, a civic center pavilion and promenade, a space dubbed Harvest Plaza with a fountain area and seat wall, site civil infrastructure modications, and electrical improvements and modications. LJA Vice President Chris LeBlanc, who presented the site map to council, highlighted shade structures that would allow for all-weather coverage. LJA Engineering estimated construction costs for the phase 4 improvements total to approximately $2.7 million. 281-391-4800. www.cityoaty.com
1STST. Katy. The restaurant’s menu features op- tions such as Every Breath You Take, a box of fries dressed with crispy chicken, coated in honey hot sauce and dusted with garlic Parmesan seasoning. A sweeter option at Not Your Average Fry is Strawberry Fields, which has sweet potato fries adorned with strawberries, powdered sugar, strawberry drizzle and whipped cream. Customers can also create their fry own box with toppings like beef Philly cheesesteak and pico de gallo. www.notyouraveragefry.com 90
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©2017 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens ® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.
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at around 7:40 p.m. 7-9:30 p.m. Free. Veterans of Foreign Wars Park, 6202 George Bush Drive, Katy. 281-391-4840. www.cityoaty.com 12 GOLF FOR A CAUSE Guests can join Joe Joe Bear for the annual Golf Classic to support the purchase of new teddy bears for children with life-threatening illnesses in the Greater Houston area. Joe Joe Bear is a Texas-based children’s nonprot organization that aims to provide comfort for children who are facing life-threatening illnesses by giving them teddy bears for emotional support. Noon. $650 (per team). The Club at Falcon Point, 24503 Falcon Point Drive, Katy. 281-398-4522. www.joejoebear.org/events/2022-joe-joe- bear-golf-tournament 17 BRING A DOG Enjoy a day of dog-friendly fun at Paws Fest 2022, presented by Circle B Vet Hospital. Activities include dock jumping for dogs, live music, a dog-friendly drinking area, local canine vendors and a dog costume parade. 11 a.m.-4p.m. Free (admission). Alamo Drafthouse parking lot, 2707 Commercial Center Blvd., Katy. 281-395-5533. www.lacenterra.com/ event/Paws-Fest-Presented-by-Circle-B- Vet-Hospital/2145562082
START HOLIDAY SHOPPING GERALD D. YOUNG CENTER
at Retro Rewind, hosted by Katy Parks and Recreation. Food trucks will be available, and a live throwback band will perform at the event. 6-10 p.m. Free (admission). Historic Downtown Katy, 5718 Second St., Katy. 281-391-4840. www.cityoaty.com 09 WATCH ‘REMEMBER THE TITANS’ The Katy Parks and Recreation department will host an outdoor showing of the 2000 lm “Remember The Titans” as part of its Katy Summer Nights Movies in the Park series. Family-oriented activities will be available starting at 7 p.m. The lm will begin after sunset Get started on holiday shopping and decorating by browsing handcrafted items from local vendors at the Autumn Acres Gift Market hosted by the Home for the Holidays Gift Market. Proceeds go to local charities. Tickets are valid all weekend, and food trucks will be on site. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $5 (admission). Gerald D. Young Center & L.D. Robinson Pavilion, 5825 Katy Hockley Cut O Road, Katy. 281-788-4297. www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164 advocates for veterans. FEATURED EVENT SEPT. 3: EAT WITH A VETERAN Join Katy’s American Legion Auxiliary Unit 164 for an all-you-can-eat breakfast beneting veterans. Katy Elks Lodge, 1050 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy. 7-10 a.m. $9 (adults), $4 (kids). 281-615-5670. www.alaunit164katytx.org
SEPTEMBER 01 CELEBRATE GOING BACK TO SCHOOL
Join Harris County Precinct 4 sta for a Back-to-School Bash at the Maud Smith Marks Branch Library. Crafts, games, snacks and other activities for children will be provided. 4:30 p.m. Free. Maud Smith Marks Branch Library, 1815 Westgreen Blvd., Katy. 832-927-7860. www.hcpl.net/ events/64824 03 PARTY IN THE PAST Guests can dress for their favorite decade and celebrate the past
Find more or submit Katy area events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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Contact me for all your Real Estate needs! LINDA LEIBY 281-610-8644 23922 Cinco Village Center Blvd #123 Katy, TX 77494
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©2016 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens ® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.
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September 16-17th Friday 10:00-6:00 pm Saturday 10:00-6:00 pm Gerald D. Young Facility Robinson Pavilion 5825 Katy Hockley Cutoff Rd. Katy, TX 77493
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story YOUR BUSINESS HAS A
From Grand Parkway, exit FM 529 and travel west. Turn right at Elyson Blvd. and follow signs to Model Home Village.
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Homes at Elyson ® are built and sold by home builders (“Builders”) unaffiliated with NASH FM 529, LLC (“Owner”), Newland Real Estate Group LLC (“Newland”) or their related entities. Buyers should review the purchase agreement, public offering statement., and other offering materials provided by the seller prior to signing any contract to purchase a home. Details on the prospective development are provided for informational purposes only and there is no guarantee that the final development will match the developer’s vision. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. Copyright © 2022 NASH FM 529, LLC (“Owner”). All Rights Reserved. No reproductions, distribution, or unauthorized transmission of any portion is permitted without written permission of Fee Owner. (8/22)
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES Fulshear transit study results to guide next steps in city’s mobility
Transit study fast facts Short- and long-range projects were introduced in the Fulshear Transit Feasibility Study.
The city of Fulshear and Fort Bend County Public Transit have been collaborating on the Fulshear Transit Feasibility Study since August 2019. Now, they are looking to solidify timelines, secure funding, and identify costs for upcoming short- and long-range projects to increase mobility. Those projects include local and regional commuter bus networks, new park and ride centers and vanpool services. Though ocials said progress was halted due to the pandemic, a nal report completed in February 2021 outlined goals for the future of Fulshear’s transportation system— but now those plans are in ux due to the pandemic’s inuence on mobility since the study was conducted. Fulshear Economic Development Director Herman Rodriguez said the study aims to engage taxpayers, aid in funding opportunities, allow for
budget planning to identify timelines for implementation and to identify stakeholders for their roles in com- munication and planning. One of the two short-range projects that had to be in place before planning long-range projects can begin was the construction of the $55 million Texas Heritage Parkway, a 6.4-mile roadway with 10 round- abouts, which was completed in the spring, Rodriguez said. The other short-range project is a proposed Fort Bend Park & Ride from Cinco Ranch to various employment destinations in the area. “The [Fort Bend Park & Ride] proj- ect is still being evaluated and antici- pated for 2024,” Rodriguez said. “The study was conducted pre-COVID-19, and post-COVID-19 supply chain issues have created some delays, but we continue to monitor migration patterns for further implementation
5 concepts for regional commuter bus routes
destinations served on a Downtown Circulator local bus network 10+
Pin Oak Road improvements This street maintenance project involves spot repairs to concrete streets as well as the striping of lanes with new markings along an area of Pin Oak Road beginning at Hwy. 90, cross- ing Katy Freeway and extending to Katy Flewellen Road. A small portion of Kingsland Boulevard is also included. According to ARKK Engineers, con- struction is halfway completed. Timeline: June-September Cost: $354,887 Funding source: city of Katy
SOURCE: THE CITY OF FULSHEAR COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
and enhancements.” Costs for the park and ride and other long-range projects are still being determined as stakeholders consider the volume change of residents who work from home, Rodriguez said. The study cites federal and state monies with a local match for funding these projects; however, Fort Bend Public Transit will be responsi- ble for implementation.
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 8 NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT KTYNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
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News from Katy, Harris County & Fort Bend County
NUMBER TO KNOW miles of fiber infrastructure proposed to be installed in Fort Bend County 240 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS HARRIS COUNTY Six separate contracts totaling $37.7 million in service of the Harris County Toll Road Authority’s transition to all-electronic tollways, or AETs, were approved by Harris County commissioners during their Aug. 2 meeting. The changes will apply to multiple sections of the Sam Houston Tollway, where officials said the community should expect to see cash signage removed or modified in August and continue through the next couple of months. KATY The city of Katy created a Community Development Department and two new coinciding positions after City Council approved the items at the Aug. 8 meeting. The initiative was championed by Council Member Dan Smith in an effort to make the city more small-business-friendly, he said. The new department also aims to ease the permitting process for small businesses as well as acting as a liaison between staff and City Council. Katy City Council meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is Sept. 13 at 910 Ave. C, Katy. 281-391-4800. www.cityofkaty.com Harris County Commissioners Court usually meets Tuesday mornings twice a month. The next meeting is Sept. 14 at 1001 Preston Ave., Ste. 934, Houston. 713-755-5000. www.harriscountytx.gov Fort Bend County Commissioners Court meets at 1 p.m. the first, second and fourth Tuesdays each month. The next meeting is Sept. 7 at 401 Jackson St., Richmond. 281-342-3411. www.fortbendcountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER
Katy City Park to open new fitness court in January
FITNESS COURT FIGURES A $50,000 grant for the fitness court required the court be highly visible and accessible to the community.
KATY A 2022 Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas and National Fitness Campaign grant will provide $50,000 in funds for a new fitness court to be installed at Katy City Park, per a July 25 City Council meeting. At the meeting, officials authorized the use of $92,350 in 2021 bond funds to install the fitness court at the park, located at 5850 Franz Road. A fitness court, per the presentation delivered by Parks Director Kevin Browne, is an outdoor gym designed for adults of all ages and abilities. The fitness court will feature seven movement zones to provide a full-body workout in seven minutes. The zones include core, squat, pull, push, lunge, agility and bend. The equipment will include 118 elements for thousands of exercise variations, and the court will feature a digitally activated free app with workouts, challenges and training tools. The total cost estimate ranged from $117,350-$137,350 for construction and installation, per Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas. With the additions of a concrete slab foundation and artwork, this project could total up to $160,000.
movement zones to provide a full-body workout in seven minutes 7 for construction and installation $117K+
SOURCE: CITY OF KATY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
elements for thousands of exercise variations 118
Maintenance costs would remain relatively low, he said. The assembly of the fitness court will take place in December, Browne said, with the official debut of the gym coming in January.
Broadband study suggests $36.8M to connect residents
Harris County puts $1.2B bond on ballot
BALANCE A BOND Commissioners voted Aug. 18 to put a $1.2 billion bond on the ballot.
HARRIS COUNTY On Aug. 18, Harris County commissioners voted 3-2 to put a $1.2 billion bond on the November ballot, with Katy’s Jack Cagle in Precinct 4 and Tom Ramsey in Precinct 3 opposing. The bond allocates up to $100 million for public safety facili- ties; $900 million for roads, drainage and multimodal transportation; and $200 million for parks. Per the meeting, the court would adopt guidelines to use a “worst-first” approach to direct funds to areas of greatest need. Based on estimated 2022 tax values, the average home- owner would pay an additional $31 a year in property taxes, officials said.
Public safety facilities: $100M Parks: $200M Road drainage and multimodal transportation: $900M
FORT BEND COUNTY Engi- neering and surveying firm Cobb Fendley proposed 240 miles of fiber infrastructure to Fort Bend County commissioners for a high-level design route. At a July 26 Commis- sioners Court meeting, Cobb Fend- ley said a broadband study showed underserved areas overwhelming the west side of the county. Next steps include conducting early engineering of the broadband network’s high-level design and identifying funding opportunities.
• Each precinct would receive a minimum of $220 million. • $100 million would be reserved for public safety facilities regardless of location. • The $220 million remaining would be distributed based on need. Under a “worst-first” approach:
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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Data and information from local school districts
SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, KATY ISD, LAMAR CISD COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Katy ISD enrollment continues to increase, year over year. As enrollment increases, so do starting teacher salaries and the district’s total number of teachers. Enrollment is projected to grow 13.85% between 2019 and 2023.
Lamar CISD average teacher salaries continue to outpace Katy ISD’s average year over year. Enrollment increases in the district mirror the rising salaries with a 25.3% increase between 2018-19 and 2022-23. Still, LCISD’s enrollment is projected to be less than half of KISD’s in the 2022-23 school year.
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A closer look at campus-level standardized test scores and other data COMPARING CAMPUS SCORES COMPILED BY ASIA ARMOUR Aside from Jordan High School, which saw a 72% increase, Katy ISD campuses remained in a moderate range for enrollment decreases and increases in the 202122 school year compared to 202021 at all levels. The following tables show information about the 202122 student population, including the percentage that are economically disadvantaged, feeder school patterns and STAAR scores for each of those schools. KATY ISD
202122 STAAR PASSING RESULTS BY GRADE
MIDDLE SCHOOLS State average District average
202122 STAAR PASSING RESULTS BY GRADE
5,427,370 1% 77% 70% 77% 69% 80% 76% 66% 60% N/A 88,368 5% 87% 82% 86% 80% 90% 86% 82% 40% N/A 1,000 9% 93% 92% 90% 87% 97% 94% 96% 19% 46 666 -5% 73% 58% 73% 52% 77% 53% 59% 82% 47 1,156 31% 86% 74% 84% 81% 88% 78% 73% 45% 57 1,330 25% 89% 86% 80% 74% 87% 83% 83% 21% 49, 50, 60 1,486 10% 93%86%96%85% 93%94%92% 17% 44 606 -1% 82% 70% 73% 65% 73% 73% 62% 61% 59 845 -2% 94% 89% 83% 77% 94% 93% 88% 37% 45 1,069 -4% 94% 90% 92% 90% 95% 97% 64% 15% 58 970 2% 89% 88% 87% 87% 92% 93% 88% 37% 45, 53 910 -2% 95% 91% 89% 80% 95% 93% 88% 36% 45, 48 938 2% 76% 67% 79% 72% 74% 69% 66% 78% 52, 55 868 2% 76% 64% 86% 71% 80% 82% 74% 71% 52 766 5% 94% 96% 97% 94% 99% 98% 95% 15% 46, 48 608 8% 89% 81% 86% 80% 82% 90% 85% 39% 53, 54 833 -5% 87% 88% 92% 93% 90% 90% 86% 26% 46 808 1% 78% 63% 79% 67% 80% 73% 57% 70% 49, 50 1,315 -9% 94% 93% 94% 94% 93% 96% 91% 15% 44, 58 660 4% 89% 77% 86% 82% 94% 95% 70% 22% 49, 50, 60 1,044 -4% 96% 95% 94% 96% 96% 97% 96% 16% 46, 48 867 -0.1% 77% 70% 78% 72% 85% 73% 57% 63% 49, 50 1,177 32% 80% 70% 83% 73% 90% 82% 76% 64% 49, 57
202122 STAAR PASSING RESULTS BY GRADE
10 Fielder 11 Franz 12 Golbow 13 Gri n 14 Hayes 15 Holland 16 Hutsell 17 Jenks
HIGH SCHOOLS State average District average 61 Cinco Ranch
28 Pattison 29 Randolph 30 Rhoads 31 Rylander 32 Schmalz 33 Shafer 34 Stanley 35 Stephens 36 Sundown
FROM THE DISTRICT WHAT IS A VOTER APPROVAL TAX RATE ELECTION?
A school district’s property tax rate is made up of a maintenance and operations tax rate and an interest and sinking tax rate. Should a district look to increase its recurring revenue through raising the maintenance and operations rate above the maximum amount allowed by state statute, the district is required to call a voter-approval tax ratication election. WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR KATY ISD TO FILE FOR A VATRE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT? The board of trustees has until Aug. 22, after press time, to call for a Nov. 8 Tax Rate Election. WHAT CAN VATRE FUNDS GO TOWARD? According to the district, VATRE revenues generated would go toward payroll—as well as funding new positions to keep up with district growth.
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uh.edu/katy 22400 Grand Circle Blvd. Katy, TX 77449
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HOW A LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD
MEET THE BOARD Each of the seven school board members in Katy ISD is elected to three-year terms. Texas law does not dictate term limits for local school board members. The board’s meeting schedule can be found online at www.katyisd.org. SOURCES: KATY ISD, TEXAS ELECTION CODE COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER Katy ISD Greg Schulte Position 5 Elected in 2020 gregschulte@ katyisd.org Victor Perez Position 1 Elected in 2022 info@victorperez forkatyisd.com
II. ADOPT POLICIES AND REVIEW FOR EFFECTIVENESS
Trustees adopt local policies that guide district operations, such as citizen participation at public meetings and the board’s evaluation of the superintendent. State and federal law also regulate policies, such as campaign ethics and when closed meetings can take place.
III. HIRE AND EVALUATE THE SUPERINTENDENT
Public school board members in Texas are unpaid volunteers elected to their positions by voters living in the communities they serve. School boards provide local governance of their school districts and can only take action by a majority vote at public meetings. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES School boards oversee management, policymaking, planning and evaluation while the superintendent implements these matters and manages the district’s day-to-day operations, according to the Texas Association of School Boards.
School boards are responsible for hiring and evaluating the superintendent, who manages the district’s day-to-day operations and advises the board on governance decisions. The superintendent also ensures the board’s policies are implemented appropriately.
Rebecca Fox Position 6 Elected in 2021 rebeccafox4katy@ gmail.com Dawn Champagne Position 7 Elected in 2021 friendsofdawncha mpagne@gmail.com
Lance Redmon Position 2 Elected in 2022 lanceredmon@ katyisd.org Ashley Vann Position 3 Elected in 2020 ashleyvann@ katyisd.org Leah Wilson Position 4 Elected in 2020 leahwilson@ katyisd.org
IV. ADOPT A BUDGET AND SET A TAX RATE
The board adopts the district’s budget and tax rate each year. Trustees ensure the administration’s budget proposal aligns with their goals and priorities, amend the budget throughout the year as needed and approve an annual nancial report by an independent auditor.
SOURCE: TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
I. ADOPT GOALS AND MONITOR SUCCESS
V. COMMUNICATE WITH THE COMMUNITY
One of the functions of a local school board is to develop goals and priorities for the district. Administration regularly presents reports on district
According to the TASB, school boards serve as the link between the district and the community. Trustees inform residents, students, sta, parents and the media about district plans, actions and accomplishments.
operations and progress toward those goals. State data can also help trustees compare performance to other districts.
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