Richardson ISD officials proposed district-wide raises based on role and experience for 2026-27 at the May 7 board of trustees meeting.

Breaking it down: The board came to a consensus on a proposed raise that would cost the district roughly $8.3 million. The board is set to officially approve the new 2026-27 budget and the proposed raise in June.

The proposed pay raise includes a percentage raise for central and campus professionals and paraprofessional and auxiliary staff, as well as a flat increase for “teacher-types,” who are teachers, librarians, counselors and nurses.

Quote of note: “We know that we have to continue to make significant reductions in our expenditure lines,” Superintendent Tabitha Branum said. “We also know that we want to continue to build on the momentum that this board has made to address compensation, to address lowering our turnover rate.”

Big Shucks Oyster Bar in Richardson reopened following a remodel, according to owners Eric and Nick Peterson.

What happened: The remodeled space includes a “newer, lighter” interior with new tables, signage and more Eric Peterson said. The outdoor patio has also been refreshed.

Nick Peterson said the remodel remains true to the restaurant’s “coastal seafood dive bar” roots, which started with Aw Shucks in Dallas in 1983.

“You could try to go fancier or do changes, but we really like what's worked originally for us,” Eric Peterson added. “We just want to make sure that it’s as comfortable and inviting as possible, just like a seafood shack on the side of the ocean.”

Local elections on May 2 included several mayoral races, while Trader Joe’s opened its second location in McKinney. Catch up on six trending stories from Community Impact’s Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

1. Hill, Vilhauer head to June runoff election for Frisco mayor

2. Trader Joe’s debuts 2nd McKinney store

3. Chris Schulmeister wins Allen mayoral race, unofficial final results show

4. Cafe Brazil to bring 24-hour coffeehouse, eatery to McKinney

5. Developers seek zoning for affordable senior living project in north McKinney

6. City of Plano completes purchase process for 3 Plano ISD campuses

Following pressure from summer camp operators, lawmakers and legislative leaders, Texas is suspending a requirement that all camps install “end-to-end” fiber-optic internet infrastructure before opening this summer.

The background: After catastrophic flooding in Central Texas killed more than 130 people—including 28 deaths at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp—last July, state lawmakers passed a pair of laws designed to strengthen safety and emergency preparedness requirements for all Texas summer camps. One provision of the laws requires that camps install two types of broadband internet, including a fiber-optic system.

Nineteen camp operators sued the state over the fiber-optic rule in April, citing million-dollar installation fees and limited access to fiber-optic services in rural parts of Texas.

What's happening: The Department of State Health Services, which licenses youth camps, said it reached an agreement with the camp operators May 7. Under the agreement, Texas camps that maintain “redundant” broadband internet services—such as cellular, microwave or satellite technology—will not have their license revoked or denied as long as they meet all other safety requirements.